Whilst enjoying your stay at the Leiriartem Hotel, be sure to explore the Centre and the West to the full. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find extensive beaches, a wealth of natural heritage and, of course, the beautiful city of Leiria, which welcomes us. The excellent transport links make our hotel the best accommodation option in the region. We’re less than 10 minutes from the centre of Leiria and less than 30 minutes from the main beaches.
Situated in the Central region of Portugal, Leiria is a city that combines history, culture and enchanting landscapes. Leiria Castle, built in the 12th century and ex-libris in the city, offers a breathtaking view over the historic centre. This castle has been the setting for significant historical events, particularly during the reign of King Dinis, who resided there on several occasions and contributed to the region’s development.
The historic city centre, characterised by its narrow, winding streets, culminates in Leiria Cathedral, built in the Mannerist style in the 16th century. Further up, on the way to the castle, you will find the Bell Tower and the Church of São Pedro, built in the Romanesque style and the oldest in Leiria.
There are several museums in the city, notably the Leiria Museum, housed in the former Convent of St Augustine, the Museum of the Moving Image and the Paper Mill Museum, dedicated to the paper industry.
For nature lovers, Leiria boasts several green spaces within the city, such as the Tenente Coronel Jaime Filipe da Fonseca Municipal Park (or ‘Parque do Avião’), the Almuinha Grande Gardens and the Leiria Green Park. Just a few kilometres from the city lies the Leiria Pine Forest, which is currently being restored and runs alongside the paths leading to the municipality’s and district’s stunning beaches. As well as by car, you can also explore these routes by bike or on foot.
When it comes to cuisine, Leiria is renowned for its Leitão Boa Vista, Morcela de Arroz, fresh fish from the beaches and migas, all of which are highlights of the savoury dishes. Speaking of delicacies, don’t forget to try the famous Brisas do Liz, Leiria’s traditional sweet treat, with its unmistakable flavour.
The city also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, the most notable of which are the Leiria Fair, which takes place in May, ‘Leiria Sobre Rodas’, the ‘Extramuralhas’ Gothic festival and ‘Leiria Cidade Natal’. All these events attract thousands of visitors to the city.


Batalha
The Batalha is a Portuguese village renowned for its history and cultural heritage, which attracts many visitors every year.
The main point of interest is, without a doubt, the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, also known as the Monastery of Batalha. One of the finest examples of Portuguese and European Gothic architecture, the monastery was commissioned by King João I to commemorate the victory over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been voted one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
In the municipality, you can visit the village of Pia do Urso (a sensory eco-park), the Moeda Caves, the Batalha Municipal Community Museum and the Aljubarrota Battle Interpretation Centre.
When it comes to cuisine, Batalha is famous for its ‘Sopas de Verde’, made with goat offal, and ‘Canja de Galinha’ (chicken soup). Other notable dishes include ‘Tachadéu’, a pork fry cooked in a clay pot, and ‘Tibornadas’, a dish of cod with ‘batatas a murro’ (mashed potatoes). When it comes to sweet treats, be sure to try the ‘Bolos de Ferradura’, the ‘Cavacas de Reguengo do Fetal’, the ‘Bolos de Palma’ and ‘Bolos de Perna’, as well as the ‘Pudim da Batalha’.



At the Leiriartem Hotel, the experiences never end. Discover our immersive itineraries, which combine the most popular destinations in Western and Central Portugal with places that only we know about.