We're traveling to Portugal in August--two parents, four teenagers. We're thinking of spending 4 nights in Coimbra but I can't find an apartment to rent and we're too big a family for a hotel or b & b. Any ideas? Do you know of any b & b that has a room with four twin beds? We're not renting a car and would prefer to be in the center of the city. Should we go elsewhere? We're spending 6 nights in Lisbon and 4 in Salema. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
There is little to do in Coimbra unless you have business at the university. I was disppointed in general and we only stayed 2 days. You should consider a car since you are six persons. Driving is easy in Portugal except for Lisbon and downtown Porto.
Consider the Douro Valley (Port wine country), Nazare, Obidos, Fatima.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
I agree that four days is too much for Coimbra. I would say you are better off spending your time in Nazare with daytrips to Obidos and the two big chruches nearby. You may find that Nazare and Salema are too similar being both on the beach. But Nazare really is great and Obidos is not to be missed.
Tomar is not in RIck'd book but it should be for the Convento de Christo.
Evora is also great though would be really hot that time of year (even more so than other parts of the country). Lastly you might consider a couple of nights in Sintra. It is an easy daytrip from Lisbon, but it's a great place to stay overnight too.
Posted by
OP
Farmington, ME, USA
74 posts
Thanks for your responses. We had thought that we'd wander through the town for a day or so, then spend a day kayaking on the Mondego, and maybe a day walking in the Bucaco Forest. I had thought that Evora would be too hot as you say, and that Obidos is overly touristy, and that Nazare would be really crowded. I am interested in Guimares or maybe Marvao--which also might be too hot. Thoughts?
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I agree with JS. You should strongly consider renting a car. 1 day is more than enough for Coimbra. As far as places to see, I'd add Ponte De Lima, one of the prettiest towns in Portugal. Also Batalha, to see the magnificent cathedral with the tomb of Prince Henry the Navigator.
And I also agree with JS that driving in Portugal is pretty easy, except for Porto and Lisbon.
Coimbra does have an excellent restaurant, the Arcadas. It has a Michelin star.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Coimbra is one of those places where the main attraction is the place. Stuff to see and do, but no Prado or Parthenon "must sees."
Bucaco is likewise interesting, if you are at a point in your trip where a slow-paced day is welcome.
We enjoyed both very much, though 4 days sounds like a lot.
Sorry, no suggestions on rooms, but I'll bet there is something.