Coimbra surroundings: top sights & destinations

The surrounding region of Coimbra has a multitude of great attractions, suiting all tastes and budgets. From the endless white sandy beaches of Figueira da Foz to the charming Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain, from the fairy tale Bussaco national woods to the imposing castle of Montemor-o-Velho, from the Roman heritage sites to the Medieval flair of Penela.

Bussaco National Woods

At the far end of Bussaco Mountain, where the highest range is 547 meters high, you’ll find Bussaco National Woods, surrounded by a high wall with eleven entrance doors. Make them your starting point for a stroll through Nature in the region and fall in love with the serene exuberance, almost magical, of Bussaco's intense green colour.

Figueira da Foz

Sun and sea with abundance. Figueira da Foz, the city at the mouth of the Mondego River, located at 40 kilometers from Coimbra, with extensive beaches of soft white sand which invite for a relaxing holiday. Discover a unique blend between a real fishing port and the cosmopolitanism inherited from the Belle Époque when the seaside resort of Figueira da Foz was the most visited in Portugal.

Here come the Romans!

Discover the enduring influence of the Roman legacy in the city of Coimbra (former Aeminium), as well as in the surrounding region with the stunning must-see spots of the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga and the Roman Villa of Rabaçal. Quoting the popular Monty Python sketch: "What have the Romans ever done for us?". As far as Coimbra region is concerned, a lot!

Montemor-o-Velho Castle

Dominating the valley where the Mondego River runs, with endless rice fields, the town of Montemor-o-Velho is characterized by its imposing castle, the main fortress of Low Mondego during Medieval times. This extensive land has been successively occupied since Roman times and when the Arabs first settled during the 8th century, the Mondego lands became a constant stage of intense fights between Muslims and Christians.

Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain

The stunning landscape of Lousã Mountain is the perfect setting of 12 enchanting Schist Villages: Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Candal, Casal de São Simão, Casal Novo, Cerdeira, Chiqueiro, Comareira, Ferraria de São João, Gondramaz, Pena and Talasnal. Precious jewels at the heart of an inspiring nature!

Penela

Throughout the reigns of the first dynasty, Penela and its castle were fundamental in the Mondego defensive line. The town received its charter before the Portuguese independence and, throughout four hundred years, its urban centre was developed with narrow streets and low houses which, under the shade of the imposing castle, guard the Manueline pelourinho, the Renaissance church dedicated to Saint Euphemia and the local Misericórdia (Charity) brotherhood temple.