Falcoaria Real

Known for:

Falconry, nature

Time needed:

1–2 hours

From Lisbon:

40 min by car

Must do:

watch a live falconry demonstration (free)

Fun fact(s):

The Falcoaria Real is the only one of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula

About

Practiced in Portugal since the 12th century, falconry was the noblest of hunting arts – a partnership between falconer and bird. The 18th-century Falcoaria Real in Salvaterra de Magos is the only one of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula.

The site is free to visit and you get a wonderful guide (actual falconer!) to walk you through the history of the art and the training practices. You get to see falcons, eagles, owls and other birds, as well as to know their temperaments and peculiarities.

It’s only a 40 min drive from Lisbon and is definitely worth a visit (regardless whether you like the birds or not).