Discover Tomar by Campervan: Complete Guide
Introduction
With its rich historical heritage and peaceful lifestyle, Tomar in Portugal is becoming an increasingly popular destination for road trip travelers. Today, we’re taking you to discover Tomar, a city located in the heart of Portugal. We’ll introduce you to the city’s history, show you how to park your campervan or van, and highlight the best activities to do.
Video of Our City Trip in This Town
What is Tomar in Portugal?
Tomar is a little gem nestled in the center of Portugal, famous for its rich historical past. Its main jewel? The Convento de Cristo, the former stronghold of the Templars, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wandering through its cobbled streets, admiring the colorful houses, and enjoying its tranquil atmosphere, you’ll find that Tomar is the ideal spot for memorable holidays, whether with family or friends. It’s also a perfect spot for campervan enthusiasts, thanks to its manageable size, welcoming campsites, and strategic position for exploring Portugal. And of course, there are numerous attractions, from historical treasures to vibrant festivals that energize the town.
History of Tomar
The history of Tomar is as rich as it is captivating. Founded in the 12th century by the Templars, this city has played a central role in Portuguese history. The Convento de Cristo, with its stunning frescoes and impressive architecture, tells tales of a distant era. Today, Tomar has preserved its old-world charm. Established in 1160 as the Templar headquarters in Portugal, it houses jewels from that era, notably the Castle of Tomar, which contains the Convent of the Order of Christ. A true architectural treasure. In the 15th century, under Henry the Navigator, Tomar emerged as the heart of Portuguese expansion, marking its significance in world history.
Geographical Location and Climate
Located in the heart of central Portugal, about 135 km (84 miles) north of Lisbon, Tomar enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate. You can expect hot, dry summers and mild winters. For those dreaming of discovering Tomar, there’s really no bad time to visit. But, a little tip: spring and autumn are perfect for a campervan trip—the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds, making the visit even more enjoyable.
How to Get to Tomar?
The nearest airport to Tomar is Lisbon Airport (LIS), located about 135 kilometers (84 miles) from the city. It is Portugal’s main airport and offers flights to many national and international destinations.
Tomar has a railway station, Estação de Tomar, served by regional and interregional trains. You can take a train from Lisbon (Gare do Oriente) to Tomar. The journey takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on the train.
If you are driving from Lisbon to Tomar, you can take the A1, a national highway that runs through Portugal. For international travelers, if you are driving from Spain, you can take the A23 to Tomar.
The average maximum temperature in Tomar is 22°C (72°F) throughout the year, ranging from 14°C (57°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in August. It rains an average of 809 mm (31.9 inches) per year, with a minimum of 6 mm (0.2 inches) in July and a maximum of 104 mm (4.1 inches) in February.
When to Visit Tomar by Campervan?
The best time to visit Tomar, considering the climate, would be from April to November. However, the weather is truly ideal from June to September. Here is a summary table of the average weather conditions by month:
| Month | Average Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°/14° (45°F/57°F) | 93 | ☔️ | Not favorable |
| February | 8°/16° (46°F/61°F) | 104 | ☔️ | Not favorable |
| March | 9°/18° (48°F/64°F) | 94 | ☔️ | Not favorable |
| April | 10°/20° (50°F/68°F) | 93 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| May | 13°/24° (55°F/75°F) | 67 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| June | 16°/27° (61°F/81°F) | 22 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| July | 17°/31° (63°F/88°F) | 6 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| August | 17°/32° (63°F/90°F) | 6 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| September | 16°/30° (61°F/86°F) | 50 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| October | 15°/24° (59°F/75°F) | 92 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| November | 11°/18° (52°F/64°F) | 96 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| December | 8°/15° (46°F/59°F) | 90 | ☔️ | Not favorable |
If you plan to visit Tomar, the summer months are the ideal time to enjoy the beautiful weather. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, the spring and autumn months also offer pleasant weather conditions.
We had the opportunity to visit Tomar twice. The first time was at the very end of autumn (mid-December), where we were able to train outdoors and have a workout session. The second time was during the Tabuleiros Festival (July). Despite expecting very hot weather due to the heatwave in the Algarve, the nights were perfect, which pleasantly surprised us!
Where to Park and Stay Overnight in a Campervan or Van in Tomar?
Tomar offers several options for campervan parking. Camping Pelinos 77 and Parque de Campismo de Tomar are two of the best choices for their location and facilities.
- 🥇 Parque de Campismo de Tomar: A picturesque campsite with a swimming pool, located near the Nabão River.
- 🥈 Parque Verde do Nabão: A lush park by the Nabão River, ideal for a relaxing break.
- 🥉 Parque de Merendas da Foz do Rio: A scenic picnic park at the river’s mouth, perfect for a family day out.
- 📍 Parque de Campismo Rural de Almourol: A rural campsite near Almourol Castle, offering a unique camping experience.
- 📍 Parking Lidl, 6 Rua Choromela: A parking lot open from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm, offering a calm and quiet environment for overnight stays.
During our two visits, we chose the municipal park. It is an old campsite taken over by the town hall, currently in a neglected state but it seems that the city plans to invest in its rehabilitation. In winter, it was empty, but in summer, especially during the Tabuleiros Festival, it was packed, and we even parked in a lane within the campsite.
However, it remains free and is only a few minutes’ walk from the old town. This location and its negligible cost (free) make it an essential spot if you want to visit the city. If it is full, we saw other campervans parked in different lots, and it didn’t seem to be an issue.
Where and What to Eat in Tomar?
Tomar is a prime destination for food lovers, especially those who enjoy discovering local flavors. The city is full of cozy restaurants and regional pastry shops that will delight your taste buds. Here are some must-try places:
Restaurants in Tomar
- 🍽️ Restaurant Infante: Located in the iconic Templar city of Tomar, Restaurant Infante offers exquisite fusion cuisine, combining the best of traditional cooking with an innovative approach. It is open daily and has private parking.
- 🍽️ Tasca O Perdigoto: Situated in the heart of Tomar’s historic center, Tasca O Perdigoto is the oldest tavern in town. It’s the perfect place to enjoy absolutely appetizing “petiscos” at very affordable prices.
- 🍽️ Taverna Antiqua: Located on Republic Square in Tomar, Taverna Antiqua is a themed restaurant that recreates the medieval era in a truly unique atmosphere. It offers a rich medieval cuisine influenced by Greek and Roman traditions.
Specialties of Tomar
Tomar is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of convent sweets. Among the most famous delights, you’ll find “Beija-me depressa” (kiss me quickly), “Fatias de Tomar” (slices of Tomar), and “Queijinhos doces” (sweet cheeses). These treats, made with eggs and almonds, are sugary treasures of the region.
The “Fatias de Tomar” are particularly unique: made from beaten egg yolks, they are formed and then soaked in a sweet syrup, giving them a melt-in-the-mouth texture and exquisite taste. To savor these specialties, head to Estrelas de Tomar, the oldest pastry shop in town. This classic bakery is famous for its delicate candies that are bursting with flavor and refinement.
One afternoon, we decided to enjoy the warm ambiance of the restaurant 📍 Lusitania, nestled near the picturesque Nabão River. This place offers a traditional Portuguese concept: the “prato do dia” or dish of the day, usually offered for less than €10 (about $11 or £9). An unbeatable value for an authentic immersion in local gastronomy.
What to Do in Tomar?
The Convento de Cristo
The Convento de Cristo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see in Tomar. This impressive monastery, founded in the 12th century by the Templars, offers stunning views of the city. The heart of the convent is the Charola, a beautifully decorated round church inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. As you explore the convent, you’ll discover majestic cloisters and Manueline architectural elements added in the 16th century.
The Historic Center of Tomar
The historic center of Tomar is another must-visit. With its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and quaint cafes, it’s the perfect place to stroll and soak up the local atmosphere. Don’t miss the Praça da República, the main square, surrounded by historic buildings like the Igreja de São João Baptista and the Tomar Town Hall. It’s also the perfect spot to sit down and enjoy local specialties like the Fatias de Tomar.
Local Festivities
Don’t miss the local festivities if you’re in Tomar during the summer. The Festa dos Tabuleiros, held every four years, is a spectacular celebration with parades, music, and traditional dances. For a week, the town is decorated with paper flowers and colorful banners, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. The highlight is the parade of women carrying trays decorated with flowers and bread on their heads—a unique and memorable spectacle.
Besides these attractions, be sure to visit Tomar Castle, the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes park for a pleasant walk, and the Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais for its historical significance related to the Templars. Tomar is a city rich in history and culture, perfect for a getaway full of discoveries.
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Tomar?
Tomar is an excellent destination for campervan trips. With its historical richness, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, there’s always something to discover and enjoy in this charming Portuguese town. So, get your campervan ready and set off on an adventure!
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