Things to Do

When it comes to activities, we are always delighted to share suggestions—whether visitors are seeking a bit of city culture, rural scenery, or a wild adventure. This area of Central Portugal is famed for its natural beauty, with mountains, rivers, lakes, forest paths, and traditional farms scattered throughout. Each local town and village holds its own unique character, making exploring the countryside a fun pastime. In fact, our experience has often been that getting lost yields the most magical discoveries!

Our two nearest cities, Viseu and Coimbra, both offer historic architecture and an enticing street-café vibe for those dreaming of a day trip. Smaller local towns, such as Santa Comba Dão and Coja offer a far quainter charm. There are a number of weekly markets in the area where guests can go to buy fresh produce or grab a traditional Portuguese frango lunch, which is barbecued chicken, usually served with chips, rice, and salad.

Turning to nature, there are several river beaches nearby, ranging from those in remote wild settings to those with bar and restaurant facilities. For active holidaymakers, we can connect you with horse riding and cycling companies operating in the area.

Looking a little further, guests can travel up into the Caramulo and Estrela mountain ranges to go hiking, take in phenomenal panoramic views, and even—in the case of the Estrela mountains—hit the ski slopes in the winter. Please feel free to explore the pages in our Things to Do section for some pre-holiday inspiration.