Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
statue is the focus of the Festa da Rainha Santa. At the time of research it was closed for
emergency stabilisation works.
Portugal dos Pequenitos
( 239 801 170;
www.portugaldospequenitos.pt
;
Rossio de Santa Clara; adult/3-13yr/family €8.95/5.50/23.95;
10am-7pm Mar-May & mid-Sep-mid-Oct, 9am-8pm Jun-mid-Sep, 10am-5pm mid-Oct-Feb; )
The brainchild
of local collector Bissaya Barreto, this is an impossibly cute theme park where kids clam-
ber over, into and through doll's-house versions of Portugal's most famous monuments,
while parents clutch cameras at the ready. There's an extra charge to visit marginally inter-
esting minimuseums of marine life, clothing and furniture.
THEME PARK
Quinta das Lágrimas
(Rua Vilarinho Raposo; admission €2; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun mid-Oct-mid-Mar, 10am-7pm mid-Mar-mid-Oct)
Le-
gend says Dona Inês de Castro met her grisly end (
Click here
)
in the gardens of this
private estate. It's now a deluxe hotel, although anyone can take a turn about the grounds
and track down the Fonte dos Amores (Lovers' Fountain), which marks the spot where the
prince's unwitting mistress was struck down. Also note the sequoia tree planted by the
Duke of Wellington.
GARDEN
Activities
Several organisations offer opportunities for canoeing, rafting and other outdoor sports in
the Coimbra region.
O Pioneiro do Mondego
( 239 478 385;
www.opioneirodomondego.com
;
per person €22.50)
Rents out kayaks for paddling
the Mondego between Penacova and Torres de Mondego, an 18km trip.
KAYAKING
Transserrano
( 235 778 938;
www.transserrano.com
)
Excursions in the nearby Serra da Lousã and Serra
do Açor, including hiking, climbing, and tours focused on traditional cheese-making and
olive-oil production.
ADVENTURE, CULTURAL
Tours
WALKING TOURS
Go Walks
