Description
This self-guided walking tour in Central Portugal is also an independent train holiday!
You’ll ramble through gorgeous landscapes near the ancient city of Coimbra, perched on a hill overlooking the river Mondego.
From Aveiro, known for its brightly painted typical boats, you’ll roam to untamed Atlantic beaches and to the largest lagoon in the Iberian Peninsula.
You’ll set to have not only a wonderful walking holiday but also a memory-lasting cultural experience!
Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious university. The city rises scenically from the Mondego, steeped in history, with romantic cobbled alleys, and a monumental cathedral.
Nearby, a walk to Bussaco National Forest will reveal magnificent views, a fairy-tale palace, and an old convent. Here lies Portugal’s finest collection of national and imported trees.
You will reach the highest point, Cruz Alta, where the views reach as far as the eyes can see.
Following the river Mondego, you reach Montemor–o-Velho, a medieval town growing amidst endless rice fields, with tranquil paths and trails.
You then take the train to Aveiro, ending in a beautiful tile-covered station. The city is quite charming, with lagoons, art-deco buildings, and the attractive traditional boats, originally used for transporting seaweed.
You’ll have time to explore the city as we’ll use it as a base to reach the region’s nature reserves and beaches.
A seaside walk towards Esmoriz leads you to the Paramos Lagoon, a brackish water pond among the dunes.
Your walking week will end in beauty, at the amazing Pateira de Fermentelos, the biggest natural lagoon of the Iberian Peninsula.
Rich in wildlife, the shiny mirrored pond is a haven for those who crave for peace.
From here, you’ll follow the river along the countryside towards Águeda, famous for having one of the most beautiful streets in the world.
This is a privileged region when it comes to natural attractions and gorgeous historic towns and villages, and you’ll feel welcomed by the endlessly lovely people.
The food is amazing, from the inland earthy dishes to the fresh and quite affordable seafood in the coastal areas. Do not miss the regional sweet specialities, with a highlight for the ovos moles, a conventual sweet.
