Tomar, Portugal: Europe’s ultimate hidden gem for a summer getaway in 2025

Tomar, Portugal: Europe’s ultimate hidden gem for a summer getaway in 2025 (Image: Canva)

If your European travel plans for 2025 include ancient towns, historic intrigue, and warm summer evenings far from tourist queues, then Tomar deserves a place on your map. Named the No. 1 destination in HomeToGo’s European Hidden Gem Index, this unassuming city in central Portugal is quietly making headlines—for all the right reasons.

A Medieval City with Templar Roots

Tomar was founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, a Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar, and it still bears the imprint of that legacy. The city’s streets unfold like pages from a historical novel—lined with Gothic churches, Manueline windows, and sun-faded facades that haven’t bowed to modernisation.

At the centre of it all stands the Convent of Christ—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most captivating architectural ensembles. It is a masterclass in Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Manueline design, with round towers, cloisters, and secret passageways to stir the imagination.

Castle of Tomar, Portugal (Image: Canva)

Why Tomar Tops the Hidden Gem Index

According to HomeToGo’s 2025 European Hidden Gem Index, Tomar ranked highest based on a mix of affordability, search trends, local food, scenic appeal, and under-the-radar charm. Its overall index score was 61.64—the best among all contenders. Here's why:

• Scenic Setting: 9.05 – Think riverside gardens, terracotta rooftops, and Templar fortresses
• Gastronomy: 8.77 – A showcase of hearty Ribatejo cuisine and robust local wines
• Accommodation Affordability: 9.13 – Budget-friendly stays with genuine character
• Under-the-Radar Appeal: 9.43 – Still blissfully free of overtourism and large crowds

Whether you're in town for two days or an entire week, Tomar delivers layered experiences beyond the usual sightseeing checklist.

1. Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo): A former Templar stronghold turned monastic wonder, this hilltop complex is the crown jewel of Tomar. From the ornate Charola (rotunda) to the sweeping aqueducts, it's an architectural and historical marvel that rewards slow exploration.

Convent of Christ. Tomar, Portugal (Image: Canva)

2. Church of Santa Maria do Olival: This Gothic church, the former burial site of Templar knights, holds deep spiritual and symbolic value. Its simplicity contrasts with the grandeur of the convent but is no less powerful.

3. Synagogue of Tomar and Jewish Museum: One of the oldest surviving synagogues in Portugal, dating back to the 15th century. Today it houses a museum dedicated to Tomar’s Jewish community, whose story is woven into the city’s cultural fabric.

4. Pegões Aqueduct: Stretching nearly 6 kilometres, this aqueduct was constructed in the 16th century to supply water to the Convent of Christ. It’s a peaceful walk—or drive—through the countryside with panoramic views.

5. Mouchão Park and Nabão River: Ideal for an afternoon stroll or a lazy riverside lunch, this green space offers respite under shady trees, with views of the medieval Old Bridge and the city rising behind it.

Tomar, Portugal (Image: Canva)

A City Made for the Slow Traveller

Tomar isn’t built for the rushed itinerary. Its rhythm rewards those who pause for a coffee in Republic Square, explore its antique bookshops, or wander into a bakery for a bite of Fatias de Tomar, a local egg-based pastry with Templar origins.

The city’s summer vibe is enhanced by frequent cultural events, including Templar reenactments, open-air concerts, and quiet exhibitions tucked inside old cloisters. The atmosphere is never overwhelming, always welcoming.

Old Town of Tomar, Portugal (Image: Canva)

How to Get There

Tomar is easily accessible by train from Lisbon, with frequent departures from Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. The journey takes around 2 hours and offers scenic views of Portugal’s heartland. Driving? It’s just over 90 minutes from the capital.

In a year when the world continues to seek meaningful, conscious travel, Tomar offers exactly that. It’s not polished to perfection or splashed across travel billboards. But it’s genuine, rich with memory, and shaped by layers of history that haven’t been filtered into oblivion.

So, if you're looking to escape the noise and explore a European city where the pace is slower and the stories deeper, Tomar might just be your most rewarding detour in 2025.