Environment
Between the Costa da Prata (Silver coast) and the rills of the Serra da Estrela the nature of the Beira Litoral offers a green hilly landscape rich off rivers and lakes where it is a joy to make walking or cycling tours.
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In this region, called the Pinhal Interior, because of the great number of pine trees, also exist a lot of olive orchards, eucalyptus and citrus trees but also cork oaks and of course the big amount of "vinhas" vineyards. In spring the mimosa with it´s typical yellow sweet smelling flowers decorates this region.
Often you will meet the peasant cart with the dunkey. A lot of the portuguese people here live of agriculture. In the summer there are a lot of markets and festivals with music and dancing to honour the saints.
A visit to the city of Coimbra with it´s ancient university situated on the hill above the river Mondego is worthwhile. Here you will find the typical portuguese mosaics, cosy cobble stoned small streets with a lot of shops and restaurants. The fado of Coimbra, with it´s age-olded tradition, is sung just by men and can be heard at various places.
Another possibility is to visit the broad sandy beaches and the strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean or you can visit one of the wine cellars in the neighbourhood.
The Serra da Lousã which is nearby offers a lot of opportunities for walking trips. Also more challenging activities such as canyoning and rappel and slide are organized in this hilly area by a local cooperating outdoor organisation.
The imposing River rio Mondego (video 15 min.) flanked by mountain slopes offers the possibility for beautiful canoe trips. This activity also is offered as a guided acticity.