Mint Images / Getty Images

Estremadura & Ribatejo

Stretching from the Rio Tejo to the Atlantic Ocean, Estremadura and Ribatejo constitute Portugal’s heartland, but their central importance goes beyond geography. These fertile lands have formed the backdrop for every major chapter in Portuguese history, from the building of key fortified settlements in the 12th century to the release of Salazar’s political prisoners in 1974. Two of medieval Portugal’s critical battles for autonomy – against the Moors at Santarém and the Spaniards at Aljubarrota – were fought and won here, and remain commemorated in the magnificent monasteries at Alcobaça and Batalha, both Unesco World Heritage Sites. A third Unesco site, Tomar’s Convento de Cristo, was long the stronghold of the Knights Templar.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Estremadura & Ribatejo. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get started

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plan with a local

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Estremadura & Ribatejo with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Go Beyond

Estremadura & Ribatejo and beyond