15 Best Things to Do in Vendas Novas (Portugal)

Explore the Royal Palace of Vendas Novas

The Royal Palace of Vendas Novas is a beautiful 18th-century palace that served as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. Visitors can explore the palace’s grand rooms, including the throne room, the ballroom, and the chapel. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. The garden features a pond, fountains, and several statues, as well as a small pavilion. The palace is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Visit the Municipal Museum

The Municipal Museum is located in the heart of Vendas Novas and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the town’s history and culture. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts from the Roman and Moorish periods, as well as objects related to the town’s agricultural and industrial past. One of the museum’s most interesting exhibits is the collection of traditional costumes, which includes clothing worn by farmworkers and aristocrats alike. The museum also has a collection of traditional crafts, such as pottery and weaving. Visitors can learn about the town’s history and culture through interactive exhibits and audiovisual displays.

Wander Around the Historic Center

Vendas Novas’ historic center is a beautiful area to explore on foot. The town’s charming streets are lined with traditional Portuguese houses, small shops, and cafes. Visitors can admire the town’s historic buildings, including the church of Nossa Senhora das Neves and the town hall. The historic center is also home to several public squares, including the Praça da República, which is the town’s main square. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Try Local Cuisine

Vendas Novas is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional dishes such as pork with clams and açorda. Visitors can sample these dishes and more at the town’s many restaurants and cafes. One of the most popular dishes in Vendas Novas is the pão de rala, a traditional almond cake that’s perfect for dessert. Visitors can also sample local wines, which are produced in the nearby Alentejo region.

Attend a Bullfight

Bullfighting is a popular tradition in Portugal, and Vendas Novas is no exception. The town hosts bullfights throughout the year, which are a thrilling spectacle to watch. The bullfighting season in Vendas Novas typically runs from April to September, with several bullfights held each month. Visitors can experience the excitement of the bullfighting arena and learn about this controversial tradition.

Relax at the Municipal Swimming Pool

If you’re looking for a way to cool off during the summer months, head to the Municipal Swimming Pool. The pool is open to the public and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The pool features several lanes for swimming and a large area for lounging. Visitors can also enjoy a snack or a cold drink at the poolside bar.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum is located in the former palace of the Marquises of Valença and Alcobaça and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rural past. The museum’s exhibits include traditional costumes, tools, and other objects related to agriculture and everyday life in Vendas Novas. Visitors can learn about the town’s agricultural and industrial heritage through interactive exhibits and audiovisual displays. The museum also has a beautiful garden that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Take a Guided Tour

To get the most out of your visit to Vendas Novas, consider taking a guided tour. There are several tour operators in the town that offer tours of the historic center, the Royal Palace, and other local attractions. A knowledgeable guide can provide insight into the town’s history and culture and help you discover hidden gems you might have otherwise missed. Guided tours are available in several languages, including English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Hike the Serra de Monfurado

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to hike the Serra de Monfurado. This natural park is located just outside of Vendas Novas and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The park’s trails vary in difficulty, so there’s something for everyone, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Along the way, hikers can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, foxes, and wild boar.

Attend a Festival

Vendas Novas hosts several festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from local cuisine to bullfighting. The town’s most popular festival is the Feira de Maio, which takes place in May and features music, dancing, and traditional food and drink. Other festivals include the Festa das Vindimas, which celebrates the grape harvest in September, and the Festa de São Pedro, which honors the town’s patron saint in June.

Play Golf

If you’re a golfer, don’t miss the opportunity to play a round at the Montado Golf Course. This beautiful course is located just outside of Vendas Novas and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The course features 18 holes and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. After your round, you can relax at the clubhouse, which offers a restaurant and bar.

Visit the Castro Verde Natural Park

If you have a car, consider taking a day trip to the nearby Castro Verde Natural Park. This park is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The park also has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also learn about the park’s history and culture at the visitor center.

Take a Day Trip to Evora

If you’re looking to explore more of the Alentejo region, consider taking a day trip to the nearby city of Evora. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and is home to several museums and historic sites. Visitors can explore the city’s narrow streets and admire its historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Évora and the Roman Temple of Évora.

Attend a Wine Tasting

The Alentejo region is known for its excellent wines, and Vendas Novas is no exception. Visitors can take a tour of a local winery and sample some of the region’s finest wines. Many wineries offer guided tours of their facilities, including the vineyards and cellars. Visitors can also learn about the wine-making process and the history of winemaking in the Alentejo region.

Relax in the Natural Hot Springs

Just a short drive from Vendas Novas are the natural hot springs of Caldas de Monchique. The springs are known for their healing properties and are a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can soak in the warm waters and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The hot springs also have a spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials.