Table of Contents
As an traveller and a tour guide, I know how important local knowledge can be, so I’ve put together a small guide to Tomar and local area. These are the places I am happy to show you on my local Tomar tour.
Tomar is a 2 hour train journey from Lisbon.
Tomar is 1:20 hour drive from Lisbon
Tomar interactive map
Things to do in Tomar
- The matchbox museum. This hidden gem of a museum, reached via the lovely courtyard of the Convento de São Francisco, contains Europe’s largest collection of matchboxes. Amassed by local ‘phillumenist’ Aquiles da Mota Lima, the 43,000-plus matchboxes from 127 countries around the world depict everything from bullfighters to bathing beauties, dinosaurs and French cuisine. Opposite the museum is a small Pottery and Tile Workshop where you can buy from local producers. FREE
- Lagares d’El Rei, Tomar (museums) One of the city’s landmarks and located right at its entrance, along the Nabão River, the Levada de Tomar is an old mill area, made up of the Moinhos e Lagares d’El Rei (Mills and Olive Oil Press), built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Templar Knights. The 1st charter of the village refers to the existence of mills and press wines, in the 12th century. FREE
- Convent of Christ: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive convent showcases a blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture, originally founded by the Knights Templar. €15 as of Jan 2025
Tiqit Online tickets
- Templar Castle: This well-preserved castle offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is rich in history, serving as a fortress for the Knights Templar. FREE
- Charola: The round church at the heart of the Convent of Christ, known for its unique octagonal shape and stunning stained glass, is a remarkable example of Templar architecture.
- Aqueduct of Pegões: An engineering marvel from the 16th century, this aqueduct stretches over 6 kilometres and features beautiful arches, providing a scenic backdrop for walks. FREE
- Igreja de São João Baptista: A stunning church that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, featuring intricate altarpieces and impressive tile work. FREE
- Praça da República: The main square of Tomar, lined with cafes and shops, is a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. FREE
- Museu dos Fósforos: A unique museum dedicated to matchsticks, showcasing an eclectic collection of art and objects made entirely from this simple material. FREE
- Valley of the Templars: A beautiful natural area around Tomar, ideal for hiking and enjoying the serene landscapes, dotted with historical landmarks. FREE
- Church of Santa Maria do Olival: The Templar Knight’s church. A significant church that served as a burial place for the Knights Templar. Lots of Templar secrets to solve here. FREE
- Castelo de Almourol: Located on an island in the Tagus River, this picturesque castle can be reached by boat and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history. PAID
These sites reflect Tomar’s rich history and cultural heritage, making it a charming destination to explore.
Things around Tomar.
Golegã and the house of Carlos Relvas
Aquaduct de Pegoes here
Batalha 40 minute drive. And well worth a visit.
Óbidos great castle and medieval town 1hr drive.
Coimbra 1hr drive.
- Fátima 35 mins Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site.
- Lisbon is 2hr train (€22 return) or 1 hr drive.
Food & Drink
Restaurante Jardim Portuguese with a lovely garden in the back.
Yukul – Pizza
Manjar Dos Templarios – Spit roast pork medi
Curry Indian House and Star Curries are both great.
Enigma – Amazing burgers
Taverna d’Talha – At the bottom of the hill to the castle. Great snacks and drinks.
Landeira, Tasquina da Mitas or Beira Rio – More upmarket
Arco pub – Prego rolls
Clandestino – My favourite for Portuguese food.
Canoa – wine and tapas
The fish is always a good choice in Portugal, but bear in mind it’ll probably have a head on it.
Bacalhau – Is cod, it can be found everywhere and they make everything with it.
Portugal Travel Tips
Money: The best and cheapest way to spend in Portugal and the EU is with Revolut. I offers the best exchange rates in the world! You can load it up and use it on both Apple or Android phones. I have it in my Google wallet and use it daily. Get it here
Travel Get €10 off your first purchase on Omio train/bus/travel App Get it Here Tickets can be stored on your app to show the conductor. (English)
Flights: Here’s How To Guarantee You Get The Cheapest Flight Available, EVERY Time. Here
Travel in Portugal
- Car hire isn’t expensive but you’ll need a credit car. I use this site called Local Rent
I’ve also used trip.com where you can book loads of things like transport, hotels and much more. It’s always good to have options in your pocket (mobile phone)<
Before you go travelling
There are lots of books, gadgets and whatnot I’d recommend for you to bring with you as you travel.
- Get Audible for Free HERE and always have a good book to listen to.
- Get a Portugal travel Guide HERE
- Rick Steves Portugal (Travel Guide) Paperback
- Rick Steves Best of Europe
- Lonely Planet Europe
- Travel plugs for phones, cameras your laptop.
- How about a European SIM card for your phone? Preloaded Orange Travel Sim Card Now with 12GB of 4G Data, Unlimited Calls & SMS in Europe, 30 mins & 200 SMS from Europe to Worldwide (Lasts for 14 Days). HERE
- Travel and Airplane Pillow – Real Sleeping Experience on Long Flights – Neck and Shoulder Support – Super-Soft, Lightweight, Easy-to-Carry, and Machine-Washable Flight Pillow.
- All your travel essentials HERE
- Templars: History and Myth
- For the Love of Europe: My Favorite Places, People, and Stories. from Audible
- Watch Rick Steves on video HERE
- 30 days FREE Amazon Kindle and download all the books you need for your trip. HERE
Money and Mobiles
As I’ve told you again and again I have travelled through Europe for years in my R.V (we don’t call them R.V’s but I like thinking my camper is one). We work online so need good data for everything from watching tv to making and streaming live videos. Here I will share what I have learnt.
- Portugal Vodafone offer a ‘PAY AS YOU GO‘ sim. Just walk into a shop and ask for one, I pay €32 a month for unlimited data. We sometimes put this sim in an old mobile phone and use it as a mobile hotspot. You can also put a local sim into one of these.
- Phoning home. Download WhatsApp and use WiFi in bars and hotels, WhatsApp also works on laptops and tablets. It is also used by locals so you can call people like me and book your tours. Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling.
ANDROID APPLE - Money is simple too. Sign up to Revolut it offers the best exchange and you can even pay in stores if you put it in your Google Wallet or Apple Pay. I bought a house with this!