Claridade Beach
“Figueira, Figueira da Foz, Fine sands, Cradle of mermaids, Seeking shelter.” So goes the song that spreads the beauty of this beach throughout its lyrics. It is true that it no longer has the length it once had, but even today Claridade Beach, or Relógio Beach, as it is also called, remains one of the largest in the country. Meters and meters of sand so white that, with the reflection of the sun, it gained a unique clarity that ended up giving it its name.
It welcomes us when we arrive in Figueira da Foz, perfectly framing the entire waterfront of the city. Even if the weather does not allow you to go swimming, you can always enjoy a walk on one of the beaches favored by many bathers in the central region.
Serra da Boa Viagem
It is sea, it is river, it is mountains. The latter, Boa Viagem, occupies some 400 hectares on the outskirts of Figueira da Foz, in the direction of Buracos. First of all, the view from the top down to the sea is outstanding. Then, after passing by the Cabo Mondego Lighthouse, choose a spot for a picnic. Especially in summer, when the heat is intense on the beach, this is the place to welcome the fresh mountain air with open arms.
There are also several trails ideal for those who enjoy outdoor sports, such as trekking or mountain biking. Enjoy the greenery, with the blue sea so close by.
Fort of Santa Catarina
It stands imposingly at the entrance to the Figueira da Foz waterfront. Due to its privileged location, it was frequently attacked by pirate ships, which led to the need to build a fortification near the mouth of the Mondego River. This came to fruition in the 16th century with money raised from sources as diverse as the University of Coimbra and the sale of rents from Buarcos, a village neighboring Figueira da Foz.
Today, the Figueirense Tennis Club and a restaurant are located there. In the center of the square, it is still possible to admire the lighthouse, dating from the beginning of the last century, which, however, ceased to function in 1991.
Dr. Santos Rocha Municipal Museum
It was a local man, António dos Santos Rocha, who promoted the creation of a museum in 1894 to house all the archaeological remains he had found on his expeditions to the Serra da Boa Viagem. What began as a space for ethnographic and archaeological exhibitions became, after the death of its mentor, a museum where the collections were extended to other areas. Today, the Dr. Santos Rocha Municipal Museum is housed in a building that also houses the library and an auditorium, making it an important cultural infrastructure for the city. There are collections of weapons, furniture, and coins, among others.
The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Admission to the permanent exhibition costs €2. If you only want to visit the temporary exhibitions, which are also available, then you don't even need to buy a ticket.
Casino da Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz has always been a land of casinos. At the beginning of the last century, there were five gambling halls in Bairro Novo. Even today, you can still admire the beautiful building that housed one of them—the Casino Oceano, on Rua da Concórdia.
Times have changed, and today there is only one casino in operation. The Figueira da Foz Casino is the city's entertainment venue par excellence. Every year, it welcomes thousands of visitors, gambling enthusiasts, or curious people who decide to try their luck. The building is located right in the center of downtown and stands out for its glass and undulating facades, reminiscent of the movement of the sea. Inside, be sure to admire the Salão Caffé, with an atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by and frescoes painted on the ceiling that are well worth contemplating.
Palácio Sotto Mayor
Figueira da Foz has always been the beach of choice for many vacationers, some of whom were wealthy and chose to build their summer homes there. The Sotto Mayor Palace is one such case, built by an emigrant who gave it its name at the end of the 19th century. The architectural design was entrusted to Gaston Landeck, who was inspired by typical French palaces. He surrounded himself with some of the most relevant artists of the time — painters António Ramalho, Dórdio Gomes, and Joaquim Lopes, among others — to decorate the palace. The result was one of the most beautiful buildings of the time, not only in Figueira da Foz, but in the whole country.
You can see it on Rua Joaquim Sotto Mayor, a tribute to the man who once dreamed of this palace.