Accept our invitation for a two-day break in a territory of diverse landscape and mild climate, where nature can be felt and listened to, at the gates of Lisbon and with easy road access. From the Tagus River to the Atlantic Ocean, enjoy moments of culture, leisure and adventure following the trails that draw the Lines of Torres Vedras, inspired by the past and in harmony with the heritage, history and the territory that supported Portugal in the consolidation of the nation.
Back home, you’ll feel it was well worth it!
Among the hills and valleys of the região saloia, Aldeia da Mata Pequena is a small rural village where one still lives in communion with nature and breathes tranquillity and authenticity. Simple, rustic and very welcoming, the village houses, rigorously restored, benefited from an intense research work that guarantees their local identity, and, above all, from the persistence of Ana and Diogo, who care for them as only people in love with what they do are able to.
Aldeia da Mata Pequena is part of the so-called Special Protection Zone of Penedo do Lexim, place of an extinct volcano that hosts an important archaeological station.
O Barrete Saloio welcomes its guests in a rustic atmosphere, decorated with wood and iron tools and pottery from times gone by. A cozy fireplace enriches the atmosphere, and the service is equally warm. O Barrete Saloio began as a pension with a tavern and grocery store; Now a restaurant with established credits, it maintains the typicality and quality in the preparation of the dishes it presents. Enjoy your stay and a dining experience with the tasting of Farinheira Assada à General, Arroz de Costeleta com Grelos na Rota Histórica das Linhas de Torres and the Arrepiado de Amêndoa à Duque, all accompanied by a splendid Arinto Bucelas Prova Régia.
Entering the southern Lezíria of Vila Franca de Xira, located a mere 30 minutes from Lisbon, the visitor is surprised by its immense natural, agricultural and cultural wealth. At Evoa, in its visiting and birdwatching space, you can enjoy five kilometres of trails through the reserve’s lagoons; four observatories and several observation points; daily guided birdwatching tours with telescopes, binoculars and guides; and also guided visits to the permanent exhibition. For this short break we suggest an electric car ride, which takes place at the time closest to the empty tide, so that, in Ponta da Erva, birds can be seen feeding in the wet soil, something only possible at this time of day.
As a starting point to a tour of the Lines of Torres Vedras, a visit to one of the six Interpretation Centres of the Lines of Torres Vedras is recommended is recommended. Since the awakening will be in Mafra, we suggest a visit to the local Interpretation Centre, located in the village centre, at a stone’s throw from the Mafra Palace. There you’ll have access to informative materials that will be useful for your visit and help you get acquainted with the historic path you’re about to range.
The Zambujal Fort, one of the most elaborate constructions on the 2nd Line, defended the Fonte Boa da Brincosa pass, the Senhora do Porto (or Senhora do Ó) valley and the Carvoeira road. The connection to the battery zone is made through a tunnel excavated in the rock, which the visitor can cross to enjoy the surrounding area. This structure is unique in the whole of the Lines of Torres Vedras, as is the stone-lined access through which the battery can be reached, directed to the control and defence points of the Zambujal Fort and where the two artillery pieces attributed to it were placed.
Housed in a building whose history is closely related to the local wine tradition, the museum has two distinct exhibition spaces: a permanent exhibition area, where the visitor gets to know the main stages of vineyard work and the traditional means of wine production; and a mezzanine, reserved for temporary exhibitions, whose content always circles around the theme of wine. The museum also has a gift shop, a documentation centre especially dedicated to the wine theme, as well as an interpretation centre linked to the history of the Peninsular Wars. Frequently, workshops take place at the museum. You can decide to start or end your visit by making a toast to the Arinto Capital with one of the DOC wines available at the Museum Shop.
Mafra Palace | 1st Sunday of every month, from April do December, at 4 pm.
