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Places
of interest within reach of Casa Lagares
Coimbra
Once the country’s capital, historic Coimbra is the ‘Oxford
of Portugal’, perched on a hill overlooking the river Mondego
and famous for its university dating from 1290. It is a lively university
city with old cobbled streets, a 12th century cathedral, museums, elegant
shops, plentiful bars and restaurants and a year-round programme of
cultural events. It also offers boat trips and kayaking down river.
Only a short walk from the centre the Choupal National Forest running
alonsigside the Mondego has trails for walking and horse-riding. Also
near Coimbra is the 535 hectare Arzila Marsh nature reserve, home to
some 120 species of resident and migratory birds, as well as otters.
For more information about Coimbra click here.
Conimbriga
The original city from which Coimbra took its name Conimbriga was founded
by the Romans in 1st century AD. The ruins at Conimbriga,16 km south
west of Coimbra, are the finest in Portugal and among the best preserved
in the Iberian peninsula. Of particular interest are the large Cantaber’s
villa, remains of a 3km-long aqueduct, fine mosaic floors and a forum.
Displays in the small museum on site illustrate Conimbriga’s history
and present every aspect of Roman life. Much more information here
(historical) and
here (what to see) and here
(Wikipedia entry). See also photos on the photos page.
Buçaco
National Forest
This magical 105 hectare forest founded by Carmelite friars in the 6th
century is surrounded by a high stone wall and has a fairytale palace
(formerly a royal hunting lodge and now a hotel) at its heart. With
700 different species of trees, shrubs and flowers, the forest makes
an ideal spot for walks and picnics. The Buçaco Palace Hotel (photos here)
has a chapel and museum in its grounds and beautiful gardens well worth
a visit. The hotel restaurant serves blow-out meals for about 60 euros
a head plus drinks. The nearby spa town of Luso is also very pleasant
to explore. For more information about Buçaco National Forest
click here.
National
Parks
The National Park of Portugal’s highest mountain range, Serra
da Estrela, covers 1011 square km. The national park was
founded in 1976 to preserve not merely habitats and landscape but the
plateau’s rural character and cultural identity. Here you will
find rare or endangered birds and animal species. This is an excellent
area to go walking aided by a system of marked trails and maps with
vast vistas to be enjoyed. Visit our page devoted to the Serra da Estrella
Mountains
More than half the range of the the Serra
da Estrela rises above 700m. You can follow
the mountain trails (see ‘national parks’ above) and go
skiing from January to March. The optimum conditions for skiing are
normally in February. In the foothills of the Serra da Estrela, nestling
in a deep valley, is the picturesque village of Piódão
with its cafes and handicraft shops.
Seaside
Figueira
da Foz is a major Silver Coast holiday resort and fishing
port with sandy beaches as far as the eye can see and all facilities
including tennis, shops, cinemas, restaurants and a casino. At the northern
end with good surfing is the district of Buarcos, once a fishing village,
with pretty traditional houses, cafes and coves. 35kms north of Figueira
da Foz is Praia de Mira, set among sand dunes, with cafes, shops and
restaurants serving good seafood by the beach. It also has a lagoon behind the beach with children's paddle boats. Frequented mainly by Portuguese family holidaymakers, its also a centre of the fishing industry - a good place to spend a relaxed day at the beach. See photos here
River
Beaches
The wide sweeping rivers that disect the landscape create attractive
river beaches where people enjoy good swimming, sunbathing, boating
and fishing. There are river beaches with nearby café facilities
in Penacova, Coja and Gois. The Penacova beaches are the biggest and the small
market town enjoys a superb position high on the hillside above the
Mondego. Coja is a pretty village nestling among hills and forests.
The beach here, with a restaurant on one side and a café on the
other, is just down river from the town’s famous Roman bridge. Gois is further away beyond Argenil, but has a busy river beach in the summer, with a shaded bar and cafe alongside. Pics here.
Aveiro
Aveiro is often know as the 'Venice of Portugal’ because of its
famous lagoon and network of canals with their colourfully painted boats.
Galleries and craft shops give the town a bohemian feel and the Sunday
antiques market is great fun. Other attractions include churches, an
interesting museum, a world-class bird reserve at Sao Jacinto and several
beaches on the other side of the lagoon. Info and pics
here.