Batalha is a small town in the Leiria District of Central Portugal. Although small it’s a charming town to visit for a few days to see its sights. During my trip to Lisbon with Tourism for All, our tour group travelled to Batalha for two nights and managed to see the main attractions with a few memorable stops along the way including the westernmost point of mainland Europe and the most popular beach resort on the Silver Coast.
A Wheelchair User’s Guide to Batalha
If you are considering a trip to Lisbon and looking to explore further afield, then why not consider Batalha. This post will cover the wheelchair accessible things to do as well as the accessible hotel we stayed at.
Read more: 10 Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Batalha
Our wheelchair accessible hotel in Batalha was Hotel Villa Batalha. This was our base for two nights while we explored the small town in Central Portugal. From here the main tourist attractions are within walking/rolling distance such as the Batalha Monastery and Museu da Comunidade Concelhia da Batalha.
There was even an accessible outdoor gym across the street from our hotel. I couldn’t resist having a go of the arm exercise machine and was surprised how easy it was for me to use. Watch me in action in the video below:
You can read the full hotel review and see more photos here:
Villa Batalha Hotel | Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Batalha, Portugal
Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Batalha Portugal
1. Cabo da Roca
On our way to Batalha, we spotted off at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. We got to enjoy the panoramic view over the Serra de Sintra and the coast from around 150 metres above sea level on the cliffs. Cabo da Roca is a popular destination for tourists so I’m not entirely sure if there would be a quieter time to visit.
Although, I reckon visiting at sunset would be spectacular as the golden sunlight beams across the ocean. We only stopped briefly with enough time to snap photos of the view and the monument, but there is also a lighthouse and gift shop.
Wheelchair accessibility
Concrete paths provided wheelchair access from the car park down to the monument. The paths along the cliff edge were hard compacted earth which was manageable in my wheelchair.
2. Furnas do Guincho
Located around twenty minutes from Cabo da Roca is Furnas do Guincho in Cascais. Known as the best fish and seafood restaurant in Portugal set in a breathtaking location overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
We opted for the vegan options of soup, risotto and sorbet ice cream. It really is a stunning place to take in the surrounding views and watching the waves crash against the rocks while enjoying a meal.
Wheelchair accessibility
The entrance to the restaurant is via a cobblestoned car park. There is an outdoor dining area with large overhead coverings and various seating options. The inside dining area is accessible via a small inbuilt ramp for wheelchair access. The restaurant also has an accessible toilet.
3. Batalha Monastery
The Monastery of Batalha was only a short walk from our hotel so it was a great place to start our first full day in Batalha. It was built in 1385 to honour the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota. It’s known for its Gothic style and architecture and it looks incredibly impressive as it almost dominates the small town.
Wheelchair accessibility
Batalha Monastery is wheelchair accessible with access throughout via ramps.
4. Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle
We then made our way to the Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle which is a museum located on the military camp of St.George which saw the battle between the Portuguese and Castilians in 1385. With our audio headsets on we individually toured the centre learning about the Battle of Aljubarrota.
We then entered the auditorium to watch a film showing a reconstruction of the battle. Unfortunately due to heavy rain, we were unable to go outside for the last part of the presentation.
Wheelchair accessibility
Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle has wheelchair access throughout and a spacious accessible toilet with grab bars.
5. Dom Abade
Dom Abade restaurant is a wheelchair accessible restaurant where we enjoyed a buffet lunch after visiting the Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota battle. The buffet provided a wide selection that the whole group seemed to enjoy and for the first time during the trip, Allan and I had a variety of options to choose from which was lovely.
Wheelchair accessibility
There was disabled parking outside the restaurant and a level access entrance. There was space to move around inside the restaurant and a large accessible toilet.
6. Batalha Conselhia Community Museum
The Museum of the Community of Batalha is located in the town centre of Batalha. Straight away we were greeted by friendly enthusiastic staff to guide us around the museum. During the tour, we got to learn of the prehistory and history of the region.
Wheelchair accessibility
Following the motto “The Museum of All”, this museum prides itself on being inclusive to all. There are many accessibility features in place for learning disabilities, visual and hearing impairments and wheelchair access. There were also interactive displays such as 3D paintings and models to enable visually impaired visitors to understand the paintings on large displays. For more details check out the museum’s website for accessibility.
7. Batalha Town Centre
Despite being the setting for Portugal’s most important battle, the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385), Batalha is now a peaceful and pleasant town to visit. After visiting the museum we enjoyed strolling around the town admiring the buildings and having a look in some of the shops. There was also charming little restaurants with outside seating.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility around the town of Batalha was good and I didn’t have any problems with my power wheelchair. There were cobblestones in areas, but it was manageable and most of the paths and shops had ramps which was great.
8. Nazaré
On our way back to Lisbon we stopped off at Nazaré to admire the view across the Atlantic ocean. Nazaré is a Portuguese traditional fishing village and one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Silver Coast. Hugely popular with surfers due to the mega high waves that form there. And I completely understand why. Nazaré beach is beautiful. Sadly we only had time to enjoy the view from above, but I can imagine it’s a lovely beach to spend the day at.
Wheelchair accessibility
Being an old fishing village, there are cobblestones throughout and a sloped path from the car park up to the village where you’ll find shops, cafes and the viewing point. Nazaré beach also has matting making it wheelchair accessible.
9. Afinidades
We then travelled from Nazaré to Caldas da Rainha for lunch at Afinidades. This traditional Portuguese restaurant was set in a lovely little courtyard with the option of outdoor dining. We ate the three-course meal indoors, but again vegetarian/vegan options were limited to one option of salad for starter, mushroom risotto for the main course and pineapple rings for dessert.
Wheelchair accessibility
There were cobblestones and uneven pathways from the street to the restaurant, but manageable in my power wheelchair. The restaurant had a wheelchair accessible entrance and space to accommodate a group of five wheelchair users. An accessible toilet was in the restaurant’s courtyard.
Read more blog posts about Portugal
Villa Batalha Hotel | Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Batalha, Portugal
Vila Galé Ópera | Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal
10 Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
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Disclaimer: The press trip included flights, accommodation and meals provided by Tourism For All in return for my participation. No obligation to write about my experience, but as always, my reviews are 100% honest.
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One Response
Great Emma! Your words are inspirational to all over the world. Keep it up!
Thank you!