What to do in Penacova

Activities, attractions and tours

A river with a grassy bank and trees on one side.
A cobblestone pathway under a pergola with stone columns and a tiled wall.
A river winding through a valley with a town on the hillsides.
Windmills on a rocky hillside.
A solitary tower with a conical roof amidst dense vegetation.

Penacova Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Penacova has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Penacova is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Penacova to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Penacova Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Penacova.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Penacova attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

CA $8
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Barca Serrana - Traditional Boat Trip

Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip

CA $21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip
Coimbra: Private & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center

Coimbra: Personal & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center

CA $19
per adult
Coimbra: Personal & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

CA $81
per adult
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

CA $5
per adult
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Jewish Coimbra Tour

Jewish Coimbra Tour

CA $66
per adult
Jewish Coimbra Tour
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

CA $16
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

CA $7
per adult
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

CA $48
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Coimbra University

Dating back more than seven centuries, Coimbra University is the historic highlight of the city’s town center. Its 16th-century campus contains some of the most intriguing landmarks in the region, including a tower, a chapel and a palace. Speak with the docents for a comprehensive understanding of the university’s history.
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A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

2. Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos is the Little Portugal area that features tiny versions of the country’s most iconic landmarks. It is a fun and educational facility, where kids can find out about the cornerstones of Portuguese culture. Snap photos of your favorite tiny structures as you recognize these models of famous houses and monuments.
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A model of a white building with arches and a tower, surrounded by a pool and greenery.

3. Santa Cruz Church

Santa Cruz Church is a stunning structure in which Portugal’s first two kings are buried. It comprises a vast monastery with an elaborate façade, a labyrinth of paths and courtyards and a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. Relax in the city’s spacious central plaza and gaze up at the Manueline façade of this momentous church.
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A historic building with intricate stone carvings and a large arched entrance.

4. Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Dating back as far as the 12th century, the majestic Velha Cathedral is a rare example of a preserved church of Romanesque design from the Reconquista era. Admire the fortress-like design of the cathedral’s façade, with its narrow arched windows and battlements marking the roof.
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A historic courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by arched walkways and a prominent castle-like building with a tower.

5. Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina is a historic hilltop library with stunning Baroque touches. Dating back to the 1700s, the library is one of the highlights of Coimbra University’s campus and offers wonderful views of the surrounding Old Town area. Snap photos of this marvelous structure and admire its ornate décor and grandiose features.
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A grand library with ornate bookshelves, a red carpet, and a central ornate archway.

Recommended things to do in Penacova

Number of things to do
106
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: CA $5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Penacova

Stay near popular Penacova attractions

O Pioneiro do Mondego

Enjoy an outing to O Pioneiro do Mondego during your stay in Penacova. Wander the picturesque gardens and riverfront in the area.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Penacova

A historic cityscape with a prominent hilltop church, a bridge over a river, and a dense urban area with colorful buildings.

Coimbra

A vast agricultural landscape with terraced fields and a line of trees in the distance.

Mealhada

A town nestled in a valley with mist-covered hills in the background.

Arganil

A stone bridge arching over a cascading waterfall.

Mortagua

A foggy harbor with a bridge, a lighthouse, and seagulls flying over the water.

Santa Comba Dao

An ornate architectural facade with intricate carvings, a prominent arched window, and a crest at the center.

Bucaco

Frequently asked questions

Is Penacova worth visiting?
Penacova offers an interesting mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Penacova?
When you've checked off major attractions like Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto and Museu da Cidade Edifício Chiado, spend some time discovering Penacova's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Penacova?
The top tourist attraction in Penacova is New Cathedral of Coimbra, so make sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Penacova?
Three days is plenty for a short break in Penacova — you'll hit the main spots and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to experience it all, hang around for at least a week to explore some nearby highlights too.
Is Penacova a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your type of vacation, Penacova is a great place to visit. Find top sights, including O Pioneiro do Mondego, a walkable distance from downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll through Lorvão, a vibrant neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Penacova with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all the family, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in Penacova with kids.

What to do in Penacova for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Penacova, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Sister Lucia's Memorial or Water Museum.
Are there free things to do in Penacova?
With plenty of free things to do in Penacova, you can enjoy the area without getting your wallet out. Soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or stroll through the local markets.