Mafra: From the Palace to the Ocean, 2 Typical Villages, and Ericeira

Embark on a memorable journey through the heart of the Saloia region, where history, rural culture, and Atlantic charm meet. This tour is designed for those who want to get to know the best of Mafra and its surroundings, with carefully chosen stops to provide an authentic and engaging experience.
1 - Aldeia da Mata Pequena - Time slows down here. A preserved rural village with centuries-old stone and lime houses, benefiting from a quiet location surrounded by nature. It has interesting features like traditional chapels, houses with typical Portuguese architecture, and preserved rural elements. The village has ancient roots, with rural traditions dating back several centuries. Its history is tied to the region's agriculture and rural life. A unique opportunity to dive into the roots of the Saloia region.
2 - Convent of Mafra - One of the largest and most impressive baroque buildings in Europe. Visit the Basilica, the convent, the monumental bookstore, and the royal chambers on a journey to the splendor of the 18th century. An expression of the kingdom's faith, power, and wealth, the work was financed with riches from Brazil, especially gold and diamonds. The convent church is one of the largest in the world. The Library of the Convent of Mafra was created to promote study and culture. It's also one of the most important in the world, with about 36,000 volumes, including rare books and ancient manuscripts.
3 - Aldeia Típica José Franco - it's a recreation of a traditional Portuguese village. It was founded in 1969 by José Franco, a craftsman and enthusiast of popular culture, with the aim of preserving and disseminating Portuguese traditions, architecture, and rural way of life. It's like an open-air museum, where you can explore typical houses, craft workshops, and learn about traditional agricultural activities, such as making bread, wine, olive oil, and other typical products. Visitors can stroll through alleys and spaces that depict: the old primary school, the village grocery store, the tavern, the barber, the shoemaker, the olive oil mill, and several traditional houses furnished in the period style. It's a magical space created as a tribute to Portuguese rural life of yesteryear.
- 4 Ericeira - Located on the Atlantic coast, in the municipality of Mafra, it's a picturesque fishing village that has evolved into a top tourist destination, without losing its traditional and genuine character. With a strong connection to the sea, Ericeira keeps its fishing village identity alive, and it's common to see fishing boats in the harbor. Ericeira has a charming historic center, with narrow streets, traditional tiled houses, and a typical fishing village atmosphere. Recognized for its authenticity, cultural heritage, and preserved traditions, Ericeira enchants those who visit.