.png)
Tomar, Portugal, is a hidden gem in the heart of the country, where medieval history meets riverside charm. Known as the "City of the Knights Templar," this enchanting town—about two hours north of Lisbon—offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to Portugal’s bustling hotspots. In 2025, Tomar promises a perfect blend of UNESCO-listed wonders, cobblestone streets, and natural beauty, making it an ideal stop for history buffs, group travelers, or anyone seeking a serene escape. From the awe-inspiring Convento de Cristo to the tranquil Nabão River, this guide to visiting Tomar in 2025 will help you plan an unforgettable trip. Ready to step into Portugal’s Templar past? Let’s explore why Tomar should top your 2025 travel list!
Why Visit Tomar in 2025?
Tomar’s allure lies in its rich history and small-town charm. Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, a Knights Templar master, the town was a strategic stronghold during Portugal’s Reconquista. Its centerpiece, the Convento de Cristo, stands as a testament to the Templars’ legacy, evolving over centuries into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its historical draw, Tomar offers a slower pace—perfect for unwinding after Lisbon or Porto. In 2025, expect a peaceful vibe with mild spring and fall weather (March-May, September-October) ideal for exploring, plus summer festivals like the Festa dos Tabuleiros (if it aligns with its four-year cycle). Whether you’re here for a day trip or an overnight stay, Tomar’s compact size and authentic Portuguese feel make it a must-visit.
Getting to Tomar in 2025
From Lisbon: A 2-hour train (€10-€15) from Santa Apolónia station or a 1.5-hour drive via A1/A23. Buses from Sete Rios take 1 hour 45 minutes (~€10).
From Coimbra: A 1-hour train (€5-€10) or 45-minute drive.
From Porto: A 2.5-hour train (€15-€25) or 2-hour drive.
Group Option: Private tours from Lisbon (e.g., via GetYourGuide, ~€70 pp) include Tomar, Almourol, and more—no planning needed.
Table of Top Attractions in Tomar
Attraction | Location | Best For | Cost (pp) | Duration |
Hilltop | History/Architecture | €10 | 1.5-2 hrs | |
Town Center | Culture/Walking | Free | 1-2 hrs | |
Nabão River & Park | Riverside | Relaxation | Free | 1 hr |
Outskirts | Views/History | Free | 1-2 hrs | |
Near Station | Quirky Fun | €1 | 45 mins | |
30 mins away | Adventure | €2.50 (boat) | 2-3 hrs |
1. Explore the Convento de Cristo
Why It’s a Must: This UNESCO masterpiece, perched atop a hill, blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Manueline architecture across eight centuries. The 12th-century Charola—a 16-sided chapel inspired by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre—once hosted Templar knights on horseback.
Details: Entry €10 (free with Lisboa Card), open 9 AM-6:30 PM (summer). Spend 1.5-2 hours marveling at the Manueline window, cloisters, and panoramic views.
2025 Tip: Book online to skip lines—summer crowds may peak.
2. Wander Tomar’s Historic Centre
Why It’s a Must: The old town’s medieval streets, lined with flower-draped houses, lead to the Praça da República. Flanked by the São João Baptista church and a Gualdim Pais statue, it’s a postcard-perfect spot.
Details: Free to explore, 1-2 hours. Pop into the 15th-century synagogue (now a museum, €2) for a glimpse of Tomar’s Jewish heritage.
2025 Tip: Visit in the morning for quiet streets and soft light.
3. Stroll Along the Nabão River
Why It’s a Must: The Nabão flows through Tomar, framed by weeping willows and the Mouchão Park’s wooden waterwheel—a nod to its industrial past.
Details: Free, 1 hour. Relax at the park or snap sunset pics from Ponte Velha bridge.
2025 Tip: Pack a picnic—benches abound for group downtime.
4. Visit the Aqueduto dos Pegões
Why It’s a Must: This 6 km, 17th-century aqueduct, with 30-meter arches, once supplied the Convent. Walk its base or top for stunning countryside views.
Details: Free, 1-2 hours. A 10-minute drive or tuk-tuk ride from town.
2025 Tip: Go early to avoid midday heat—perfect for active groups.
5. Discover the Matchbox Museum (Museu dos Fósforos)
Why It’s a Must: A quirky gem with over 43,000 matchboxes from 120+ countries, showcasing art and history in a former convent.
Details: €1 entry, 30-45 minutes. Near the train station.
2025 Tip: A fun, quick stop for all ages—great for school groups.
6. Day Trip to Castelo de Almourol
Why It’s a Must: A 30-minute drive from Tomar, this Templar castle sits on a tiny Tagus River island—pure medieval magic.
Details: €2.50 boat ride, 2-3 hours total. Kayaking options available.
2025 Tip: Pair with Tomar for a full Templar-themed day.
Festa de Tabuleiro. Tomars Festival of Color and Bread!
Overview: The Festa dos Tabuleiros, or Festival of Trays, is a vibrant event held every four years in Tomar, with the next occurrence scheduled for July 2027 (not 2025, but noted for context). It transforms Tomar into a sea of color with handmade paper flowers, music, parades, and food spilling from every corner.
Main Event: On the key Sunday, 748 women parade 5 km through Tomar carrying tabuleiros—towers of 30 bread rolls (400g each) adorned with paper flowers, weighing over 16 kg, topped with a cross or Holy Spirit pigeon. Ages range from 20s to 80s, showcasing endurance and joy.
History: Rooted in the 13th century, linked to Queen Saint Isabel’s devotion to the Holy Spirit, it evolved from pagan harvest rites into a Catholic tradition.
Atmosphere: Streets are decked with crepe paper flowers, creating an Alice in Wonderland-like scene. Bands, beer, wine, and food flow all day and night during the 10-day festival.
Travel Tips: A 2-hour train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia (€10-€20) or 90-minute drive. Book accommodation early (e.g., Hotel República or Casa dos Ofícios) due to crowds. Visit the Convento de Cristo for Templar history alongside the festival.
Next Event: July 2027, though preparations start post-Easter, with smaller parades leading up.
Where to Stay in Tomar
Hotel dos Templários (~€90-€140/night): A 4-star gem with a pool, gardens, and river views—ideal for groups or couples.
Hotel República (~€70-€110/night): Central, modern, steps from Praça da República—perfect for short stays.
Pousada de Juventude Tomar (~€15-€40/night): Budget-friendly hostel with mixed dorms (4-6 beds)—great for student groups.
2025 Tip: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer—availability tightens.
Where to Eat
Restaurante O Tabuleiro (~€10-€15 pp): Local fare like grilled pork and bacalhau—cozy and group-friendly.
Café Santa Cruz (~€5-€10 pp): Pastries and coffee near the river—a quick stop.
Try: Fatias de Tomar (almond-pumpkin sweets) from a local pastelaria.
Insider Tips for Visiting Tomar in 2025
Best Time: Spring (March-May) or fall (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer’s warm but busier.
Group Travel: Split into smaller teams for the Convent—easier navigation in tight spaces.
Transport Hack: Use the Lisboa Card (€22/day) for free Convent entry and Lisbon-Tomar train discounts.
Festival Alert: Check if Festa dos Tabuleiros (July, every 4 years) hits 2025—expect bread-crowned parades and vibrant streets. UPDTAE: THE NEXT EVENT WILL BE IN 2027.
Conclusion
Tomar in 2025 may not host the full Festa dos Tabuleiros, but its festival spirit shines through with local gems like Nossa Senhora de Piedade and the Feira da Laranja Conventual. Add the Convento de Cristo’s Templar mystique and the Nabão’s calm, and you’ve got a destination that blends celebration with history. Plan your visit now—book early, pack comfy shoes, and dive into Tomar’s cultural heartbeat. Your 2025 Portugal adventure starts here!
Comments