Shopping is not an easy thing to do. It is necessary to choose the perfect place and subject of your purchases, because shopping brings pleasant emotions and leaves memories of exciting travels for the rest of your life. Coimbra is not only the historical centre and former capital of Portugal. It is here that you can find a lot of traditional shops, thematic shops and colorful fish markets and food courts. Follow the scenario and it will lead you to the most beautiful sights of Coimbra and open unforgettable shopping paths among natural treasures and cultural monuments.
Our journey through Portugal begins with our arrival in the small town of Aveiro. Due to the fact that there will not be much time, today we will dedicate fascinating excursions in the museum, as well as small walks around the city.
Atmospheric and informative museum-ship is an opportunity to get acquainted with life on the ship, as well as with the hard work of cod fishers. After the legal restrictions on fishing in the waters of the Aveiro area in the 1980s, many fishing boats were written off and dismantled. It's the same fate as St. Andrew's. Today it is a monument on the water, anchored in the commercial port of Aveiro. You can stroll along the lagoon, enjoy the fresh breeze, take pictures and walk through the museum to learn more about the ship, which was part of the whole history of fishing in its country. The museum is open every day from 10 to 18, is not open on Mondays, and on Saturday and Sunday it opens at 14.00. When you plan your trip here, consider the museum's schedule. The hotel staff will help with transportation if you travel without your car.
As you are in the seaside town, the freshest and most original dishes will be served here from fish and seafood. Don't hesitate to go to one of the best fish restaurants in Aveiro, Mare Cheia. Here is not only a cozy atmosphere of a small, but high-quality restaurant, the place is distinguished by a special attitude to guests, excellent value for money and freshness of dishes. You can visit the restaurant from 12.00 to 22.30 every day, except Wednesday.
Today will be dedicated not only to Portugal's usual beach holidays, but also to interesting and exciting excursions and, of course, full-bodied shopping. The day starts on a clean ocean beach and ends with a walk through the shops.
For breakfast we offer to go to the cozy Monte Branco Caffe with a light and light atmosphere, located on the beach. Beautiful views from the window, diverse cuisine and responsive staff create an environment that will charge you with energy and strength for the whole day. Of course, if you want a variety of breakfasts, not the most delicious ones, you'll find them right in the back of your head.
After breakfast we recommend you to go to one of the most popular beaches of the city. It is distinguished not only by its special purity, but also by the pretty traditional landscapes with bright houses, the highest beacon in Portugal and the pleasant touch of sand. If the weather doesn't allow you to enjoy a beach holiday, take a stroll along the beach and explore local attractions such as a church or cultural centre.
Lunch in a seafood restaurant is the best solution for those who want to enjoy dishes according to the unique recipes of the chef, such as mollusks in Portuguese sauce, as well as homemade wine. Restaurant "Costa Nova" is popular, so it is better to book a table, specifying where you would like to sit: on the first or second floor (from the second floor you can enjoy magnificent views of the picturesque bay).
Vista Alegre was founded in 1824 and became the first porcelain factory in Portugal. A thorough approach to her work has led to her popularity and solvency. Vista Alegre Museum is not just a museum of the company's history of porcelain and glass production, it is a whole complex of objects united by a single theme - the connection between the history of the region and the company. The complex has a chapel, a small theatre and a gallery with the works of the company in the history of its existence. There is also a shop where you can buy your favorite products.
If you like to buy some novelties for your wardrobe during the trip then not only this store, but others in this area can be an excellent option due to price and quality. If you want to visit more shops on this street, you can spend more time here.
To relax and refresh yourself in the evening, you can choose the restaurant, which is a mixture of a quiet village restaurant, but with minimalist modern details of decoration. The menu is just as varied: the chef offers fish and meat dishes as well as fine desserts. Here you will find soups and second courses based mainly on cod.
Today we plan to leave Aveira and head eastwards into the city of Viseu. On the way, of course, we will definitely visit several remarkable places, including a nature reserve on the coast, a large shopping mall and a local Catholic church.
Natural reserve with sand dunes, forest and ponds. This is a great place to tune in for the coming day and to observe nature and its features in the area. You won't miss all 700 hectares, but a two-hour walk will give you the impression of a nature reserve, inspire you and give you energy for the whole day.
Nice enough place to spend 1.5 hours here for a delicious lunch. The atmosphere in the institution is warm and friendly, the staff will always competently answer your questions and help with the choice of dishes. By the way, very good wine is served here, always fresh dishes, and portions are very generous, fully corresponding to their price.
You have the opportunity not only to see the most popular sights of the city from the outside, but also to go inside. Viseu Cathedral is worth exploring in more detail only because it is included in the list of the country's national heritage. Moreover, the Cathedral bears in mind the many historical events that led to its reconstruction and new owners, destruction and addition of various architectural elements. The cathedral has survived the Roman occupation and the Moorish conquests. The building is well preserved and will therefore be interesting for all visitors to Viseu for its details and rich history. You can enter the cathedral every day from 9 to 12, and after a short break from 14 to 18 every day.
Finally, it's time to go to the big mall. All the world's most famous brands, as well as small traditional and local shops of clothing, accessories and natural cosmetics are gathered here. The shopping centre is located in the historic centre, so you can walk through the narrow streets of Viseu, along the most famous sightseeing routes.
A good pizza deserves to be dedicated to it all night long. Here they treat diners like family and that's why there are always so many people here. Here you are always welcome and even offered a place while you wait, but it is better to book before and enjoy in full good wines and a pizza prepared with excellence. The restaurant closes on Mondays from 7.30pm to 10pm and the rest of the week from noon to 10pm.
Today will probably be the most busy day of our journey. We'll start the morning in Viseu, and after breakfast we'll go to famous Coimbra. Interesting excursions and fascinating walks to different historical places as well as full-fledged shopping await us there.
This is a small cafe for a leisurely morning coffee with a small breakfast to recharge your batteries in the morning. Armazem do Caffe is open every day from 8 a.m., so if you would like to have a refreshment after a walk along Viseu's morning and breathe in its fresh morning air, this place will be perfect.
Go to Coimbra today. The hotel staff will help with the transfer. Start your walk through the historic part of the city by visiting the Church of the Holy Cross. Its history and architectural features give the city a special shine and atmosphere. If you would like to know more about this place, you will always be offered a guided tour. If you decide to go to church, remember that its schedule may vary depending on the day of the week.
One of the most beautiful and tarinny libraries in Portugal is the university library, built in the Baroque style and offering its visitors to plunge into the mysterious world of ancient books. The atmosphere is complemented by bats that are specially inhabited here to protect leather bookbindings from insect damage. Here you will see ancient collections of books of the XVIII century, manuscripts dating back to the XVI century, and also learn the history of the formation of the library. It offers a tour of the entire university complex. If you are interested in a significant layer of Coimbra's history, you should stay here and go on a tour of all the buildings of the university.
After an extensive sightseeing tour of ancient Coimbra, lunch at Nacional Restaurant is worth it. The facility is notable for a wide variety of meat dishes and a good wine list. Here you can always relax and rely on the staff, who are always attentive to visitors. The institution is closed on Sundays, and on other days from 15.00 to 19.00 is closed for a break.
The market is an integral part of shopping in Coimbra, as natural products, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, cheeses and other delicacies are some of the best things you can do in this town. You can also find a couple of shops with other traditional products of the region. Every day, except Sunday, from 7.30 to 19.00, you can do eco-shopping here, as well as observe the lives of ordinary people living in Coimbra.
If you are interested in books or postcards, but would like to choose something unusual, come and have a cup of coffee at the Almedina café bookstore. Here you will find a rich selection of literature and a pleasant atmosphere.
It's time to go back to Viseu. For a relaxing evening, you can go to a small bar called Urban Chic. The institution is open from 8am to 2am every day. It serves excellent breakfasts with good and invigorating coffee, and at night creates a relaxing atmosphere, which is complemented by a good bar menu.
Our short journey is coming to an end, and today we have a flight home, so to spend the rest of our time usefully we will also go to a small shop after breakfast.
Before you leave, be sure to eat at this restaurant, a favourite of the locals. Here you will find a wide range of quality dishes to suit all tastes, and you can not only have a hearty meal enjoying the impressive portions, but also walk from here to our last scheduled stop. You don't have to book tables here in the morning.
In the local chocolate shop you can buy traditional chocolate of different types and flavours as gifts and souvenirs. Responsive salespeople will always help you to make up your mind, but if you want to spend more time picking up what you like, just plan a longer trip to the store.