As tradition dictates, the Aguardente DOC Lourinhã Gastronomic Fortnight is about to begin. This is the 14th edition and will take place between the 7th and 21st of November.
For two weeks, 21 restaurants in this municipality in the West region participate in the celebration, presenting exclusive menus in which Aguardente DOC Lourinhã is the highlighted and mandatory ingredient in the selected recipes. From starters to main courses and desserts, including cocktails created especially for the occasion, there is a lot to taste.
Octopus woodpecker with soy sauce and DOC Lourinhã Brandy (Erva Daninha)
Among the suggestions that promise to surprise, there are dishes such as Mushrooms stuffed with Aguardente DOC Lourinhã glaze, shrimp and chorizo (Alta Restaurante), Venison, cream of potatoes and figs roasted in Aguardente DOC Lourinhã (Restaurante Meia Casca), Veal medallion in Aguardente DOC Lourinhã velouté, roasted leek and caramelized apple (Restaurant Vestigium) and the DOC Lourinhã Brandy Cheesecake (Pizza & Companhia).
To complete the experience, several restaurants also feature exclusive cocktails, such as the Sour DOC, the DOC Espresso, the Negroni Aguardente DOC or the Cascardente, inspired by the region’s citrus fruits.
Visits, tastings and music
DOC Lourinhã brandy
Adega Cooperativa da Lourinhã
The Aguardente DOC Lourinhã Gastronomic Fortnight program also includes several activities that invite you to discover local flavors and traditions. Adega Cooperativa da Lourinhã promotes an open day on the 15th and 16th of November, at 3pm, with a guided tour and tasting of Aguardente DOC Lourinhã XO, accompanied by a pairing that combines history and flavor. Participation is free, but subject to prior registration (30 places per session), via email geral@adegalourinha.pt.
Also on the agenda is a fado night, on November 14th, at the Novo Parque Restaurant. The following night, the Castelo Restaurant has live music. A Aguardente DOC Lourinhã Gastronomic Fortnight is an initiative of Lourinhã City Council, with the collaboration of Adega Cooperativa da Lourinhã, Quinta do Rol and the support of the Lisbon Region Wine Commission.
Sea, land and dinosaurs
Jurassic Nights at Dino Parque da Lourinhã
João Costa
At the gates of Lisbon, in the heart of the West region, Lourinhã is a territory of mills, the Atlantic coast and dinosaurs, but also the only demarcated region for wine spirits in Portugal and one of three in Europe. Between the peaceful rurality, which has Pera Rocha as one of its greatest emblems, and the hustle and bustle of the sea, Lourinhã is a territory with a rich history that dates back to Jurassic times.
On every corner, square or roundabout in this town you will find a model of Dinosaur, including the world famous T-Rex. But, for an experience almost identical to the Jurassic Park films, the suggestion is to enter Dino Parque da Lourinhã. First, know that it was in this municipality that Lourinhosaurus and Dinheirosaurus were discovered.
Between November 28th and December 23rd, the now famous Jurassic Nights return to this park. With the doors open until 10pm, the Dino Parque da Lourinhã invites visitors of all ages to explore the prehistoric trails after sunset, when the more than 200 full-scale dinosaurs light up and the scenery transforms into a universe of light and mystery. “It is a visual and sensorial spectacle that transforms the park into a natural stage, where mystery and imagination go hand in hand”, announces the largest open-air museum in Europe.
Discover the natural beauty of Lourinhã
From the rural interior to the Atlantic beaches, Lourinhã, in the heart of the West region, offers several nature walks. The Urban Dinosaur Exhibition is a 2.7 km route through the interior of the town, which allows you to discover and learn more about 12 dinosaurs (and reptiles) at full scale. Next to each dinosaur, interpretive signs provide information in Portuguese, English and Braille. The suggestion is that it starts at Praça José Máximo da Costa and ends in the pleasant and peaceful Jardim de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos.
Already with a “Medium” degree of difficulty, PR4 – Dos Dinossauros à Rocha is a circular route, measuring 9.6 km, between the village of Ribamar and the beautiful beach of Porto Dinheiro, the place where the “Dinheirosaurus” or “Lizard of (Porto) Dinheiro” was discovered. In summer, take advantage of low tide to find small natural pools on the south side of the beach. A short distance away you will find the suggestive Dinosaur viewpoint. Be aware that, from Ribamar, the route joins the route of GR11 E9 – Caminho do Atlântico. In the opposite direction, further inland, the route goes up to Cabeço da Pedra do Sino, an ideal place to look at the Atlantic coast.
For a contemplative walk marked by the smell of the sea, take advantage of the Ciclovia, which connects the village of Lourinhã to Areal Sul beach, very popular for surfing, and next to the famous Areia Branca beach.
The history of this region is also marked by the invasions of Napoleon’s troops, with emphasis on the Battle of Vimeiro, which took place on August 21, 1808, as part of the First French Invasion of Portugal. You can find out more about this landmark military event at Interpretation Center or follow the marks of History through the walking route PR3 – Pelos Caminhos da Batalha do Vimeiro, with a total of 17.6 km, divided into four stages.
The Commemorative Monument of the 1st Centenary of the Battle of Vimeiro can be an excellent starting point for the walk, passing through rural areas and reference points as the fighting unfolds. Fonte Lima Park, which is part of the route, is a small green oasis, dotted with lakes, waterfalls and an excellent panoramic view.
Climb the Serra de Montejunto to see the windmills. The Avis Mill, located at the top of the mountain, is the largest still in operation in Portugal.
150 million years of history in the Oeste Geopark
Vale Cornago Waterfall
CM Lourinhã
Recognized in March 2024, Geopark Oeste became the sixth in Portugal to be classified by UNESCO and also the most recent. In the municipalities of Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinhã, Peniche and Torres Vedras, we set out to discover nests, dinosaur footprints, beaches and cliffs made up of geological layers that are 150 million years old
In the territory of Lourinhã, among the places to visit, reference is the Cesaredas Plateau, which many say is similar to Gerês. It is a limestone territory around 140 million years old that can be discovered through PR2 – Via the Cesaredas Plateau, a 12 km circular route. Nearby, in the Cornaga Valley, look for the waterfalls and then observe the Roman bridges over the Galvão River, which crosses the town of Reguengo Grande.
Here, you can discover the unique flavor of the reguengueira apple, less acidic and sweeter than the common one. Alternatively, try the Reguengos, Reineta apple pastries prepared at the Natinhas do Céu pastry shop. If you return to the county seat, a visit to the Pastelaria Padaria Lourinius, known for the Lourinhã Aguardente Pastries, is a must. They have an almond base and Lourinhã DOC Brandy, which is placed on a layer of shortcrust pastry.
From Areia Branca to Porto das Barcas
Quinta do Rol
Ricardo Junqueira
In the municipality of Lourinhã you can book rooms in various accommodation options, with emphasis on the Laurus Hotellocated in the village, o Hotel Dom Lourençoon Areia Branca beach, and the tourist apartment complex Bride of the Seanext to Porto das Barcas. Consider, alternatively, rural tourism options, such as Quinta do Molinua Quinta do Rol or Vale da Lourinhã – Country Houses.
Good Bed Good Table
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