Kayaking The Mondego River

You’ll start your kayak trip at the weir, where you will be given the kayak, safety instructions, and information about the route. The trip will start at 11am. At the end of the trip, you will be transferred back to your vehicle.
The route takes 3-4 hours by kayak, and you can stop at river beaches for a break or lunch. There is also a riverside snack bar at the end of the route. The river has a gentle current with a few easy rapids and is suitable for all levels. Look out for black kites, kingfishers, and other birds along the way.
To get the most out of today’s kayaking trip, I recommend that you shop for a picnic before leaving Penacova, so that you can fully enjoy the lovely river beaches en route. There are some small shops in the village but, for a wider selection, you could pop into Lidl at the edge of town.
Advance booking for this trip is essential. Book here.

This is a lovely place for a late afternoon stroll. On a breezy hill overlooking Penacova are the old stone Gavinhos windmills. Of the 14 mills, only a couple are still functioning, milling wheat and rye for the nearby villages. Nevertheless, they are very picturesque and the view from the hill is gorgeous.

Your final stop for today is the pretty spa town of Luso. You may have seen Agua de Luso mineral water in supermarkets or restaurants. This quality water originates from a spring below the chapel of São João in the centre of town. Renowned for its healing qualities, Luso became a popular spa town in the 18th Century as the waters were hailed to cure a whole range of different ailments. The water rises from the spring at a temperature of 26.6ºC and fills the pools at the town’s thermal spa. There will be time to experience this spa tomorrow.
Alegre Hotel Bussaco is a characterful hotel in an old manor house, within easy walking distance to the centre of town.

This is a nice, traditional Portuguese restaurant that serves good, and good value meals.

Return to the hotel for a well earned rest.