Located 40km north of Lisbon, this royal town centers around an 18th-century Baroque palace-monastery complex with 1,200 rooms, a grand library, and six historic organs.
In Mafra, 30 minutes from Lisbon, you can walk through Europe's longest palace corridor, watch bats fly between 36,000 leather-bound books in a Rococo library, and hear the world's largest collection of historic bells ring across town. The Atlantic coastline includes Ericeira, where surfers catch waves at 13 beaches along 11 kilometers of protected shoreline. In the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, red deer roam through ancient oak forests crossed by 800 hectares of marked walking paths.
Getting to Mafra from Lisbon
You can reach Mafra by bus from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal, with the journey taking about one hour and costing €4.35. If you're driving, take the A8 highway or the N8 road. The town also has a train station on the Western Line with regular connections to Lisbon and other coastal towns.
Inside Mafra National Palace
The palace opens daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (€6 entrance fee). Inside the 38,000-square-meter baroque building, you'll find the 88-meter-long library decorated with pink and white marble. A colony of bats lives among the 36,000 leather-bound volumes, eating insects that could damage the books. The central basilica houses six pipe organs and two carillons - each with 57 bells that ring during concerts held every Sunday at noon.
Walking Through Tapada Nacional
You can explore 819 hectares of former royal hunting grounds (€8.50 entrance). The oak and pine forests contain marked paths ranging from 3 to 8 kilometers. Morning walks (8-10 AM) give you the best chance to see red deer, fallow deer, and wild boar. Pick up trail maps at the visitor center, which also runs guided tours at 10 AM and 2 PM.
Local Food and Markets
Buy "Pão de Mafra" bread (€2) early morning when bakeries open at 7 AM - the thick crust and dense interior taste best warm. At Fradinho bakery, try their signature almond-filled "Fradinhos" pastries (€1.50). The central market runs until 2 PM, where local farmers sell seasonal produce. Near the palace, Adega do Convento serves regional dishes with wine for about €20 per person.
Beaches and Surfing in Ericeira
Each of Ericeira's 13 beaches has distinct characteristics. Ribeira d'Ilhas sees consistent waves between 2-3 meters from October to March, with surf schools charging €30 for two-hour lessons. Foz do Lizandro's 1.5-kilometer beach includes calm swimming areas and surf zones. São Lourenço beach maintains steady water temperatures around 20°C from June through September.
Weather and Climate
Plan morning activities around coastal fog that typically clears by 11 AM, especially from June to September. Winter temperatures drop to 8°C with frequent rain (100mm monthly average from October to March). Summer days reach 26°C with morning fog and 80% humidity. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) bring clear skies and temperatures around 20°C.
