The Rota das Lezírias is an approximately 20 km circular hiking trail that can begin in Benavente. Alongside the route itself, the banks of the Sorraia and historic buildings offer possible focal points for a stay. When planning, it is worth distinguishing the different route lengths from seasonal activities and festival dates.
Trails on foot, by bike and on the water
A 2 km branch of the Rota das Lezírias begins at Parque Ribeirinho de Benavente. It crosses the Sorraia on a pedestrian bridge and heads towards Vala Nova. This means the same route offers a circuit of around 20 km and a much shorter section with its own points of interest. Cycling is also permitted on the Rota, alongside hiking. Seasonal conditions may affect its use and should therefore be taken into account when planning.
Parque Ribeirinho offers space for walking and cycling along the banks of the Sorraia. Those who want to combine these activities with the branch will find its starting point here. The park is therefore a distinct place to enjoy activities by the river; the branch then continues over the pedestrian bridge towards Vala Nova. As the condition of public facilities may change depending on local maintenance, check before your visit.
Another way to get out on the water is to go canoeing on the Sorraia. The Sports Promotion department of the Câmara Municipal de Benavente organizes trips from May to June. Since this is a seasonal program, check the dates in advance for your planned stay.
Lezíria and Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo
The area around Benavente is part of the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo. About two-thirds of the Reserva consists of estuarine waters; the protected area also extends to Alcochete and Vila Franca de Xira. This geographical context makes the river and estuary landscape an important part of the regional perspective on Benavente.
The Ribatejo Lezíria surrounds Benavente as a vast, exceptionally fertile plain. Horses and fighting bulls are bred in this landscape. Those comparing nature and cultural experiences can therefore consider not only the trails along the Sorraia, but also the agricultural landscape as a theme in its own right. The churchyard of Cruzeiro do Calvário overlooks both the Sorraia and the Ribatejo Lezíria, bringing these two landscape features together at a specific viewpoint.
Buildings and history in Benavente
The Pelourinho de Benavente is believed to have been erected in 1516, when D. Manuel I granted Benavente its new Foral. It is classified as a Portuguese property of public interest (Imóvel de Interesse Público). The Igreja da Misericórdia de Benavente dates back to the former Capela do Espírito Santo, which was built in the 13th century. The structure of the former Roda dos Expostos is still incorporated into one of its walls; the church also has tile panels from the decommissioned Convento de Jenicó.
Another historic landmark is Cruzeiro do Calvário. The Brotherhood of Santos Passos commissioned it in 1644; it was built from Lioz limestone. Together with the view of the river and Lezíria from the churchyard, it offers a different way to explore local history than the architectural history of the Igreja da Misericórdia. The various buildings each have their own dates, materials and associations, without needing to be grouped under a single historical theme.
The Caminho Central also offers a clear geographical reference point: Stage 15 ends at Praça do Município de Benavente, beside the municipal tourism services. Those following this route can consider the square as the stage’s endpoint. A permanent exhibition also presents the cycle of agricultural production in a systematic way, adding a distinct exhibition component to the themes of landscape and agriculture.
Festivals and regional flavors
Benavente’s calendar of traditional festivals includes the Festa da Amizade e Sardinha Assada de Benavente, listed there as taking place from June 25 to 27. Dates and programs may change from one edition to the next. If the festival is a deciding factor for your trip, check the details for your planned dates.
At Bancas do Arroz, visitors can sample Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas with a “KIT de degustação.” The tasting includes traditional and contemporary preparations. It adds a specific regional product to the landscape and cultural experiences; event offerings may change between editions. So check whether the tasting is scheduled for your travel dates.
This highlights a helpful distinction when choosing when to stay: the trails have set lengths and routes, while canoe trips are organized seasonally and festival or tasting offerings are tied to events. Those mainly interested in hiking, cycling or enjoying the landscape can prioritize these experiences independently of a specific festival date. For a trip that depends on a canoe outing, festival or tasting, check the relevant dates before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Alvega, Santo Estêvão, Fazendas de Almeirim, Beco, Amiais de Cima, Martinchel, Azoia De Baixo, Atalaia.
For the broader travel overview: Santarem.
