Overcoming the Waves

The slogan says that Leiria has everything to appreciate the light side of Life, and we agree! The district extends from the fishing village of Peniche to Castanheira de Pera (already in the foothills of the Serra da Lousã) confined between the Atlantic coast, the Zêzere river, and the Serra d’Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. A member of the Limestone Massif of Extremadura, this park is home to the largest complex of limestone caves in the country, and is also a destination of choice for many sports activities in Nature. A region full of culture and traditions, here are the UNESCO heritage sites that represent historical landmarks of Portugal – the Monastery of Alcobaça and the Monastery of Batalha – in addition to world exponents such as the giant waves of Nazaré. We also discover the marine wealth of the Berlengas (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), the BordalloPinheiro tableware in Caldas da Rainha, the romantic walled town of Óbidos or the glass art in Marinha Grande. Without forgetting that Leiria has a river that flows upwards, a tower that does not have a Cathedral, a Cathedral that does not have a tower and a Rua Direita that is not … (popular rhyme). In the midst of so much diversity, the difficult choice takes us to Nazaré, not to the “cannon” of the giant wave, but to another quieter corner where we will start to slide on the waves, bodyboarding, considered as a young activity, but also fun for any age.