Visiting fairytale-worthy or interesting places doesn’t always involve great distances. Sometimes it’s enough to hit the road and take the opportunity to travel abroad. The Porto Metropolitan Area is full of incredible places to visit and monuments to admire. The municipality of Santa Maria da Feira is one such place.
Located about half an hour from Porto, the city of Santa Maria da Feira, or simply Feira, belongs to the district of Aveiro. This is a municipality renowned for its medieval recreation, but also for its delicious fogaças. However, these are just some of the (many) reasons why it’s worth leaving Invicta.
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Medieval Journey in Terra de Santa Maria
For twelve days, the historic center and castle of Santa Maria da Feira are transformed into an authentic “time machine” with environments and faithful replications of the medieval past.
The event, considered one of the largest historical re-enactments in Europe, offers knightly tournaments, themed taverns, markets and daily shows for all ages.
Visitors can also explore areas dedicated to families, take part in children’s activities and sample period-inspired cuisine. In 2024, it attracted an impressive 650,000 visitors and for 2025 it promises to repeat the success with a journey through history to the reign of King Afonso V.
📍Santa Maria da Feira
Santa Maria da Feira Castle
This is one of the most beautiful castles near Porto and one of the most remarkable Portuguese military monuments. About half an hour’s drive from Invicta, a visit to this medieval fortification is always worthwhile.
It was once the seat of the well-known “Land of Santa Maria”. Today, Santa Maria da Feira Castle is the epicenter of one of Europe’s most famous medieval re-enactments – the Medieval Journey.
📍 Alameda Roberto Vaz de Oliveira 4520, Sta. Maria da Feira
Quinta do Castelo
Located on one of the slopes of the medieval monument, Quinta do Castelo adds an even more magical touch to the landscape. As you walk through every nook and cranny, you feel as if you’ve been transported straight into a fairy tale. It is a place with centuries of history that has stood the test of time.
It once belonged to the Condado da Feira, the Casa do Infantado and the Brandão family, and is currently owned by the local authority. Known as a great symbol of romanticism, due to its artificial grotto, bridge and lake, Quinta do Castelo is also the stage for important events, such as Perlim (a Christmas-themed event), or the Medieval Journey in Santa Maria Land.
📍 R. do Parque infantil, Sta. Maria da Feira
Museum of Santa Maria de Lamas
The municipality of Santa Maria da Feira has many places to visit. As well as its famous castle and surrounding woods, there are some museums of great cultural interest, such as the Museum of Santa Maria de Lamas. This place is also known as the “Cork Museum”.
Like the Fernando de Castro House-Museum, it is a space centered on the figure of a collector (Henrique Amorim). For this reason, the collection is unique, covering various arts. Here you can find, for example, gilded woodcarvings, tiles, cork statues, paintings and liturgical objects, among other things.
📍 Largo da Igreja, 90, Santa Maria de Lamas
Lourosa Zoo – Ornithological Park
Lourosa Zoo is the only Ornithological Park in the country, so it’s definitely worth a visit. Dedicated exclusively to birds, this zoo is home to more than 500 birds of 150 different species, spread over 80 habitats.
It’s a place suitable for kids and adults alike and can be a great family outing. Located about 20 minutes from the city of Porto, this is one of the (less obvious) reasons to discover the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira.
📍 Rua do Parque, Lourosa
Terras de Santa Maria Paper Museum
Opened in 2001, the Terras de Santa Maria Paper Museum is the first of its kind in Portugal dedicated to the history of paper.
The official website of the Paper Museum reads as follows:
The creation of a monographic museum dedicated to the History of Paper, is justified by the importance that, since 1708, the paper industry has had in the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira and in several neighboring municipalities [that make up the former Terra de Santa Maria].“
📍 Rua do Rio Maior, 338, Paços de Brandão
Castro de Romariz
If you like traveling back in time, then you’ll like this suggestion. In Romariz, there is a fortified settlement (Castro culture), which dates from the 5th century BC to the 1st century AD.
According to the local authority’s website, the Castro de Romariz is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Entre Douro e Vouga region.
📍 Monte do Castro (of the Moors), Romariz
Termas de São Jorge
If you like to relax your body and mind, then you’ll be pleased to know that, just 25 km from Porto, you can visit the Termas de São Jorge.
With a long spa tradition, the Termas de São Jorge are renowned for the therapeutic qualities of their waters. An ideal refuge for relieving everyday stress .
📍 Praça de S. Jorge, Caldas de São Jorge
Mâmoa River Beach
There are some very good river beaches in and around Porto, but since this itinerary is dedicated to Santa Maria da Feira, it’s worth mentioning Praia Fluvial da Mâmoa .
Situated in Milheirós de Poiares, in the catchment area of the River Úl, this bathing area is a must for hot days.
This year, Praia Fluvial da Mâmoa was awarded the “Golden Quality Beach 2022” prize by Quercus.
📍 R. Casa da Mâmoa, Milheirós de Poiares
Lóios Convent Museum
This is a must-see for anyone who loves history and heritage, as this space is dedicated to safeguarding the past of the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira and the region.
Nowadays, this place plays the role of a museum, but we mustn’t forget that it was once a convent.
This fact alone makes it a real delight, thanks to its beautiful cloister with a fountain in the middle. Or the monumental staircase.
📍 Praça Dr. Guilherme Alves Moreira, 4520-174 Santa Maria da Feira