Rich in natural, cultural, historical and religious heritage, the Middle Tagus region is a paradise for those who decide to go in search of the deepest Portuguese essence. Here you can delve into the history, traditions and landscapes of the region most closely linked to the legendary Templars in Portugal.

From sports in the middle of nature to spirituality, the 13 municipalities that make up this region – Abrantes, Alcanena, Constância, Entroncamento, Ferreira do Zêzere, Mação, Ourém, Sardoal, Sertã, Tomar, Torres Novas, Vila de Rei and Vila Nova da Barquinha – have a world of experiences waiting for you. Embark on this journey and discover what the Middle Tagus has to offer!

From Rio…

The journey through the Middle Tagus region begins in the water, in one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe. With an extension of more than 60 km between the municipalities of Abrantes, Ferreira do Zêzere, Sardoal, Sertã, Tomar and Vila de Rei, Albufeira de Castelo do Bode is a must for anyone looking for a perfect combination between the adrenaline of sports aquatic and the tranquility of the natural landscapes. in pure state.

In this enormous blue lake, formed by the waters of the Zêzere River and framed by schist mountains covered by a green mantle of stone and wild pines and eucalyptus, is the first Wakeboard Resort in the world with five cable parks: Aldeia do Mato ( Abrantes); Blue Lake (Ferreira do Zêzere); Mountains (Take); Trizio (Sertã) and Fernandaires (Vila de Rei). Its inauguration, in 2016, placed Portugal on the path of the world wakeboarding circuit. This year, do not miss the opportunity to attend the Nautique WWA Wakeboard World Championships in Lago Azul, Ferreira do Zêzere, between August 30 and September 3.

Castelo do Bode is also recognized for the quality of its hotel and restaurant offer, for its certified-quality river beaches, perfect for cooling off and spending fun moments on top of a SUP board, kayak, canoe or sailboat while breathing. the pure air that surrounds you.

… the mountains.

The pine forest, the rivers, the mountains and the green fields mark the landscape of the 13 municipalities that make up the region of the Middle Tagus. This landscape diversity offers the ideal conditions for walks accompanied by the sounds, smells and colors of nature. Discover the protected areas of our region

Visit the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, the Paul do Boquilobo Natural Reserve, the Dinosaur Footprints Natural Monument, and the Sicó/Alvaiázere Site, important protected areas in this region, and let yourself be dazzled by the wonders of biodiversity that the region has to offer. he offers you.

If you like the outdoors, the Médio Tejo has an excellent offer of routes and pedestrian routes, with particular emphasis on the Great Routes of Carso, Tejo and Zêzere. So that you can calmly enjoy your walk, or make your route by mountain bike, consult the Guide to Routes and Routes of the Médio Tejo.

By the paths of faith…

Faith and spirituality are, together with the natural and cultural offer, two of the great pillars of the Tagus Medio region, particularly in Fátima and Tomar. Every year, the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the world, built after the apparitions of Our Lady of Fátima to the three little shepherds in 1917, receives thousands of visitors during the celebration of Holy Week. This year a particularly special moment is expected: the visit of Pope Francis within the framework of the World Youth Days, which will take place from August 1 to 6 in Portugal.

Fatima is a destination of choice for those seeking relief and spiritual comfort. For many, the spiritual experience includes walking to Fatima, whether it be in fulfillment of promises, in search of moments of introspection, or simply for the pleasure of walking. Soon, the “Caminhos de Fátima”, the network of religious and cultural itineraries that start from different places and end at the Sanctuary of Fátima, will have new roads that will cross the Middle Tagus region.

Tomar, the mythical old headquarters of the Knights Templar, also stands out on the route of religious tourism in the region. The Church of Santa Maria do Olival, one of the most emblematic examples of Gothic art in Portugal, once the Pantheon of the masters of the Knights Templar, is a must-see. Inside is the tombstone of Gualdim Pais, Master Templar founder of the city of Tomar. The Igreja Matriz dedicated to São João Baptista, the Renaissance Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the old 15th century synagogue, the only early-Renaissance Hebrew temple in our country, are three other places that you can include in your itinerary.

… to the heart of the History of Portugal.

If your goal is to learn a little more about Portuguese history and culture, the Tagus Medio is undoubtedly your destination.

On a cultural visit to this region, the Convento de Cristo de Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, occupies a prominent place. Its origin is almost as old as the history of Portugal. Built on an ancient Roman place of worship, with vestiges of Muslim worship, the Convent is enveloped in an aura of mysticism that hypnotizes whoever visits it. Here, faith and culture mix, giving rise to unique moments of introspection and contemplation of human work.

Tomar and the great monumental complex formed by the Convent of Christ and the Templar Castle, one of the largest in peninsular and European architecture, join the five castles of Abrantes, Almourol, Ourém, Torres Novas and Sertã, witnesses of the heyday of of kings, queens and knights. They are scenes of legends and battles, and visiting them is a guarantee of a return to the origins of the History of Portugal.

We also invite you on a journey to discover the Templar treasures in the Middle Tagus, in the center of Portugal. The Rota dos Templários is a project of the Medio Tejo Intermunicipal Community, supported by Turismo de Portugal, and its itinerary, which runs through seven municipalities, passes through incredible places full of history and allows you to explore the region’s heritage, including the Tower of Dornes in Ferreira do Zêzere, the Templar Castle and the Convent of Christ in Tomar and the Almourol Castle in Vila Nova da Barquinha, among many other points of interest that you will not want to miss.

Scheduled to be launched in 2023, this Route wants to be a differentiating tourism product and aims to value the historical-military heritage and promote tourism in the Middle Tagus, through innovative technology and visit support tools that provide a renewed and immersive experience. of the history of the Knights Templar in this territory.

Soon there will be more information available at: www.templarportugal.com.

Also visit the National Railway Museum in Entroncamento, where you can admire one of the best collections of railway heritage in Europe. Accept our suggestion and schedule your visit for July this year, taking advantage of the opportunity to also attend one of the most beautiful Portuguese celebrations, the Festa dos Tabuleiros, which takes place between the 1st and 10th of that month, in Tomar, 4 years after its last edition. The streets, decorated with flowers in the windows and bedspreads on the balconies, are true works of art that frame the passage of the famous trays, carried on their heads by hundreds of girls.

Nature, history, culture, gastronomy and adventure are essential on a visit to the Middle Tagus region. To find out even more about what to see, do and visit in the 13 municipalities that make up the region, visit the Intermunicipal Community of the Middle Tagus at BTL – Lisbon Tourism Exchange 2023, where the Middle Tagus will be present at the Tourist Region Stand del Centro, from March 1 to 5 at FIL, in Lisbon. An excellent opportunity to start planning your next getaway or vacation!

We have so much to discover!