With regular bus services to the three big sites of northern Estremadura - Alcobaça, Batalha and Fátima - LEIRIA makes a handy centre for excursions. The chief sight in Leiria itself is the Castle (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30/6.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm; ?0.90), incorporating an elegant royal palace with a magnificent balcony high above the River Lis. At the heart of the old town, Praça Rodrigues Lobo is surrounded by beautiful buildings and arcades. The [More]