PORTUGAL COSTA PRATA

your source for travel in costa prata, portugal
your source for travel in costa prata, portugal

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PORTUGAL info


Portugal > Costa Prata
Costa Prata Towns

Alcobaça
Aveiro
Batalha
Caldas da Rainha
Coimbra
Fátima
Leiria
Óbidos
Tomar

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Distances between each Tourist Town in Kms.
Distances in Kms.

Costa Prata Accommodation
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Costa Prata Photos
Moliceiro Boat · Lagoon Beach · Dockside in Aveiro · Fish Pens · Beach at Dusk · Net Hauling

Introduction to Costa Prata
This tourist area probably enjoys the longest coastline of all six area in Portugal. Unfortunately, being more central and north of Lisbon the beach tourist season is not as lengthily as that enjoyed further south. The coastline, with very few exceptions consists of long sandy beaches that are openly exposed to the winter ravages of the Atlantic Ocean. There are three towns that do enjoy some protection and endeavour to maintain a fishing industry. These are Aveiro, Figueira da Foz and Nazaré. Inland the economic situation changes to an agricultural landscape and a tourist’s haven with a wide choice of interesting and historic locations to visit.

The largest city of this area is Coimbra which is famous as one of the oldest seats of learning in the world. Founded in 1290 by Dom Diniz I it remains a respected University for many arts and sciences. Located within easy distance of the City is the town of Conímbriga which has the largest remains of a Roman town to be found in Portugal. The city was captured from the Moors and later the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henrigues, integrated it within the County of Portugal and made it his capital. It is also the location of the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha. This was the home of the tragic Queen Inês murdered by her father-in-law King Dinis I

Moving south there are a number of interesting towns; Leiria, Alcobaça, Caldas da Rainha, all of which are attractive from a historic and their buildings. Leiria has an attractive restored castle whilst Alcobaça boasts of an impressive Monastery of Santa Maria founded in 1153 to celebrate a victory over the Moors in the Battle of Santarém.

Fátima is a must location for any devout catholic and a new large impressive edifice of devotion has recently been opened. Two smaller locations are also worthy of mention, Batalha for its admirable and historic abbey which celebrates the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 built by the orders of Dom João I. This Monastery acts as the resting place for many past Kings and Queens of Portugal.

There is the town of Tomar with an impressive castle which was also the home of the famous Order of the Knights of the Temple of Jerusalem. In 1160 its master, Dom Gualdim Pais order the impressive castle and temple to be constructed. The Order was eliminated in 1314 by the French King, Philip of France IV, but the power of this Order can still be appreciated by what remains and the magnificent "Chorola" which is in the heart of the Temple.

Another location not to be missed is the walled small medieval town of Óbidos with its charming picturesque character. The town was once given by a King of Portugal in 1282 as a wedding present in order to gain favour with his new wife.

The area economically is mainly reliant on small and medium size industries. However, not to be overlooked is the important agriculture industry and the production of wine. Local wood is the raw material supporting the production of furniture, building materials and paper pulp. In the region there is also non-metal ores such as clay, sand and limestone, all of which provide for by-product industries.

The main city of this area is Coimbra, and its strategic midway point on the Lisbon to Porto road has played an important part in its past growth. Nowadays, there exists a direct motorway between these two major cities and combined with the possibility of a future new international airport this will have a definite reflection on the economic development of this area.

An very interesting way to see and feel the true culture and history of this region is to stay in some of the various Pousadas, some of which are steeped in local atmosphere and with historic architecture of this region. (Visit - Portugal History)

Costa Prata Towns
Alcobaça · Aveiro · Batalha · Caldas da Rainha · Coimbra · Fátima · Leiria · Óbidos · Tomar









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