Location
The house is located in the Serra da Lousã overlooking the market town of Lousã, which is 26 km from the university city of Coimbra. Coimbra is midway between Porto and Lisbon.
There are excellent railway links to Coimbra from both Lisbon (about 2hrs) and Porto (1hr 10mins) using the Alfa high speed train. Visit the CP web site for timetables.
Alternatively
the A1 toll motorway from both cities will take you to Coimbra.
Lousã
The market town Lousã is only a five minute drive away. It has all the amenities you would expect of a medium sized town including supermarkets, banks, cinema, tourist office, railway link to Coimbra, cafes and restaurants.
There
is an excellent market held every Tuesday and Saturday which is well worth
a visit for its local produce. Lousã is famous for both its' honey
and 'Liquor Beirão'. The latter is a spicy spirit drink (reminiscent
of Drambuie?). Great to drink with plenty of ice!
Lousã Castle
There is a ruin of a castle and some spectacular walks about five minutes drive from the house. Also here is the famous Burgo restaurant which serves a wide range of superb traditional Portuguese dishes. The dining room overlooks a natural swimming pool if you fancy a dip. But be warned! Even in the summer the water is very cold!
Coimbra
The university city of Coimbra is Portugal's third largest, situated on the river Mondego, and is only 40 minutes drive from Lousã. This historic city is well worth a visit with ancient churches, the university (Europe's oldest) and narrow streets full of interesting shops and cafes. Near the roman viaduct is the vibrant student quarter with theaters, bars and live music.
Conimbriga
Fifteen km southwest of Coimbra and about 30 minutes drive from Lousã is the archaeological site and Museum of the Roman city of Conimbriga. This fascinating attraction is cramped packed with artifacts from 1 B.C onwards and the city itself has the most amazing mosaics. We also recommend a lunchtime visit to the restaurant where you can enjoy views of the ruins while enjoying a traditional Roman dish and a good bottle of wine for around 10 euros per head. Ruins and Museum open all year, museum closed Mondays.
Buçaco
Buçaco is an ancient forest situated 28km north of Coimbra. This monastic centre dates back to the 6th century and now houses the magnificent Buçaco Hotel, once a palace built by Dom Carlos. Visitors are free to roam the gardens and surrounding area. If you are feeling extravagant, take tea in the five star hotel!
The site was also the setting for a battle between the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon's French army. Nearby is a small but interesting military museum.
Gois
Picturesque village with quaint little houses. Walks along the river bank and a great cafe bar next to the river. River beach in the summer. Around 20 minutes drive from the house through some spectacular scenery.
Montemor-o-Velho
Situated
north-west of Coimbra is the fortified town of Montemor-o-Velho.
This
ancient settlement is dominated by the huge castle.
Plenty to explore and some fascinating history stretching back several
thousand years.
Figueira da Foz
This large seaside resort boasts a massive beach, casino, and probably the best ice cream in Portugal! Go to one of the two Emanha shops on the sea front and choose on of the many delicious flavours, then walk off all those calories on the promenade. Located beyond Montemor-o-Velho and about 1hr 45mins drive from the house.
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