Evening Stroll in Tomar: A 60-Minute Walk Through History, Flavours, and Legends
As the sun begins to dip behind the hills of central Portugal, Tomar takes on a special kind of magic. Its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and warm glow from the tavern windows create the perfect atmosphere for an evening stroll — and now, you can experience it like a local.
This 60-minute guided walk starts in the heart of the old town, the Praça da República. Surrounded by Renaissance architecture and watched over by the looming silhouette of the Templar castle on the hill, it’s a fitting place to begin your journey. Your guide will give you a short but vivid introduction to the history of Tomar — from the Knights Templar and the founding of the city to modern-day life in this beautiful riverside town.
From there, it’s just a few steps to what your guide affectionately calls “food street” — a lively stretch packed with tapas bars, cafés, and gourmet restaurants, all eager to tempt your taste buds. As you wander along, you’ll get local tips on where to eat, what to try, and how to avoid the tourist traps. You’ll also stop to sample some delicious local wine and meet Martha and Nelson, the friendly owners of Tasca O Perdigoto, a tiny, no-frills tasca serving up authentic Portuguese flavours and hospitality.
Cross the Nabão River and you’ll find yourself in Parque do Mouchão, a peaceful green oasis where locals walk their dogs, couples sit hand-in-hand, and kids play in the fading light. It’s here, by the riverside, that you’ll hear the haunting legend of Iria, the town’s patron saint — a tale of love, betrayal, and sainthood that still lingers in the stones of this ancient town.
As you make your way back over the old stone bridge, once trodden by knights on horseback, you’ll dive into the older parts of town. Wind your way through narrow cobbled alleys, past hidden squares and artisan shops, until you reach the Sinagoga de Tomar, the oldest synagogue in Portugal. Though small and modest, it speaks volumes about the town’s once-vibrant Jewish community and its enduring legacy.
Before the tour ends, there’s time for a final sweet treat. Discover where the locals go for handmade ice cream, or stop by a pastry shop for a bite of fatia de Tomar, the town’s signature sugary delight. Then follow your guide to the edge of the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes — the National Forest of the Seven Hills — where you’ll hear the final chapter of Tomar’s story: the rise and fall of the Knights Templar and the secret symbols they left behind.
This isn’t just a tour — it’s a journey through time, taste, and tradition. You’ll return to the medieval square where you began, not only with a better understanding of Tomar but with a full belly, a few new friends, and a little touch of evening magic.
Ready to stroll through Tomar like a local? Join us on this unique one-hour walk and uncover the soul of one of Portugal’s most captivating towns — one step, one story, one sip at a time.