About Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz literally translated means ‘Fig Tree at the Mouth of the River’, which seems pretty apt given the fact that there are many Fig Trees to be found here, and the town is situated at the mouth of the River Mondego.

The town has moved away from industry and salt harvesting, that characterised its economy in the early years of the last century and tourism has grown; although a proportion of the town is still reliant on the fishing industry to some extent and it’s possible for early risers to see the large fishing boats coming into the harbour at dawn every morning.

Still relatively undiscovered by the majority of British tourists, Figueira da Foz manages to retain its Northern Portuguese charm, whilst offering the nightlife and attractions that make a holiday so much fun.

Topped at the North end of the beach, Cabo Mondego, by the Serra Boa Viagem mountain, Figueira da Foz is a town of contrasting landscapes: Europe’s widest sandy beach; numerous crashing surf breaks including a reef break and a sandbar break; the salt flats of the Rio Mondego and the pine tree covered mountain and forest to the North.

We recommend that you explore the town and beaches by foot or bike, and perhaps take a bus or train to visit nearby places of interest, including Coimbra ‘Portugal’s Oxford’- the largest and most prestigious University town in Portugal and Conimbriga, the nearby spectacularly well-preserved Roman ruins.

Even further afield, but still ideal for a day-trip are Porto and Lisbon (Figueira da Foz is neatly situated halfway between the two), Nazare, Alcobaca, Ericeira, Sintra, Obidos and Peniche.