The small village of Lourinhã is known worldwide for several reasons. It was where the first remains of dinosaurs from the Iberian Peninsula were found in 1863. More importantly, a unique specimen was discovered in 1949, which ended up being called Lourinhasaurio and which has been the object of a detailed scientific study.
This intense relationship between the village of Lourinhã and the world of dinosaurs led to the opening in 2018 of one of the largest open-air parks in the world dedicated to these animals, the Dino Parque. Throughout 10 hectares of verdant forest, there are full-size reproductions of well known dinosaurs; allowing visitors an intimate knowledge of the natural environment of how these animals were. The park also includes educational and playground areas, where children can work on stones and find small fossils.
The park is open all year round, but November is an excellent option because it allows a quieter visit, with fewer visitors than on holiday weeks. The trees in the area are also in the full splendor of autumn, with a spectacular color palette. And you can also time the visit to coincide with the Quinzena Gastronómica Aguardente DOC Lourinhã, which is now in its tenth edition and takes place in most restaurants in the city.
For those who do not know the aguardente of Lourinhã, it is a great opportunity to try it, first in its liquid format, which is highly appreciated because in Europe there are only three DOC brandies: Cognac, Armagnac and Lourinhã. At the same time, you can also sample it in the many recipes of both sweet and savory dishes that use it during these gastronomic days and bring out some exceptional and surprising flavors.
An exciting option for a whole day trip could be visiting the Dino Parque in the morning, having lunch at one of the restaurants in the city, and going for a leisurely walk in the afternoon. It could take you to the beach of Porto das Barcas, a virgin beach in a small bay, with calmer and clearer waters than other more open beaches in the area.
A small paradise to burn off the calories from lunch, watch the sunset from the beach and complete a perfect day outdoors for children and adults.