Lourinhã

Lourinhã is a town and municipality of 26,000 people (2011) in the Oeste region of Portugal. It has extensive, picturesque beaches and, more recently, by the paleontological remains, which include fossilised bones, footprints, eggs and embryos from Jurassic dinosaurs, many of which can be seen at the local museum, Museu da Lourinhã. Lourinhã is one of the few brandy-making areas, besides Cognac, Armagnac and Jerez, to have received appellation status.

Understand




The economy of Lourinhã (loh-ree-NYUHN, /ɫo.ɾi.ˈɲɐ̃/) is mainly based on fishing, agriculture, the construction industry, forestry and manufacturing. About 80% of its territory is used in agriculture, with potatoes, Rocha pear, and vineyards, among others.

Climate
Lourinhã has an oceanic climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures can vary in summer from to  and the nights in the municipality are cool. In winter, negative temperatures are very rare, but can go down to. Lourinhã is known for its rainfall and is frequently affected by floods in autumn.

Get in
Lourinhã is 63 km north of Lisbon on the A8 road.

Buy
The Lourinhã Municipal Market is in the centre of the village, next to the town hall. Fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dresses and alcohol can be found here. There are also three butchers, cafes and barbecues on the ground floor, and a restaurant on the first floor.

Lourinhã is a wine-producing municipality: spirits of recognized quality have been produced since the middle of the 20th century. The Controlled Denomination of Origin "Lourinhã" for brandy is the only one of its kind in Portugal and the third in Europe, after the famous Cognac and Armagnac.

Go next

 * Caldas da Rainha – Charming, unassuming city to experience authentic daily Portuguese life.