Benavente between the Sorraia, Lezíria and cultural heritage

Benavente can be explored through three themes: the trails along and across the Sorraia, the Ribatejo-Lezíria landscape and the town’s architectural heritage. First consider whether your main focus is walking and cycling, river and landscape views, or historic sites.

Walking, cycling and water on the Sorraia

The Rota das Lezírias is an approximately 20-kilometre circular hiking trail that can begin in Benavente. Cycling is also permitted on the route. Seasonal conditions may affect its use and should be taken into account when planning.

A 2-kilometre branch of the Rota das Lezírias begins at Parque Ribeirinho de Benavente. It crosses the Sorraia via a footbridge and heads towards Vala Nova. Parque Ribeirinho itself offers space for walking and cycling along the banks of the Sorraia. This provides several ways to get active by the river: a circular trail, a shorter branch and paths in the riverside park. Check the condition of the park before visiting.

Canoeing on the Sorraia is another activity available locally: the Sports Promotion Department of the Câmara Municipal de Benavente organises trips from May to June. As the seasonal programme may change, it is advisable to check the scheduled dates before deciding when to visit.

Lezíria and nature reserve

The Ribatejo-Lezíria is a vast, extremely fertile plain where horses and fighting bulls are bred. The Reserva Natural do Estuário do Tejo also extends into the municipality of Benavente. About two-thirds of the reserve consists of estuarine waters; it also extends into Alcochete and Vila Franca de Xira. The surrounding plain and the nature reserve each give the landscape a distinct, clearly defined character.

Buildings and pilgrimage route

The Pelourinho de Benavente is believed to have been erected in 1516, when D. Manuel I granted Benavente its new charter. The monument is classified as a Portuguese cultural heritage site of public interest, as an Imóvel de Interesse Público. Its cautiously reported date and its official classification are two distinct aspects of its history.

The Igreja da Misericórdia de Benavente developed from the former Capela do Espírito Santo, which dates back to the 13th century. The structure of the former Roda dos Expostos is still incorporated into one of the church’s walls. The church also has tile panels from the disused Convento de Jenicó. These details bring both the building’s earlier history and some of its surviving features into focus.

The Cruzeiro do Calvário was commissioned in 1644 by the brothers of the Santos Passos and built from Lioz limestone. The churchyard overlooks the Sorraia and the Ribatejo-Lezíria. Visitors interested in architectural history and landscapes will find both themes brought together at this named site. A stage of the Caminho Central also ends in Benavente: Stage 15 leads to Praça do Município, next to the municipal tourism services.

Festivals, agriculture and rice

The traditional festival calendar lists the Festa da Amizade e Sardinha Assada de Benavente, with dates from 25 to 27 June. Dates and programmes may change from year to year, so check them if you plan to time your trip around the festival. A permanent exhibition systematically presents the agricultural production cycle, complementing the themes of landscape and agriculture with an account of the individual production stages.

At the Bancas do Arroz, visitors can sample Arroz Carolino das Lezírias Ribatejanas with a “KIT de degustação”. The offering includes traditional and contemporary preparations; it may vary between editions of the event. This allows you to include a local rice speciality in your plans, alongside the trails, river and buildings.

Discover more destinations: Bemposta, Atalaia, Monsanto, Soudos, Fazendas de Almeirim, Cercal Do Alentejo, Martinchel, Amiais de Cima.

For the broader travel overview: Santarem.