COIMBRA is Portugal’s 3rd largest city, famous for its university dating from 1290, historical monuments and cultural activities. Founded by the Romans, it was the capital in the early days of the Portuguese monarchy. It has many cafes, fine restaurants and shops to discover as you amble your way through the narrow, twisting streets, as well as very large supermarkets on the outskirts.The best medical facilities in the country are here, including specialist hospitals i.e. children, eye, dental, cardiac etc. There are many reasonably priced hotels in Coimbra, which is only 30 minutes drive from us.

PENACOVA is a small, picturesque town sitting high above the river Mondego. It has several cafes and good restaurants, shops, banks etc. It has a beautiful hotel called the Palacete do Mondego in a stunning position high above the town, and there are several pensions in the town.

ARGANIL is the nearest market town with all modern facilities: hospital, banks, post office, public swimming pool, schools, cafes, big supermarkets, good restaurants and historical buildings and churches. The weekly market is well worth a visit, as are the open air chicken and fish barbecue lunch areas.

COJA is a very pretty market town situated on the river Alva, crossed by 2 Roman bridges, and is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys. As well as river beaches, it has a campsite, historical churches, fine restaurants and cafes, banks, schools, shops etc., as well as cobbled streets to wander through. It is well worth a visit.