Coimbra is often overshadowed by Lisbon and Porto, but it remains one of Portugal’s most rewarding cities to explore. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage university, centuries of fascinating history and a lively student culture, Coimbra combines grand monuments with riverside parks, traditional fado and a distinctly local atmosphere. AsRead More →
Trying to decide where to stay in Coimbra? This city is compact enough to explore on foot, but where you base yourself still makes a noticeable difference. Some areas are much easier if you’re arriving by train or bus and planning to walk everywhere. Others make more sense if youRead More →
Coimbra deserves more of your time. Seriously. For many visitors to Portugal, it’s a day trip destination, or worse, a mere half-day stop. That’s a mistake. The city itself can easily keep you entertained for a couple of days, especially if the weather’s good. Factor in the range of possible day tripsRead More →
Did you realise that there are no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Central Portugal, all less than an hour’s drive from each other? These remarkable buildings contain tales of Portuguese history dating back to the the earliest days of Portugal as a country. With the Knights Templar,Read More →
This bookable 10-day self-drive Portugal road trip itinerary saves you having to do the time-consuming research required to plan and book your own trip to explore the best of Central Portugal, especially around the Silver Coast and Coimbra. You’ll see gardens, palaces, castles, monasteries, nature reserves, wineries, historical villages, UNESCORead More →
The charming city of Coimbra in Central Portugal has plenty to keep you occupied for at least a day or two so you’re going to need some refreshment while you’re there. To help you find a suitable place to eat or drink, here are some of my favourite Coimbra restaurants,Read More →
Long before Shakespeare created Romeo and Juliet, Portugal had its own real life romantic tragedy within the royal family in the shape of Pedro and Inês. Their love story has become legend and inspiration for poets and artists throughout the ages. With each telling of the tale, it becomes harderRead More →
Not only does Loggia restaurant in Coimbra lay claim to magnificent views, it also professes to serve the best sponge cake in the universe! Located within the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro in the city’s hilltop university zone, the glass-fronted restaurant overlooks the dome of Sé Velha, the old cathedral,Read More →
Coimbra’s national museum opened its doors to the public in 2012 after years of renovation. It’s a uniquely fascinating space with underground treasures and life-size chapels that was incorprated into Coimbra’s UNESCO World Heritage area in 2019. Here are five very good reasons why you should incorporate a visit toRead More →
