Tour 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.
Traditional moliceiro boats in Aveiro. A moliceiro boat is a traditional vessel that is found on the Aveiro River, similar to a Venetian gondola.
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.
Aveiro train station. The Aveiro Railway station is ornamented with many “azulejos” panels of Factory Fábrica da Fonte Nova.
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 peace.
Paramos lagoon boardwalk. Part of the environmental protection zone in the Paramos Lagoon
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Coimbra
This holiday and our services start in Coimbra. We recommend flying into and out of Porto Airport (OPO) or Lisbon Airport (LIS).
There are various options of public transport (Bus/Train) so that you can comfortably make your way to the first hotel that will welcome you for the first days of this tour.
Should you prefer optional private transport, we are able to offer private transfers from both Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO) Airports. Please contact us for further information.
Coimbra, botanic garden. The Botanic Garden of the University of Coimbra, therefore, was created in order to complement Natural History and Medicinal Studies.
Day 2 – Bussaco National Forest
Today we suggest taking the train to Luso, a town northeast of Coimbra, perched in the Bussaco Hills. Our walk will bring you through this historic landscape. It was the stage for the Battle of Bussaco, led by the Duke of Wellington in the early 19th century, during the French invasions. You will reach the Bussaco’s highest point – Cruz Alta – 547m high up the hills where the views reach as far as the eye can see.
Walk: app 13km (8mi); Ascent/descent: 482 m/-480m; Terrain: dirt tracks, forestry tracks.
Montemor-o-Velho Castle. The castle of Montemor-o-Velho is a listed National Monument. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the flood plains.
Day 3 – Montemor-o-Velho and the rice fields
Today you take the train eastwards, towards Montemor–o-Velho. Located on the basin of the Mondego River, this old town is home to numerous businesses associated with the culture of rice that some say was introduced in the country in the 7th century, by the Moors. Along the river’s margins, you’ll be the witness to havens of life and beautiful landscapes coloured in green and blue.
Walk: app 13km (8mi); Ascent/descent: flat; Terrain: dirt tracks.
Enjoy the views of Coimbra city, Portugal
Day 4 – Day Off
This is the day to take the time to rest or wander around town and explore the local traditions. There are numerous monuments to discover, whether your preference is related to the historical background of the town or just exquisite architecture.
The city has beautiful green parks that will allow you to enjoy nature – for which we suggest its important botanical gardens and its magnificent magnolia trees.
Try a river cruise along the Mondego waters or relish in the town’s vast gastronomic choices or “Conventual sweets”.
Ovos moles – conventual sweet. The name of this sweet combines two of the most traditional ingredients in Portugal: eggs and nuts!
Day 5 – Aveiro
Transfer by train to Aveiro. This beautiful town lies in the confluence of the river and the Atlantic Ocean. Its traditional colourful boats paint a picturesque image that adds even more beauty to this quaint town. The day dedicated to the town will allow you to explore monuments and unique places like the “Praça do Peixe” – the square of the old market that today is the centre for the town’s nightlife.
To appeal to the senses, discover the town’s gastronomic ex-libris: the “Ovos Moles”. A local sweet created in the kitchens of medieval religious convents and perfected by years of historic heritage.
Our uniquely designed walk was designed to allow you time to explore this beautiful town.
Walk app 4km (2.4mi); Ascent/descent: flat; Terrain: Town walk.
Paramos lagoon is one important ecosystem located on the Northwest coast of Portugal.
Day 6 – West Atlantic coast & the Paramos Lagoon
Our original designed walk brings you the best that Nature has to offer. Take the train to Granja, a small village by the sea, located southwest of Porto and famous in the 19th century to be a wellness area for the Clergy. From here, walk south, alongside the sea towards Esmoriz, to finish in the Paramos Lagoon, a brackish water lagoon supplied the stream of Silvalde and the Lambo river.
Walk app 12km (7.4mi); Ascent/descent: flat; Terrain: coastal walk, boardwalks.
Walking in Pateira de Fermentelos, the largest lagoon in Europe
Day 7 – Águeda
You’ll finish this walking week in the best way imaginable! Take the train to Óis da Ribeira, to walk alongside the Pateira de Fermentelos, the biggest natural lagoon of the Iberian Peninsula.
From here follow the Águeda River, along the countryside towards the town of Águeda, famous for having one of the most beautiful streets in the world, according to the foreign press.
Walk: app 13km (8mi); Ascent/descent: flat; Terrain: dirt tracks.
Aveiro train station. The Aveiro tourist train leaves from the old railway station, which is one of the most beautiful locations in this Portuguese city.
Day 8 – Departure or extra days
This holiday and our services end in Aveiro. We recommend flying out of Porto Airport (OPO) or Lisbon Airport (LIS).
There are various options of public transport (Bus/Train) so that you can comfortably make your way to the airport you selected.
Should you prefer optional private transport, please contact us for further information.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Portugal Guided holidays and Portugal Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
