Torres Novas: Bustling, beautiful and well located

Torres Novas: Approximately 114.0 km (1 h 13 min drive) from Lisbon and 223.5 km (2 hours drive) from Porto nestled in the Médio Tejo Centro region in the district of Santarém. Rich in history and famous for its fig growing exploits.

With a population of around 36,00 covering 270 square kilometres, this is classed as a medium-sized town, one that spreads 5 kms North from the A23 motorway. As you arrive you are greeted with the large Medio Tejo Hospital and Industry: Schools, Supermarkets, Macdonalds and the large Da Vinci Gym which is a Franchise of Education and training services. Despite this don’t be put off, 1 Kilometre further and you are into the town centre where you can park and enjoy a drink and something to eat in the peaceful praça or main square that sits looking at the 12th Century castle.

This is a beautiful old Portuguese town built around the Castle of Torres Novas and what a great example this castle is. It’s free to enter, very well maintained and affords magnificent views across the city. A great place to spend a sunny afternoon, followed by coffee in one of the nearby cafes whilst admiring the tiled wall frescos.

Take a walk along the Avenue Dr Joao Martins de Azevedo to the Jardim das Rosas a beautiful park next to the River Almonda. A lovely well-maintained garden with several bridges that give access to the old part of the city. There are two cafes here with terraces and a children’s play area. You can also access the swimming pools of Torres Novas where you can spend time splashing around in one of the two outdoor pools with views over the river.

A 2 km drive to the village of Lapas just outside the city there’s a hidden gem that is said to be the largest natural cave in the country. Take a trip through the labyrinth of tunnels and walk beneath the dead as the caves pass under the local cemetery. For nature lovers, there is the Pául do Boquilobo Nature Reserve, a protected area where the landscape is dominated by reeds and willow trees and is a great place for any budding ornithologists.

Back in the city, you are spoilt for choice if dining out. Try the Blue Gin Bistro for snacks, the Seven Restuarant for something a little more cultured. If it’s tapas you crave, then the Trampolim Tapas Bar is a good place to start. For Pizza, it has to be the Pizzeria Ristorante Di Napoli and probably the jewel in the crown in terms of quality is Papa Figos

This region also has Roman influence, the ruins of the Vila Cardílio, approximately 2 kms away on the other side of the A23 display precious polychrome mosaics and are worth the trip.

For horse lovers, just 15 minutes south, technically out of the parish, but still in the Santarém district, you will find Golegã, the Capital of the Lusitanian Horse and famous for its annual Horse Fair. Usually starting on the first of November the fair runs until the 11th and attracts visitors from all over the world. Be prepared for rain, mud and lots of traditionally dressed Portuguese men and woman on horseback.

Property is plentiful in Torres Novas and prices vary depending on where you buy. 

Expect to pay: 600:00 Euros per sq metre for a three-bedroom flat and as much as 300,000 euros for a detached house with a pool. There are also plenty of ruins available at around 30,000 euros in the outlying parishes.

Torres Novas, a nice city with plenty to do and one that doesn't get too touristy in the summer months.

For all the latest factual statistical data regarding Torres Novas: All about Torres Novas