Nazaré & Monte Real - Looking for Event Locations Between Lisbon and Porto?

MEaT Insights
Aug 8
5 min read

With Portugal, we get a lot of Algarve, Lisbon and Porto as the location choices for client events. Each are fantastic tried and tested destinations that work well for your events. But we often like to look at some amazing options outside of the "bright light" major choice cities. Or location as you can have a new experience with, but still dip into the major city to tick that box with your groups.

May, 2025 we were invited out by Great Hotels of the World and Leading DMC to explore two locations that are around 90 mins between both Lisbon and Porto. So making them stand in their own right, but allowing you to dip into either major city as well if required.

Monte Real

First up it was Monte Real, in the central region of Portugal. A charming town known for its natural beauty and therapeutic hot springs. Surrounded by pine forests, walking trails, and close to cultural landmarks like the Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça (UNESCO World Heritage sites). Rich in history, including ruins of a royal palace commissioned by Queen Elizabeth, with views over the Lis Valley

It is emerging as a compelling destination for corporate events, blending professional infrastructure with natural charm and wellness experiences. It has all the charm of a beautiful Portuguese town. Added to some stunning countryside and forests. It's perfect for those mixing their business objectives with corporate wellness. It also has some incredible local gastronomy and a heavy focus on sustainability.

We stayed at Monte Real Palace (part of GHOTW) surrounded by 24 hectares of forest, cycle trails, and pedestrian paths. 101 guest rooms and 9 meeting rooms with its largest room accommodating up to 180 people auditorium-style.

Accessibility - Located near major airports: Lisbon (75 miles) and Porto (96 miles), making it accessible for national and international attendees.

"Simply stunning venue that would work really well for a senior leadership retreat, company detox off site or straight up incentive event."

Nazaré

Situated on Portugal’s Silver Coast, about 120 km north of Lisbon, Nazaré is a picturesque seaside town in the Leiria District. World-famous for giant waves, thanks to the nearby Nazaré Canyon, attracting elite surfers and spectators globally. Home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, a revered religious site with deep historical roots.

The town is divided into three distinct areas: Praia (beachfront), Sítio (clifftop village), and Pederneira (historic hilltop). Originally a traditional fishing village, now a vibrant year-round destination. Rich in maritime heritage, with museums like the Sun-Dried Fish Museum and displays of historic fishing boats.

Popular with both Portuguese and international visitors. Easily accessible from Lisbon and Porto, making it ideal for short getaways or extended stays.

We spent half a day here exploring the village. As much as it can be seen as a Surfer's paradise because of the waves. It's a picturesque, beautiful village with a stunning beach coastline. If you're not thinking of staying here for your event. It's certainly one to put onto your itinerary in terms of a day here for activities, free time and an amazing lunch.

"For those familiar with Cornwall in the UK. It very much reminded us of St Ives and Hayle in terms of the town and beach line."

Lisbon

As we mentioned from the start, both Monte Real and Nazare are standalone destinations in their own right. But you can also twin with Lisbon and Porto. For this trip we included Lisbon, which allowed us to see and experience the city in another new way. But also take in a another property from the GHOTW portfolio of hotels.

We stayed in the Caparica area which excels at blending business with leisure. You can balance productive meeting time with relaxation thanks to the beachside setting, wellness facilities, and proximity to Lisbon’s cultural attractions and historic districts such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. It is particularly well-suited for conferences, team retreats, incentive stays, or product launches seeking both professionalism and ambiance.

Crowne Plaza Caparica - is a modern, upscale 4-star hotel situated in Costa da Caparica, just 15 km from Lisbon’s centre and a short 25-minute drive from Lisbon Airport. With easy access to metro and bus services to Lisbon’s convention venues, including Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisboa Congress Center, and FIL – Feira Internacional de Lisboa.

The property offers 227 spacious guest rooms including standard, premium, and suite categories with balconies and sea or pool views. Guests can enjoy a comprehensive wellness offering: an indoor pool, spa (sauna, Turkish bath, hydrotherapy, treatment rooms), a fully equipped fitness centre, outdoor seasonal pool, and a 9-hole golf course. The hotel boasts a dedicated conference centre featuring 7 well-lit, flexible meeting rooms and a spacious foyer overlooking the golf course. The largest space seats up to 320 theatre-style; modular into four rooms.

"Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon with its versatile spaces, wellness-rich environment, and ease of access make it a top-tier choice for dynamic business events with a touch of leisure."

Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk

Electric tuk-tuk tours offer an engaging, sustainable, and flexible way for corporate groups to explore Lisbon’s historic districts, viewpoints, and cultural highlights. They are especially effective for navigating the city’s narrow streets and steep hills while providing a memorable, informal networking environment.

As with many city tours, we added in a street food theme to the tour. Ensuring that each stop not only provided sites and culture, but a welcome treat and insight into local food and drink.

Monte Mar Lisboa

Monte Mar Lisboa (from our lovely Cascais partners) brings the coastal elegance of Cascais to the city. Blending fresh, high-quality seafood with an urban-chic, industrial-style setting overlooking the Tagus River in Cais do Sodré. Its signature dish is hake fillet with cockle rice. It is revered for both simplicity and richness of flavour, complemented by other traditional-Portuguese options like tender liver (iscas) in a skillet.

"A go-to for seafood lovers seeking elevated, yet approachable, Portuguese cuisine. It is well-suited for refined corporate gatherings seeking an impressive riverfront setting, excellent seafood, and a stylish yet relaxed ambience. A must for Executive dinners, client entertainment, or team meals where culinary quality and scenic elegance matter."

Summary

Portugal delivers the perfect balance of professional-grade meeting spaces, efficient logistics, cultural depth, and exceptional value, earning its reputation as one of Europe’s most popular and desirable destinations for corporate events.

Incorporating Nazaré adds coastal drama, cultural authenticity, and seafood gastronomy, while Monte Real offers a wellness-oriented, restorative retreat. Either option enriches a Lisbon-based program by balancing business with distinctive leisure experiences, enhancing overall attendee satisfaction.

"Double the destinations, double the impact – amplify engagement with twin-location events."

Ready to plan your next unforgettable corporate event? Get in touch with our team start crafting your bespoke Portugal events experience today.

Let's start planning!

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