Lourinhã

The Lourinhã is a land with strong historical scrolls, which go back to the settlement made by Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Túrdulos, Carthaginians and Romans. They all contributed to the settlement of this region, where the Sea once came, and to leave its historical legacy, starting with the name that is thought to originate in a Roman village: Laurinius.

But the foundation of the village as we know it is due to King Afonso Henriques who granted these lands to D. Jordão, a French knight, for his participation in the siege of Lisbon in 1147.

The municipality counts 23 265 inhabitants - according to 2011 census numbers - and in the last decade there has been significant urban growth, thanks to its proximity to Lisbon, improved road links and increased tourism. Lourinhã is famous for its beautiful beaches and the paleontological finds of dinosaurs, which have been around here for 65 million years. Fishing and agriculture also play an important role, since 80% of the territory of the county is connected to the agricultural holding, of which the production of potatoes, Pêra Rocha, vines, Aguardente da Lourinhã, etc. are noteworthy.

Cezaredas Plateau

The Cezaredas Plateau is located in the center of the western region, covering four counties: Bombarral, Lourinhã, Óbidos, and Peniche.It has a length of 12 kilometers and is a limestone territory about 140 million years old, belonging to the period between the Cretaceous and the Middle Jurassic. The sea that once occupied part of this region began to recede leaving fossilized records of marine species missing about 65 million years ago and can be seen in the Museum of Lourinhã.

Beaches of the County of Lourinhã

Thanks to its 12 kilometers of coast, there are plenty of beaches that attract visitors and tourists to enjoy its beautiful beaches and water sports (surf, jet ski, underwater hunting, underwater photography, etc.).)

• Beach of Vale Pombas (Lourinhã)
• Beach of Paimogo (Lourinhã)
• Caniçal Beach (Lourinhã)
• Beach of Vale Frades (Lourinhã)
• Beach of the Malhada (Lourinhã)
• White Sand Beach (Lourinhã)
• Beach of Areal (Lourinhã)
• Beach of Mexilhoal (Atalaia)
• Beach of Peralta (Atalaia)
• Beach of Porto das Barcas (Atalaia)
• Beach of the Zimbral (Ribamar)
• Beach of Porto Dinheiro (Ribamar)
• Beach of Valmitão (Ribamar)

Points of interest

• Dino Parque - It is a theme park dedicated to the dinosaurs and the biggest outdoor museum in Portugal. On display you can find about 120 models ofspecies of dinosaurs.You can learn more about the fantastic world and the time of the dinosaurs and prehistoric animals, among them the famous Tyrannossaurus Rex that was up to 15 meters in length. At Dino Park you can have fun while learning about paleontology, fossilization, dinosaurs and the periods of earth history.
• Museum of Lourinhã - Located in the center of the village and founded in 1984, it has the largest Iberian collection of dinosaur fossils of the Upper Jurassic and one of the most important in the world. The county of Lourinhã was granted the title of Portuguese Capital of the Dinosaurs , thanks to the unique vestiges of dinosaurs (fossilized bones, footprints, dinosaur embryos, etc.). The rare dinosaur tracks discovered here are world famous.
• The Dinosaur Route - It is a pedestrian route of 10 km, whose approximate duration is 3 hours and that goes from the center of Lourinhã to the Fort of Paimogo.The hiker can visit the religious heritage as the Convent of St. Anthony, the Church of the Misericordia and the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo and dazzle with beautiful landscapes, with the beaches of Areia Branca, Valley Frades, Caniçal and the beach of Paimogo .
• The GEAL Museum - records the vestiges of the human presence in the region from the Palaeolithic, the Neolithic and the Chalcolithic.
• Church of Santa Maria do Castelo - church whose architecture was inspired by the Gothic style and that owes its name to the old Castle of Lourinhã, for having been built near its walls.
• Church of São Sebastião - Located in the center of Lourinhã village, built in 1730, it is part of its beauty to the white, tile and wainscot walls.
• Santo António da Lourinhã Convent - National monument, founded in 1598, once belonging to the Franciscan Order.
• The various festivals and fairs that animate this region and attract visitors from all over.
• Restoration - Being a region rich in fish, seafood, wines and regional products of excellent quality no wonder that it is easy to find good restaurants. Among many, I would highlight: Carlos dos Leitões , Barracão do Petisco ,