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9 Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Batalha Portugal

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.

An exterior shot of Villa Batalha Hotel showing a sunset sky and Batalha Monastery in the background.
An outer shot of the wheelchair accessible room at Villa Batalha Hotel
The toilet with grab bars on each side and a bide in the wheelchair accessible bathroom.

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.

The back of Emma sitting in her power wheelchair. Emma is looking out at the view of the ocean behind her at Cabo da Roca.
A view from above looking down at waves crashing against rocks. The water is bright blue and foliage can be seen on the ground.
  • Emma sitting in her power wheelchair wearing blue skinny jeans, black converse shoes, a white and yellow striped shirt and black satin jacket with a tiger embroidery design. Emma is smiling with the view of the ocean behind her at Cabo da Roca.
  • A close up shot of the Cabo Da Roca monument.
The lighthouse at Cabo da Roca, Portugal.

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.

The back of Emma driving on the path towards the monument at Cabo da Roca. In the distance is the ocean and people walking around.
Emma sitting in her power wheelchair facing the camera. She is wearing blue skinny jeans, black converse shoes, a white and yellow striped shirt and black satin jacket with a tiger embroidery design. Emma is smiling and looking down with the view of the ocean behind her at Cabo da Roca.

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.

Emma sitting outside in the restaurant car park. Emma is smiling with the slight hint of ocean view behind her.
Emma sitting in her wheelchair with her back to the camera. Emma is looking out across the ocean.
  • A bowl of vegetable soup and salad.
  • A bowl of risotto and a bowl of salad.
  • A glass bowl of orange sorbet and fruit.
Dining tables positioned next to the windows with the view of the ocean.

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.

A large green succulent plant outside the entrance to the Furnas do Guincho restaurant in Cascais
John, a power wheelchair user driving up a small ramp inside the restaurant.

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.

The exterior of Batalha Monastery on a bright but cloudy day.
The arched walkways inside Batalha Monastery
A view looking out to the gardens through the molded columns inside Batalha Monastery

Wheelchair accessibility

Batalha Monastery is wheelchair accessible with access throughout via ramps.

Emma driving up a wheelchair ramp to enter the Batalha Monastery.
Emma driving through the beautiful arched walkways inside Batalha Monastery

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.

Emma, John and tour guide Pedro looking at displays inside the Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle
  • Emma wearing an audio headset listening to the history at Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle
  • An armored soldier display at Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle
A film showing a reconstruction of the battle between the Portuguese and Castilians in 1385

Wheelchair accessibility

Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle has wheelchair access throughout and a spacious accessible toilet with grab bars.

Accessible toilet at Interpretation Centre of Aljubarrota Battle

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.

A large table full of various cakes and desserts.
A plate of food including potato wedges, salad, broccoli and rice.

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.

Disabled parking bays in the Dom Abade restaurant car park
Accessible toilet at Dom Abade restaurant

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.

  • Batalha Conselhia Community Museum
  • Batalha Conselhia Community Museum

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.

Emma, a wheelchair user driving into Batalha Conselhia Community Museum
A group of wheelchair users participating in a tour of Batalha Conselhia Community Museum.

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.

Emma looking over her shoulder and smiling at the camera. She is in Batalha town centre and the Batalha Monastery in the background.
Emma browsing the souvenirs made from cork in the gift shop.
A gift shop display full of china plates, mugs and tiles.
Batalha town centre showing a showing and palm trees.

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.

A shop front showing a portable wheelchair ramp at the entrance.
  • A close up shot of a cobblestone path and ramped kerb in Batalha town centre.
  • Batalha town centre showing a tourist sign with text "monumento/entrada/entrance. In the background is shops and vehicles.

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.

Emma sitting at the view point with the Nazaré beach behind her.
A view from above looking down at waves crashing against rocks. The water is turquoise green.
Food stalls in the fishing village of Nazaré

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.

Emma driving along cobblestones in the village of Nazaré, Portugal.

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.

Afinidades restaurant and courtyard.
a green bowl of risotto, mushrooms and tomatoes.
A blue plate of salad.
Three thinly sliced pineapple rings with a raspberry in the middle.

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.

  • A view of Emma from the back. She is driving her wheelchair across cobblestones in the town of Caldas da Rainha. In front of Emma is two wheelchair users and a woman walking with crutches. They are also part of the tour group
  • A cobblestone lane in the Caldas da Rainha town of Portugal. The buildings are painted baby pink and green.
Disabled toilet at Afinidades restaurant

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

PIN ME FOR LATER

A collage of four images. Two photos show Emma exploring Batalha in her powerchair and two showing the Batalha Monastery. The text reads "9 Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Batalha, Portugal. www.simplyemma.co.uk"

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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  • March 28, 2021
  • 7 Comments

7 Responses

  1. Randy john says:
    27th May 2021 at 12:45 pm

    Great Emma! Your words are inspirational to all over the world. Keep it up!
    Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Nancy says:
    1st June 2021 at 9:44 am

    Keep it up! Emma, your words are so motivational. I loved your blog. Thanks and keep sharing your experience!

    Reply
    1. Simply Emma says:
      14th July 2021 at 9:51 pm

      Thank you so much, Nancy. I really appreciate your kind comment and delighted you found this post helpful. Have a great week.

      Reply
  3. Roy Yerkes says:
    12th June 2021 at 12:04 am

    Love from Asia Emma, Really motivational way you are spreading positivity through your blogs.
    Keep it up!

    Reply
    1. Simply Emma says:
      14th July 2021 at 9:44 pm

      Thank you so much, Roy. I appreciate your kind comment and so pleased you found my blog helpful. Thanks again and take care.

      Reply
  4. Sarah Madany says:
    19th June 2021 at 3:04 am

    Wow! It’s like an adventure. I’d love to visit once in my life. Thanks, Emma!

    Reply
    1. Simply Emma says:
      14th July 2021 at 9:41 pm

      Thank you Sarah. I hope you manage to visit someday 🙂

      Reply

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Meet Emma

Meet Emma

Hello I’m Emma. My mission is to show you the possibilities of accessible travel through my travel guides, tips and reviews. I also share personal stories, live event reviews and more.

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