This is the first in a series of Day Trips; brief reviews of some worthwhile places to visit, by Emma What’s not to like about Tomar? It’s not too big, but has plenty to keep you busy at least for a day. Tomar is a gentle, medium sized town. It’s not glamorous but it is [...]
Posts under ‘Town Guides’
Penela
A picturesque town dominated by the walls of a Moorish Castle. This castle was built in 1087 by the governor of Coimbra, as part of the line of defences of the Mondego valley. Its squat towers provide wonderful views over the town and of the wooded Serra da Lousã. The Church within the castle walls [...]
Luso & Buçaco
Situated to the north of Coimbra, Luso is famous for its mineral and thermal waters, which have their source below the chapel of São João. The mineral water is bottled for sale and thousands of litres are drunk daily throughout Portugal, but the water also flows freely from the town’s fountains and springs. Luso is [...]
Góis
Góis is a pretty riverside town on the Ceira River, in a valley between the Carvalhal and Rabadão mountains, about 40km (25 miles) from Coimbra. The town has a rich history dating back over 800 years. There are many festas in the town throughout the summer and one of Portugal’s biggest Motorbike Festas in August. [...]
Avô
In the heart of Central Portugal, in a valley of the pretty Alva river, lies the lovely little town of Avô. In Avô the river Alva and the Ribeira meet to create a little island – “Ilha do Picoto” The Ilha do Picoto and the river with its beautiful stone bridges; the grand old houses [...]
