Introduction to Leiria, Portugal

With regular bus services to the three big sites of northern Estremadura – Alcobaça, Batalha and Fátima – LEIRIA makes a handy centre for excursions. The chief sight here is the Castle (daily 9/10am–5.30/6.30pm; €2), incorporating an elegant royal palace with a magnificent balcony high above the River Lis. At the heart of the old town, Praça Rodrigues Lobo is surrounded by beautiful buildings and arcades. The tourist office (daily: summer 10am–1pm & 3–7pm; winter 2–6pm; tel 244 814 748) and bus station are on opposite sides of a park overlooking the river in the modern city centre. The train station is about 4km out of town, with a connecting bus service. For accommodation, check the pensions, such as Pensão Dom Dinis, Trav. de Tomar 2 (tel 244 815 342; £20–30/$32–48 [€29–44]), and the restaurants (some offering rooms) around Praça Rodrigues Lobo and on narrow side streets like Rua Mestre Aviz and Rua Miguel Bombarda. There's also a fancy hostel with a good atmosphere at Largo Cândido dos Reis 9 (tel 244 831 868; £10–20/$16–32 [€15–29]). As for restaurants, try the seafood at Jardim, by the tourist office (closed Mon), or slightly more expensive Portuguese cuisine at Montecarlo, Rua Dr Correia Mateus 32–34.

Information by Rough Guides

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