Located 16km west of Lisbon, this coastal municipality has 16th-century fortifications and the Marquis of Pombal Palace. Its science parks make it a tech hub in Portugal.
Located 16 kilometers west of Lisbon, Oeiras stretches along the Tagus River coastline. You can walk through the formal gardens of the 18th-century Marquês de Pombal Palace, swim in the calm waters of Santo Amaro beach, or cycle along the waterfront promenade. The town serves as home to major tech companies while maintaining its small-town character with local markets and beachfront cafes.
Getting to Oeiras
Trains run every 20 minutes from Lisbon to Oeiras, taking 25 minutes to reach the town. Six train stations serve different parts of the municipality, including Algés, Cruz Quebrada, and Paço de Arcos. You can drive directly to Oeiras via the A5 motorway, or take one of several bus routes that connect to Lisbon's public transport network.
Beaches Along the Tagus
Four urban beaches line Oeiras's 10-kilometer coastline: Praia da Torre, Santo Amaro, Paço de Arcos, and Caxias. The waters stay calm due to their location at the meeting point of the Tagus River and Atlantic Ocean. You can walk or cycle the entire length of the beaches on a waterfront promenade while watching boats sail past.
Parks and Recreation
At Parque dos Poetas, you'll find 22.5 hectares of walking paths and sculptures honoring Portuguese writers. The Jamor sports complex includes Portugal's national stadium, where you can watch Portuguese Cup finals. Children and adults can swim in separate sections of the Ocean Pool, with sun loungers available in the surrounding area.
Modern Business District
Many international technology and pharmaceutical companies, including Google, Pfizer, and Oracle, have offices in Oeiras's business parks. The Gulbenkian Science Institute conducts research here, adding to the area's scientific community. This economic activity has resulted in the highest GDP per capita in Portugal.
Historical Buildings
The 18th-century Palace of Marquês de Pombal displays Portuguese Baroque and Rococo design, with rooms containing period furniture, paintings, and decorative tiles. São Julião da Barra Fortress, one of Portugal's largest military complexes, continues to house the Minister of National Defense. The 15th-century Palácio dos Arcos now operates as a hotel.
Local Life
Oeiras experiences mild weather year-round, with warm summers and cool winters. You can shop at Oeiras Parque's 175 stores and eat at its 28 restaurants, or browse the weekly markets for local products. The Dance Academy runs classes throughout the year, and the town's cultural centers host music performances and art exhibitions.
