Discover Rio Maior through an unusual salt deposit: the Salinas Naturais de Rio Maior are Portugal’s only inland salt pans. Their water is about seven times saltier than seawater. It comes from a well after passing through a rock-salt deposit. Here, geology meets a site classified as cultural heritage.

Salt, landscape and a seasonal tradition

The salt pans are about 3 km from the town centre, in a valley at the foot of the Serra dos Candeeiros and within the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. Since December 1997, they have been classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. The nature park protects, among other things, karst formations, underground water systems and distinctive fauna, including species that live in caves.

Every year, the salt pans are transformed into the Aldeia dos Presépios de Sal. Since 2012, visitors have been able to see nativity scenes made of salt and little Christmas houses there. Dates and programmes vary from year to year, so check them if you are planning your trip around this seasonal visit.

The Posto de Turismo das Salinas provides information, maps and guided tours of the Salinas Naturais. If you would like to take advantage of this service, check the current arrangements before your trip.

Roman traces and historic buildings

There are also different periods to explore beyond the salt pans. The Villa Romana de Rio Maior was built in the 1st century AD; its last major construction phase dates to the 3rd or 4th century. Excavations uncovered fragments of at least five statues, including a life-size statue. There is also the almost intact Ninfa Fontenária de Rio Maior.

The Casa Senhorial D’El Rei D. Miguel is a museum space in a manor house associated with the small noble families of the Ribatejo. Its founding is dated to the 14th or 15th century. The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Vitória stands at the highest point of the town of Rio Maior and dates from the 17th century. It is also known as the Capela de S. Miguel Arcanjo or Capela das Almas. Its building includes a significant section of the former royal palace that stood on this site.

The Jardim–Bastidas route combines a trail with historical landmarks: the 6 km circular route passes the Villa Romana and continues to the ruins of the Paço Real in the historic area of Rio Maior. The Azinheira route offers a different perspective on the past. It is 13.3 km long and runs mostly on unpaved paths. For centuries, the area was shaped by the extraction of flint for fire-starting stones; it is also home to several Palaeolithic sites.

Choose circular routes by length and landscape

For shorter stated trail distances, the Jardim–Bastidas route offers a clear reference point: about 1.3 km of its 6 km are on unpaved paths. The Boiças route is a 6.60 km circular trail that also mainly uses unpaved paths. It crosses a small bridge over the Rio Maior and passes through pleasant riverside and agricultural areas.

The Jardim–Marinhas do Sal route is a circular trail with a mixed surface: 6 km run mainly along a cycle path, and about 3 km on unpaved paths. On the Jardim–Bocas route, a 1.2 km linear section leads to the source of the Rio Maior. The trail passes the Moagem Maria Celeste and the Fonte das Três Bicas before reaching Bocas, where the river begins.

Those considering a longer intermunicipal route can take the Caminho dos Candeeiros: this certified religious and cultural trail opened in 2024 and is about 63 km long. It starts in the Município de Rio Maior, passes through the areas of the Municípios de Porto de Mós, Batalha and Ourém, and leads to the Santuário de Fátima.

Discover the town and its cuisine

Parque do Rio has walking and picnic areas, playgrounds, an amphitheatre and green spaces; visitors can also enjoy direct contact with the Rio Maior there. The Villa Romana and Moagem Maria Celeste are also part of the park’s surroundings. A walking tour is recommended for the old and central areas of Rio Maior. You can use a car to get to the Complexo Desportivo and the salt pans if needed.

The cuisine also gives the region a distinctive character. Lapardana is a traditional dish made with bread and boiled potatoes, olive oil and garlic. It is served with baked cod or fried pork. Olive oil, bread and wine are also among the key ingredients of Rio Maior’s Mediterranean-influenced cuisine.

Local products reveal different aspects of this food culture: Queijinhos de Sal are salt shapes made in moulds and then baked in a wood-fired oven; they can be used as a seasoning. Pão de Rio Maior is made exclusively from flour, yeast, water and salt, with no additives. Pão-de-Ló de Rio Maior is now produced industrially while retaining the qualities that have made it so highly regarded.

Rio Maior is accessible via the EN1/IC2 or the A15, taking the Rio Maior Oeste exit. A walking tour is recommended for the old and central areas; a car may be an option for reaching the Complexo Desportivo and the salt pans. This makes it easy to put together a visit to historic sites, trails and salt pans according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Rio Maior, Marmeleira, Casais dos Monizes, Alcobertas, Almeirim, Ferreira Do Zêzere, Vila Nova Da Barquinha, São Nicolau.

For the main travel overview: Santarem.