Oeiras is by the sea and about 10 km from Lisbon. One particularly vivid way to experience the coast is the Passeio MarĂtimo de Oeiras: it is ideal for walking and cycling and starts at Praia de Paço d’Arcos before ending at Praia da Torre. Along the way, it passes the Doca, the seawater swimming pool and several beaches in the area. This way, you encounter various coastal spots along the Passeio, while enjoying the route itself on foot or by bike.
Coast between beach, promenade and harbour
Praia de Santo Amaro is a bay with an extensive sandy beach, flanked by a waterfront promenade. The beach is accessible by car or train. Santo Amaro therefore offers a distinct beach experience, while the Passeio MarĂtimo, as a route for walking and cycling, gives you a different perspective on the coast.
The Porto de Recreio de Oeiras offers another facet, in a privileged area of the Tagus estuary. The harbour can accommodate 284 boats up to 25 metres long. A seawater pool is on one side, and a 3 km waterfront promenade on the other. These figures describe different aspects of the place: the harbour’s capacity and the length of the neighbouring path. Here, maritime activity and a stretch by the water sit side by side.
Coastal fortifications and historic sites
In the 17th century, a series of fortifications was built along the coast to defend the Tagus bar and, in turn, the approach to Lisbon. Forte de São Bruno in Paço de Arcos is one of Oeiras’s notable coastal fortifications. Its architecture can be seen in its star-shaped polygonal layout, two bastions and square courtyard. The courtyard forms the centre of the fort, while the bastions and polygonal shape give the complex its distinctive structure.
Another historic discovery is the 18th-century Palácio do Marquês de Pombal. The Palácio e Jardins do Marquês de Pombal is classified as a National Monument. The estate was conceived as a cultural landscape, with the residence and gardens designed as a unified whole. This connection makes the gardens more than just an addition to the Palácio.
The gardens are open daily. From 1 May to 30 September, opening hours are 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; from 1 October to 30 April, they are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. As schedules may change, check the opening hours before your visit.
Museums, art and culinary events
The Museu da Pólvora Negra is part of the Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena complex. It is housed in the former Casa dos Engenhos building and has four exhibition rooms. The museum opened on 17 June 1998 as part of the restoration of the Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena. The history of the museum and that of the factory complex are therefore closely intertwined.
At the Palácio Anjos, the Centro de Arte Manuel de Brito presents the Manuel de Brito collection. It comprises 105 works, spans the period from 1914 to the present, and is representative of 20th-century Portuguese art. Workshop spaces and educational activities for younger visitors complement the art centre’s offerings. Art lovers will find both an overview of the collection across time and a place with educational activities.
The culinary scene also features on the events calendar: “Há Prova em Oeiras” is an enogastronomic event with guided wine tastings and culinary demonstrations. The twelfth edition took place in 2026. If you are planning to attend a future edition, check its dates separately.
Discover more destinations: Oeiras, Algés, Carnaxide, Caxias, Queijas, Porto Salvo, Cruz Quebrada, Vila Franca De Xira.
For the broader travel overview: Lisbon.
