Our top suggestions for places to eat, drink and chill out in Penamacor and surrounding area:

For superb views, and a very relaxed vibe, there is no better place in Penamacor town than Esplanada O Jardim. Set in amongst a small park, with a children’s play area and amazing views over the district, the Jardim is a cafe bar, that sells the usual coffee, liquor, beer as well as toasted sandwiches (a Tosta Mista is a favourite snack in Portugal), and various sandwich combinations, burgers etc. Its a great meeting point, and is well loved by locals and tourists alike.

Another place favoured by everyone is Cafe Central, on the main road through Penamacor. More of a bar, Central has some really good social nights, and occasional entertainment. Its a great place to sit and people watch in the sun.

Food wise, Restaurant Fontanhão is hard to beat. About 3km away from Vista de Penamacor we have eaten there a few times and never had a bad experience. The menu is a bit more varied than the usual “meat and chips” cafe style, and offers seafood and meat skewers which are the Casa speciality. The staff are really nice, and speak Portuguese and French. You can sit outside, or inside and they have a huge secure car park and a swing set for the kids. Its a really nice chilled vibe, whether eating as a couple or with friends. We highly recommend it for an evening meal. It opens at 7pm in the evening. It is open at lunchtimes too, but can get very busy with the locals. Lunchtime closes at 3pm. Expect to pay around 10euros each with olives, bread, drinks, main course, dessert and a coffee.

Meimoa River Bar, is approximately 8km away and is reached by an old Roman bridge in the centre of Meimoa. Its a really nice place to chill and has a kids park over the river. Here is a couple of pics. Situated right next to the bar is an amazing restaurant called O Tear. It serves really good quality food for lunch and dinner and has a beautiful outdoor area for when the weather permits. Its well worth visiting.

Benquerença river is approx 15 minutes drive, and has river swimming, a good bar that serves food, bbq pitches, volleyball court, table tennis and kids play area. Its a great BBQ and picnic area too