Villages, Towns & Cities
Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal, and is still its 3rd largest city. Here you will find a wide variety of shops and markets, both modern and traditional, set within narrow winding streets and open squares. Grand old buildings nestle next to café bars and ancient fortifications. Perched on a hill, Coimbra University was founded in 1290 and today the impressive ancient buildings overlook the old town and the River Ceira.
Within a few minutes drive of the villa is a small and charming local town from the 12th Century, straddling a fast flowing river in a narrow valley. During the summer months locals flock to the sandy river beach to while away the sunny days with their friends and family. Also available from here there is river kayaking, and horse riding in the beautiful unspoilt foothills of the Mountains nearby.
Between the coast and Coimbra is the fortified town of Montemor-o-Velho, which rises out of fields of rice and maize, crowned with a crenulated 14th century castle built by the Moors and overlooking the Mondego valley.
