Benavente

Benavente combines the vast landscape of the Ribatejo Lezíria with riverside paths, Portuguese history and regional traditions. Those planning a trip with nature experiences, culture and enjoyable discoveries will find a range of options here for active and more relaxed days. When choosing a holiday apartment in Benavente, you can therefore consider whether your trip should be shaped primarily by walks, historic sights, festivals or culinary experiences.

Between the banks of the Sorraia and the vast Lezíria

The Rota das Lezírias is an approximately 20 km-long circular walking route that can begin in Benavente. Along this route, cycling is also permitted in addition to walking. The length is an important reference point when planning your day, especially if you want to combine different interests during your trip. A shorter option is a 2 km branch of the Rota das Lezírias: it begins at Parque Ribeirinho de Benavente, crosses the Sorraia via a footbridge and leads towards Vala Nova.

Parque Ribeirinho de Benavente provides space for walking and cycling along the banks of the Sorraia. From May to June, the Sports Promotion Department of the Câmara Municipal de Benavente also organises canoe trips on the Sorraia. This allows you to experience different aspects of the riverside landscape without having to spend every day of your trip in the same way. The area around Benavente is part of the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo. Approximately two-thirds of this reserve consists of estuarine waters, and it also extends to Alcochete and Vila Franca de Xira.

The Ribatejo Lezíria surrounding Benavente forms a vast and extremely fertile plain. Horses and fighting bulls are bred here. The churchyard of Cruzeiro do Calvário overlooks the Sorraia and the Ribatejo Lezíria. Such landscape connections make a stay interesting if you want not only to visit individual sights but also to appreciate the character of the surrounding area.

Historic places and cultural discoveries

One of the notable historic landmarks is the Pelourinho de Benavente. It is thought to have been erected in 1516, when D. Manuel I granted Benavente its new charter, or foral. Today, the pelourinho is classified as Portuguese cultural heritage of public interest, an Imóvel de Interesse Público.

The Igreja da Misericórdia de Benavente also preserves traces of different periods. Its history goes back to the former Capela do Espírito Santo, which dates from the 13th century. The structure of the former Roda dos Expostos is still integrated into one of the church walls. The Igreja da Misericórdia also contains tiled panels from the disused Convento de Jenicó. Those interested in religious art and historic architectural forms can consciously include these details in their exploration.

Cruzeiro do Calvário was commissioned in 1644 by the brothers of the Santos Passos and built from Lioz limestone. Benavente is also a destination on a pilgrimage stage: the 15th stage of the Caminho Central ends at Praça do Município, next to the municipal tourism services. A permanent exhibition systematically presents the agricultural production cycle, complementing the historic impressions with an insight into the region’s working and living environment.

Festivals and regional flavours

The traditional festival calendar includes the Festa da Amizade e Sardinha Assada de Benavente, held from 25 to 27 June. If you plan your trip for this period, you can combine your stay with this specific festival date. Another culinary speciality awaits you at the Bancas do Arroz: with a “KIT de degustação”, visitors can sample Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas, including traditional and contemporary preparations.

When searching for suitable accommodation, Benavente therefore offers various themes to explore: you can make proximity to riverside and landscape experiences just as much the focus of your trip as historic places, pilgrimage traditions, agriculture or regional cuisine. You can find further destination pages for your planning under Fazendas de Almeirim, Santo Estêvão, Amiais de Cima, Alvega, Bemposta, Atalaia, Beco and Santana Do Mato.

For the broader travel overview: Santarem.