Have you ever heard of Batalha? If your answer is either “No” or “Yes but hasn’t been there in a long while”, then keep reading the post to check how to spend a day in Batalha, in Portugal!
Even though we are still living in Pandemic-times, I believe we should slowly put our minds into happier things like traveling, for example. If you happen to be planning a Summer holiday in Portugal, which I would totally recommend, or if you are a fellow Portuguese looking for a short day trip suggestion, then maybe today’s post could be for you! Keep reading to see how I spend a lovely day in Batalha, in Portugal, and how you can as well!
Location:
Batalha is a town and municipality in the Leiria district, in central Portugal. Leiria itself is the largest city in this district and also its capital of this district. Batalha is located about 120km (approx. 74.6 miles) from Lisbon and 196km (approx. 122 miles) from Porto.
How to get to Batalha:
The easiest way to get to Batalha is by car, whether your own or rental car. When traveling by car, you will reach Batalha within 1h30 from Lisbon or about 1h45 from Porto; these are average travel times, without traffic, and if you decide to go on a highway. Just be prepared that when driving on highway tolls apply.
Summary:
Lisbon – Batalha: 1h30 – A1 highway
Porto – Batalha: 1h45 – A1 highway
However, if you do not have a car, you can reach Batalha my express bus services. I recommend Rede Expressos since I have used it on previous travels and their buses are very comfortable, with free wi-fi, air-co, and very good drivers.
Information
Rede Expresso website.
History:
Batalha was founded by D. João I with its magnificent monastery to pay homage to the battle victory in Battle of Aljubarrota, in 1385.
This battle has opposed the kingdom of Portugal, supported by the Kingdom of England, and the crown of Castile, supported by the Kingdom of France, Crown of Aragon, and Italian allies. Portugal’s victory put an end to Castile’s ambitions to the Portuguese throne, and D. João I became King of Portugal. Tales say that a Portuguese woman, Brites de Almeida, killed eight Castillian soldiers. Think of her as Brienne of Tarth, kind of woman; she later becomes an icon of this battle and her legacy still remains very alive in Portuguese culture and memory.
Close by:
Since Batalha is a relatively small town, making it perfect for a day trip, but also to combine with other nice towns closer by. If you have the time, I recommend visiting:
Alcobaça – 24km
Leiria – 14km
Tomar – 45km
Nazaré – 33km (where they have some of the biggest waves in the World! A surfer’s dream)
Fátima – a must-see for all Catholics.
Highlights:
In my opinion, Batalha’s highlight is for sure its Monastery (Santa Maria da Vitória or most commonly known as Mosteiro da Batalha). This monastery has influences of Gothic and Manueline architecture, and it was added in 1983 by UNESCO to the list of World Heritage Sites.
Information
Website – Mosteiro da Batalha website
Opening hours – 9 am to5.30 pm (16-Oct to 31-Mar) / 9 am to 6.30 pm (1-Apr to 15-Oct)
NOTE: Schedule may be different nowadays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ticket price – 6 Eur (special tickets available, check the website for further info)
Dining Options:
Locals recommended us Burro Velho restaurant, but unfortunately, at the time of our visit, it was closed. We ended up having a quick lunch at Pap’ Oliva which is located right across the Monastery; nothing fancy but it was sufficient.
Final thoughts:
It had been a long while since I last visited Batalha and I was glad that I could spend a nice day there together with my family; after all, we were celebrating my mother’s birthday. Batalha makes a nice day-trip option if you are staying in Portugal for a few days, and you can easily combine it with other towns close by as mentioned above. We had a great day there and I recommend it!
Other day trip suggestions you may like:
Day trip – Cabo da Roca & Cascais
5 places to visit 1 hour away from Lisbon
I hope you liked this post and got inspired to spend a day in Batalha, in Portugal.
See you on the next post!
18 Responses
The monastery is gorgeous! I love visiting churches/monasteries for they architecture and art and would love to go there.
Thank you for sharing the day trip itinerary!
Loren | Plaid and Sugar
I’m glad you like the post. The Monastery is beautiful, totally recommend to visit it, if you can. Thanks for your visit!
What a beautiful Monastery! I’d love to go here someday c:
It’s a short day trip from either Lisbon or Porto, so you could easily combine with other towns close by. Totally recommend. 🙂 thanks for your visit!
What a lovely place..loved the pictures.thanks for sharing
I’m glad you liked both the post and the photos! 🙂 Thanks for your visit!
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Batalha, especially since it’s not far from Lisbon. Talk about a hidden gem in Portugal! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, Portugal has many hidden gems! Could be an interesting new post haha Thanks for the idea & I hope you get the chance to visit. 🙂 thanks for your visit!
I absolutely love Portugal but never heard of this place! What a hidden gem ❤️😍 Thank you for sharing!
Then I truly hope you get the chance to visit both Portugal and Batalha! I believe you will have a great time 🙂 Thanks for your visit!
I haven’t been to Portugal but Batalha looks really nice and is just the kind of place I like to explore. I love anywhere with a bit of history too
If you like places with History then Portugal is a very rich country in that sense. From big cities to small towns, most places have quite an interesting history associated with them. I hope you get the chance to visit Portugal. 🙂 Thanks for your visit!
I have been once in Lisbon and loved it ! Definitely coming back to Portugal A gorgeous country to travel! Good to know about Batalha as I havent heard it
That’s so great that you plan and revisit Portugal! There are many other amazing places to visit; check out my Portugal tab in the menu and that might give you some inspiration on what to visit next 😉 Thanks for your visit!
I’ve never even heard of this place! I’ve only been to Portugal once but clearly I need to go back!
Hi Bella, if you have the chance to revisit Portugal, I’m sure you will have an amazing time. It’s such a diverse country that it can fit anyone’s travel wishes. Please feel free to browse on Portugal tab in the menu for further inspiration. Thanks for your visit! 🙂
I just love Portuguese towns! This one is totally on my list for my next visit to Portugal, that monastery looks so impressive!
Hi Ann! Portugal has many impressive monasteries, so you’ll have an amazing time if you get the chance to return to Portugal. If you need some ideas of places to visit, then check on my Portugal tab in the menu bar. Thanks for your visit! 🙂