Coimbra Holidays (Driving)

Coimbra, resting along the serene Mondego River, will be your base for the week. Walking through its narrow streets, you can sense the layers of history embedded in its architecture and local traditions. Today is dedicated to exploring the city, discovering its streets, landmarks, and unique atmosphere at a relaxed pace. Between its historic landmarks, vibrant student life, and the river’s gentle flow, Coimbra leaves an impression that is celebrated in the haunting strains of Fado—once you visit, the city stays with you long after you leave.

About 30 minutes north of Coimbra, the village of Penacova awaits, perched high above the Rio Mondego and surrounded by the hills of Bussaco.

During the day, you will explore the village and its surroundings, observing the unique geological formation known as the “Livraria do Mondego,” which resembles a vertical bookshelf carved from quarzitic rock.

You’ll also encounter the local traditions that continue in the area: communal herds, village ovens, and the craft of woodwork, iron tools, lace, and tapestry, all preserved and passed down by skilled hands to the younger generations.

Today you head to Figueira da Foz, a coastal town located at the mouth of the River Mondego and known as one of central Portugal’s main seaside resorts. The town rose to prominence in the late nineteenth century, when seaside bathing became a favored pastime among the local aristocracy.

You will spend time exploring its wide beachfront, famous for offering the most extensive stretch of sand on mainland Portugal and ideal conditions for a variety of water activities.

Later, you continue on to the surrounding hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, where the Miradouro da Vela viewpoint provides panoramic views over the town, the salt pans of the River Mondego, and, on clear days, the coastline stretching as far as the Berlengas islands.

Enjoy a slow start to the day and take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere around you. If you wish, wander through the older streets before the town comes to life, or simply take an unhurried walk wherever your curiosity leads you. This day is entirely at your pace. Tomorrow brings a new experience to look forward to.

Today you visit the Aldeias do Xisto, a group of schist villages near Lousã in the Serra da Lousã mountains. These settlements, partially or fully restored, preserve the character of rural mountain life.

Your route leads along marked trails that pass through several of these villages, where you can observe traditional construction methods using schist, stone, and wood, as well as narrow streets, small sheds, water fountains, and former communal or commercial spaces.

This area, now being revived for tourism, offers impressive mountain scenery and fresh air, making it a rewarding place for hiking and sightseeing in Central Portugal. It is also a refreshing option on hot days and a cosy mountain escape when the weather turns colder.

Today you explore the area between the Bussaco Forest and the thermal towns of Luso and Curia, a region known for its calming atmosphere. The route begins at Bussaco Mountain, once a secluded monastic retreat protected by papal decree in the 16th century.

As you follow one of the marked trails in the National Forest, you’ll pass chapels and sanctuaries that form the Stations of the Cross, along with century-old trees, small lakes, stone crosses, and notable spots such as Vale dos Fetos (Fern Valley) and Fonte Fria (Cold Spring).

Along the way, the Palace Hotel appears through the dense vegetation, a Neo-Manueline building from the late 19th century that incorporates parts of the former Santa Cruz Convent. Reaching the far end of the mountain, you arrive at Bussaco Woods, enclosed by high walls and eleven gates, a fitting place to begin a peaceful walk surrounded by the deep green landscape.

At a convenient time, transfer to Porto Airport for your departure. If time before you flight allows, you can enjoy a final stroll through the city or relax in a local café before leaving. Alternatively, you can prolong your stay on your own.