August in Torres Vedras and Surroundings
August in Torres Vedras means days by the sea, outdoor evenings, live music, markets, local traditions and activities for the whole family. During the month, Santa Cruz becomes one of the main centres of summer entertainment in the region, with concerts, cinema, dance, sports activities and cultural events. A short drive away, Lourinhã, Ericeira, Mafra and Óbidos offer even more possibilities for a stay of several days.
Set in peaceful surroundings, Quinta da Carlota is a comfortable starting point for discovering these events, spending the day at the beach and returning to the calm of the countryside after each outing.
Onda de Verão in Santa Cruz
Throughout August, Santa Cruz hosts Onda de Verão, a summer programme featuring dozens of activities for residents and visitors. Music, theatre, cinema, dance, physical activities and family-friendly events turn this coastal town into one of the liveliest places in the region during the summer months.
The proximity between the beach, the town centre and the event venues makes it easy to organise a full day: spend the morning by the Atlantic, have lunch or dinner in Santa Cruz and end the evening with a concert, parade or film screening.
As the programme runs for several weeks and may be subject to change, we recommend checking the municipal events calendar before your visit.
Live music by the sea
Music plays an important part in the August programme in Santa Cruz. On 10 August, Afonso Cabral performs at Praia Centro, bringing contemporary Portuguese music to the Atlantic coast.On 14 August, Sociedade Filarmónica Ermegeirense takes part in Filarmonias em Movimento. The parade begins at Parque Municipal and continues through the streets of Santa Cruz, inviting the public to follow the band along the route.
These events are a good opportunity to extend an afternoon at the beach and experience a different side of Santa Cruz as its streets come alive at the end of the day.
Um Mar de Sons: local traditions in the streets
On 1, 8 and 22 August, the Um Mar de Sons programme brings folk groups from the municipality of Torres Vedras to the centre of Santa Cruz. The evenings begin at 9.30 pm with a parade from Parque Municipal, followed by traditional music and dance performances at Largo Jaime Batista da Costa.
For visitors to the region, this is an opportunity to discover local traditions, costumes, music and dances passed down through generations. It is also an easy-going programme for families, who can walk through the streets of Santa Cruz and enjoy the performances in an informal atmosphere.
Summer Fair and walks around Santa Cruz
Throughout August, the streets of Santa Cruz host several editions of the Summer Fair, as part of the local programme. Events are planned for 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August. The visit can be combined with a walk through the town centre, a few hours at the beach or dinner on one of the local terraces.
Even on days without major events, Santa Cruz invites visitors to walk beside the sea, admire the rock formations along the coast and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of summer afternoons and evenings.
Pop-Up Literary Garden
For those looking for a quieter activity, the Pop-Up Literary Garden offers a space to pause, sit in the shade and spend some time reading. It is a simple suggestion for completing a morning at the beach, relaxing after lunch or spending time with children before the evening programme begins.
Before visiting, we recommend confirming the location and access conditions through the latest municipal programme.
Sons na Areia at Praia da Areia Branca
August begins with music at Praia da Areia Branca, in Lourinhã. On 31 July and 1 August, the Sons na Areia festival returns with concerts by the beach. Organised by the Municipality of Lourinhã in partnership with the local parish council, the event is part of the area’s summer cultural programme. Guests staying at Quinta da Carlota that weekend can use the occasion to discover Lourinhã, spend a few hours at Praia da Areia Branca and end the day with live music by the sea.
Vive o Verão in Mafra and Ericeira
Between 16 July and 29 August, Mafra and Ericeira host Vive o Verão, with music, culture and outdoor activities. The programme combines Mafra’s historical heritage with the coastal atmosphere of Ericeira, creating a variety of options for summer afternoons and evenings.
A trip to Ericeira can include a walk through the town centre, an afternoon by the sea, dinner and a performance. In Mafra, the cultural programme can be combined with a visit to the historic centre and the National Palace.
Festival Bom Sucesso near Óbidos Lagoon
From 6 to 9 August, Aldeia dos Pescadores, in Vau, hosts the Festival Bom Sucesso. Its location near Óbidos Lagoon makes it an interesting option for guests spending several days in the region and wishing to discover different landscapes in western Portugal. The trip can include a walk along the lagoon, time to explore the surrounding area or an extended visit to the medieval town of Óbidos.
A cultural August in Óbidos
Throughout August, Óbidos hosts the first edition of Festival Toupeiro, an initiative dedicated to artistic creation and experimentation. Its programme brings together music, theatre, dance, exhibitions, visual arts and multidisciplinary projects in different parts of the town, revealing a more contemporary side of Óbidos.
The beginning of the month also coincides with the final days of the Oeste International Piano Festival, which continues until 4 August. These events make it possible to combine a visit to the historical heritage of Óbidos with performances and cultural experiences.
More than events: days to enjoy at your own pace
Events are only one part of what you can enjoy during an August stay at Quinta da Carlota. Between outings, there is time to use the swimming pool, walk around the property, visit the vegetable garden, pick fruit in the orchard or simply relax in the garden. You can also begin the day with a peaceful breakfast, go cycling, run through the pine forests or talk to the people who bring the Quinta to life.
On days when you feel like exploring, you can choose between the beaches of Santa Cruz, Lourinhã, Vimeiro, Ericeira, Mafra and Óbidos. A longer stay also gives you the opportunity to set aside a day for Sintra or Lisbon.
Stay for several days and discover the region
August offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay in Torres Vedras. One day, you can enjoy the beach and listen to live music in Santa Cruz. The next, you can visit Lourinhã, discover Óbidos Lagoon or end the afternoon in Ericeira. Between outings, Quinta da Carlota provides the space and tranquillity you need to rest.
More than a place to sleep, the Quinta can become your home in the countryside while you discover the beaches, towns, traditions and events of the region. Book your August stay at Quinta da Carlota and discover Torres Vedras and its surroundings at your own pace.
