Figueira da Foz: A Small Town of Fascinating Landscape and Tourist Attractions
Figueira da Foz, which basically means a fig tree at the mouth of the river, is a municipality located in the district of Coimbra right at the mouth of Mondego River. Home to over 46,000 people, Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is the second largest city in Coimbra District and is home to magnificent and gigantic beaches, seaport facilities, casinos, and many other interesting spots that every tourist is sure to enjoy.
With its long stretches of golden sand and sparkling waters, there is no doubt as to why Figueira da Foz, Portugal, has been called Rainha das Praias or the Queen of Beaches. Swarms of beach lovers come to swim and enjoy the warm and slightly-above average amount of sun it receives. Figueira has also become a popular destination for surfers. It hosted the world surfing championships held in 1996, and since then, the town has continued to attract surfers from all corners of the world. Many of its beaches have also been developed into world-class resorts.
Aside from its beautiful beaches, Figueira da Foz, Portugal, also houses a number of buildings and structures that are all worth visiting. It is home to one of the largest casinos in the country, the Grande Casino Peninsular, which, aside from casino games, also features various shows, dancing, and a nightclub.
In this municipality also stands one of the finest buildings in the country, Sotto Mayor Palace, which once belonged to one of the most prominent families in Portugal. This French-style manor house features elegant furnishings and an amazing collection of paintings from some of the country’s best artists. Palace House, on the other hand, is an 18th-century building that houses a great collection of Delft tiles, which were said to have been salvaged from a shipwreck during the 17th century.
Tourists will also be mesmerized by the stunning and commanding views provided by the lush green hills of Serra da Boa Viagem – perfect for those who just want to do some walking, sightseeing and picture-taking. To the north of this municipality is the small well-preserved fishing village of Buarcos, which is perfect for travelers looking for some calm and quiet vacation.
There are also a lot of activities and celebrations that both the locals and tourists can participate in. Activities such as bullfighting and windsurfing are regularly held, particularly during summer. And because Figueira da Foz Portugal region has become a popular vacation destination, accommodation is no longer a problem here. There are a good number of hotels, restaurants, and tourists facilities that have been commended for their hospitality and friendliness.
Located in between Porto and Lisbon, getting to Figueira da Foz is not a problem as there are a dozen of trains that travel to the town everyday. Tourists from Lisbon may also take the bus to get to the town.
