Mafra and Ericeira: West Coast Legacy

The Mafra National Palace is the most imposing and the largest Baroque monument in Portugal, spanning an impressive area of about four hectares. Located in the town of Mafra, this gigantic complex combines a royal palace, a basilica, a Franciscan convent, and one of the most important libraries in the world.

The José Franco Open-Air Museum (locally known as Aldeia-Museu José Franco) is one of the most famous open-air ethnographic museums in Portugal. Born in the 1960s from the dream and hands of potter José Franco, this mini-village charmingly recreates the life, trades, and traditional architecture of the rural Saloia region from the early 20th century. The complex combines full-sized replicas of traditional spaces (such as a grocery store, a school, and craftsmen's workshops) with a miniature world of mechanical figures that come to life, alongside windmills, miniature castles, and leisure areas where visitors can taste the region's famous pão com chouriço (chorizo bread).

Ericeira is a picturesque fishing village and seaside resort that combines the charm of Portuguese tradition with a vibrant, youthful culture. Known for its white houses with blue trims and imposing cliffs, the town gained worldwide fame when it was declared Europe's first World Surfing Reserve (and the second in the world) in 2011. Besides being a paradise for surfers with world-class waves like those at the mythical Ribeira d'Ilhas beach, Ericeira is widely celebrated for its rich gastronomy filled with fresh fish and seafood, as well as the laid-back atmosphere of its cobblestone streets.