Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz is a seaside resort on the Beira Litoral in Central Portugal, situated at the mouth of the Mondego River west of Coimbra. It boasts a long waterfront promenade, Europe's widest urban beach and one of Portugal's few casinos. It is also popular with surfing enthusiasts for its favorable conditions and often hosts surfing competitive events.

Waterfront buildings in Figueira da Foz reflecting in a pool

Understand

Figueira da Foz (fee-GAY-ruh duh FAWSH, /fi.ˈgɐj.ɾɐ dɐ ˈfɔʃ/) municipality has 62,125 residents (2011), with about 28,000 in the city proper.

The name of the city is most probably derived from disused Latin and proto-Portuguese terminology referring to its location on the mouth of the river Mondego, whose name itself refers to it entering the Atlantic ocean. The favourable location led to humans settling in the area early on, although the city appears in record only in the 10th century. It has seen tremendous development thanks to advances in seafaring and later industrial revolution, and it was not until late 19th century that is became a seaside resort and underwent yet another transformation since then.

Figueira da Foz is the second most populous municipality in the Coimbra district after Coimbra itself. While ostensibly a resort, its port is also of major significance to trade and several major industries are located within the municipality, including large paper, glass and cement factories.

Visitor information

• 1 Posto de Turismo, Esplanada Silva Guimarães, Castelo Engenheiro Silva, ☏ +351 233 209 500, figueiraturismo@cm-figfoz.pt. Daily 09:30–13:00 & 14:00–17:30. (updated Jun 2021)

Get in

• 1 Figueira da Foz railway station (Estação Ferroviária de Figueira da Foz). Figueira da Foz is the terminus of railway branch line from Coimbra. The only trains serving Figueira are the urbanos from Coimbra, operated by Comboios de Portugal, taking a little over an hour to traverse the line and stopping at numerous towns along the way. The journey requires crossing all five fare zones and incurs a base fare of €2.65 one way. Alternatively, some trains from Lisbon reach Alfarelos or Veride on said line, from where it takes just 30 minutes to get to Figueira on an urbano. (updated Jun 2020)

Figueira da Foz has no international airport and neither has its metropole Coimbra. That said, Coimbra is halfway between large international airports of Porto and Lisbon, with frequent trains running between the two cities through Coimbra, where one can change to a train to Figueira da Foz.

Figueira da Foz is served by two motorways: A14 (Autoestrada do Baixo Mondego) from Coimbra and A17 (Autoestrada do Litoral Centro) from Aveiro and Marinha Grande. Travelling from Coimbra, Lisbon, or Porto directly by car is actually up to two times quicker than taking the trains, due to numerous stops along the way.

Get around

AVIC operates a small number of bus lines within the municipality. Otherwise, you need to rely on taxis and, within the city of Figueira itself, you will comfortably reach all your destinations on foot.

A historic building housing a bank branch

See

The clock atop Torre de Relogio steadfastly telling the time in the face of a rainstorm

• 1 Torre do Relógio (Clock Tower), Av. 25 de Abril 4. The modernist clock tower stands on the waterfront promenade, built between 1942 and 1947 to the design by architect João António de Aguiar. (updated May 2016)

Lighthouse of Cabo Mondego at dusk

• 2 Cabo Mondego. The cape extending into the Atlantic north of Figueira, featuring a historic lighthouse (faro). 
• 3 Serra da Boa Viagem. A green hill rising above Figueira to its north, it overlooks the Atlantic coast and the Cabo Mondego, and thus sees the departing boats on their way - hence the name, referring to the traditional greetings extended to travellers. 

Palacio Sotto Mayor

• 4 Palacio Sotto Mayor, Rua Joaquim Sotto Mayor 75, ☏ +351 233 408 400. This opulent residence of a gentleman named Joaquim Sotto Mayor was built in late 19th century and comprises multiple buildings in a fenced garden. Today, it serves as a congress centre. 

Centro de Artes e Espectáculos - an arts and performance centre

Do

• Careca Surf Camp, ☏ +351 962401089. Surf courses for beginners of all ages. Will guide advanced surfers to the spots around Figueira da Foz. 
• Figueira Surf Centre, Figueira da Foz, ☏ +351 910468760. Surf School & Camps 

Eat

Seafood and bacalhau (cod).

• 1 Tasca Maria, Rua Dr. Francisco António Diniz 38, ☏ +351 960 210 392, arp.unipessoal.lda@gmail.com. Tu–Sa 12:00–14:30 & 20:00–23:00, Su 20:00–00:00, closed M. Portuguese home-style food. €18-25. (updated Jun 2021)

Drink

Facade of one of the upscale hotels in Figuera da Foz

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Ibis Figueira da Foz Centro Hotel, Rua da Liberdade 20, ☏ +351 233 408 190, h2104@accor.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00. A standard, if slightly dated, ibis, skillfully hidden in a historic building in charming side street off the waterfront. 

Mid-range

• 2 Mercure Figueira da Foz, Avenida 25 de Abril 22, ☏ +351 233 403 900, H1921@accor.com. The erstwhile Grand Hotel is a beachfront property of a listed status due to its modernist architecture and continued operation. Inside you will find a mixture of heritage design features and modern comforts, if a bit in a need for an update. 

Splurge

• 3 Eurostars Oasis Plaza, ☏ +351 233 200 010, recepcion@eurostarsoasisplaza.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The spectacular oyster-shaped design of the glazed tower hosting the hotel stands out on the waterfront, and the service and standard earn it top notes from guests. 

Go next

• An obvious destination along the way to Figueira da Foz, Coimbra is a beautiful historic city of much significance