Leiria Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
municipality and city in Portugal
About Leiria
Leiria (lay-REE-uh, /ɫɐj.ˈɾi.ɐ/) municipality has 126,879 residents (2011). The region around Leiria was inhabited by a Celtiberian tribe, who established a settlement called "Collippo" around 7 km away. This settlement was occupied by the Romans, who expanded it. The stones of the ancient Roman town were used in the Middle Ages to build much of Leiria. The Moors occupied the area until it was re-captured by the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques in 1135, during the Reconquista. South of Leiria in that period was the so-called "no-man's land", until regions further south (like Santarém and Lisbon) were permanently taken and re-populated by the Christians. Afonso I of Portugal and Sancho I rebuilt the walls and the Leiria Castle to avoid new enemy incursions. Most of the population li
Top Attractions in Leiria
Explore the best things to see and do in Leiria:
- ★Castle (Castelo de Leiria)
- ★Museu da Imagem em Movimento - m|i|mo
- ★Museu de Leiria
- ★Paper museum
- ★Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Incarnation
Where to Eat in Leiria
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Casinha Velha
- 🍴Coconuts Restaurante
- 🍴Restaurante Luna
Where to Stay in Leiria
- 🏨Ibis Leiria Fátima Hotel
- 🏨Lisotel
Leiria Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: