Worth to visit: Portugal

Portugal

In Portugal here are a lot of beautiful places! We are not able to list all of them, but here you have 10 the best proposals:

      

         1)    Lisbon

 Stretching along the banks of the Tagus River near the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal’s capital and largest city winds upward among seven steep hills, forming an enchanting destination of warm weather, alluring alleys, quaint shops, Gothic cathedrals, impressive bridges and colorful neighborhoods, reverberating in traditional fado music.

      2)    Porto

World famous for its production of fine port wine, the busy city of Porto sprawls along the hills overlooking the Douro River in northern Portugal. At the heart of Porto is the charming pedestrian zone, the Ribeira, an atmospheric place on the river, buzzing in live music, cafes, restaurants and street vendors. Dominating this popular tourist setting is the Ponte Dom Luis, a metal, double-deck arch bridge that links Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, well-known for its port wine cellars.

     3)    Aveiro

Hugging the country’s Atlantic Coast in Central Portugal, Aveiro is a bustling city often called “the Venice of Portugal” due to its picturesque setting of scenic canals connected by charming bridges and dotted with colorful gondolas and speed boats. Historic sites, gorgeous beaches and tasty cuisine also make Aveiro a popular tourist destination.

     4)    Sintra

Nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains on the Lisbon Coast, just a day trip away from Portugal’s capital city, Sintra presents a spectacular setting of verdant hills, sprinkled with pretty villas, royal retreats, castles and palaces such as the famous Pena’s Palace, a fantastical castle reminiscent of Germany’s Neuschwanstein.

     5)    Madeira

Sporting the nickname “Floating Garden of the Atlantic,” Madeira is a fertile oasis in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North Africa, popular for its lush green landscapes, flower gardens and wines. The capital and largest city on Madeira is Funchal, home to historic churches, fortresses, tourist resorts and restaurants as well as the tree-lined Lido Promenade, which presents spectacular ocean views.

     6)    Algarve

 Sunny Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, picturesque towns, historic sites, fabulous cuisine and affordable costs are just some of the reasons that make the Algarve one of the best places to visit in Portugal. Located in the country’s southernmost region, the Algarve offers a feast for the eyes, from tranquil landscapes of olive groves, traditional whitewashed villages to the wild, windswept coast with its dramatic cliffs dotted with summer resorts.

     7)    Azores

The Archipelago of the Azores is composed of 9 volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,500 km (930 miles) west of Lisbon. Renowned for world-class whale watching, hot mineral springs, and quaint seaside towns, each island has its own fascinating identity. São Miguel is the largest island of the Azores and is known as “The Green Island” while Pico is home to the highest mountain in Portugal.

     8)    Nazare

It is worth to see because of one unforgettable view – the biggest waves you have ever seen! Watching amazing dance of the ocean you are standing on a huge rock just below small lighthouse. You will never forget this moment!

  

     9)    Obidos

 Located on a hilltop in the Centro Region of western Portugal, Obidos is encircled by an old fortified wall. Besides the wall, the magnificent medieval castle and historic center of Obidos make up the city’s main attraction and can easily be walked. A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets leads visitors along busy squares, inviting cafes, quaint shops and whitewashed houses spruced with colorful flowers.

  

    10) Fatima

Fatima is one of the most important catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Fatima's Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. However, even if you are not religious, you should visit the city of amazing architecture and atmosphere.

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Intercity

Are u curious how to come to Coimbra from Lisbon or Porto? Or how to visit another cities? We can help you a little bit.

   

     1)    Trains

http://www.thetrainline-europe.com/

Here you have very good and useful website with timetables and prices. Trains are very fast and comfortable way of travelling. The trains are new or renovated, they are really fast and nearly always on time. And not so expensive – to Porto or Lisbon you can travel for about 13€ one way.

     2)    Buses

http://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx

Maybe there are other websites with buses, we totally recommend you this company – it is cheap, on time and clear. To Porto you can get for 10€, to Lisbon 12€.

    1)   How to get from Porto Airport to Coimbra

     

     After you land and go out from the free zone you have to find metro. The stairs down (still in the building) will get you to level - 1. There 20m away from the stairs are tickets machines - you choose Z4 zone (2,45euro) and validate ticket in yellow machine before the stairs up.

·         By train

The underground will drive you to Campanha Station (direction: Estadio do Dragao). On this station you can catch train to Coimbra. You have to options: express train that costs 17 € and will take you to Coimbra in less than one hour or normal train that costs 9.50 € and will take you to Coimbra in 1.5 h.

·         By bus

The underground will drive you to station Bolhao (direction: Estadio do Dragao) in about 30 minutes. On the Bolhao station you need to follow Santa Catarina Street down to Praca da Batalha – there on the Alexandre Herculano Street is a bus station – a little bit hidden (when you see on the right side of the street a large white sign on the window "vende-arrenda" – the gate to bus station is in front of it). There ask for a student ticket to Coimbra (10euro) and go.

  

    2)  How to get from Lisbon Airport to Coimbra

      By train

When you go out from the airport, outside you have metro station. You buy ticket in the machine (1,25+0,5€) and go down using elevator or stairs (direction São Sebastião). Metro will drive you directly to the Train Station (Oriente station) in about 7 minutes. You have to go up on 3^rd floor you can buy train tickets, and on the 4^th there are trains. You will be in Coimbra in about 1,5 hour.

·         By bus

If you want to travel from Lisbon Airport to Coimbra, first you have to take a metro, which is really close to the airport. Travel ticket costs usually 1.40 € but it is only valid for one line! You need to choose red line to get to S. Sebastiao. From this place you can catch a bus or walk to Jardim Zoologico, where you can find Rede-Expressos station. The cost of one ticket for student is 11 € .

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Other tips

 At the end we would like to present you some random information, advices or observations gathered in one place. Here we go!

     1)    Be prepared – although Portugal is relatively cheap country – the medicines are really expensive in here!

     2)    When you are shopping, and you want to buy a meat in supermarket – buy it from the stall, not from prepared packages – it is muuuch cheaper!

     3)   Do you wanna try the best francesinha? Here is the restaurant advised by local! Oh… and one more – buy one for two people – it is too big to eat it on your own.

   

     4)    Count days to Queima das Fitas! Especially for Sunday’s Parade – you will celebrate watching the best prepared trucks splashing beer on each other! The beer this day is freeJ

  

     5)    Take only comfortable shoes with you!

     6)   Although Portugal is considered as hot country – winter in here are cold! Maybe there is no snow, but nights are freezing cold! Especially when you do not have central heating in your flat – and nearly none of the flats have.

  

     7)   If you wanna meet a lot of international people – join ESN Coimbra facebook group! And follow their activities! They are organizing great trips where you can find the best friends in the world!

     8)   Do you need a haircut? Go there – it is cheap and good! Except of the fact that they do not speak EnglishJ

     9)  Girls – in Coimbra there is Primark!

    10) Have fun! Relax! Enjoy! We know that sometimes there is a lot of work, projects, exams and so on. However you will remind not about your school, but about whole rest! 

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Worth to visit in Coimbra

Coimbra has a lot to offer for its visitors. Let’s explore the most beautiful places and attractions!

     1.   University of Coimbra

It is one of the oldest universities in the world, it was founded in 1290 (725 years ago!).  It is a place definitely worth to visit. It was added by UNESCO to World Heritage List.  When you go there, you have a chance to see Joanine’s library that has more than one million books! You will be totally overwhelmed, because the whole place is richly decorated. We have a surprise for you: If you are a student in Coimbra, you can go there for free!!

  

     2.   Se Velha - Cathedral

This beautiful cathedral was built in 1162 years and is one of the most emblematic monuments of Romanesque architecture in Portugal!

     3.   Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden occupies area of 13 hectares and is considered as one of the most beautiful in Europe! Garden has an incredible arboretum that consists of bamboo forest, collection of eucalyptus and different types of exotic plants. This is a perfect place to relax, you can sit near fountain from the 1940s and enjoy nature.

If you are more active person, you can go to Sky Garden Adventure Time high-rope climbing adventure park for around 15 €. 

4. Machado de Castro National Museum

It is one of the most important museums in Portugal!  It is a must-have place to vist in Coimbra. It collects Romanesque and Gothic, sculpture painting, precious metals, ceramics and textiles.

5. Penedo da saudade

Penedo da saudade is another beautiful garden in Coimbra. Its name ‘Rock of Nostalgia’ refers to legend of king of Portugal: Pedro I, who spend there a lot of time after death of his lover Inês de Castro. The garden offers breathtaking view of Coimbra city and is a perfect place for a date

6. Choupal National Forest

It is national forest in Coimbra. Banana palms, laurel trees, eucalyptus trees and many others cover an area of 79 hectares! The forest has even trails for jogging, walking, cycling and horse-riding.

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Night Life

A significant part of your Erasmus experience is night life. It is time when you meet a lot of people, gather friends and maybe find love of your life? To enjoy it as much as possible, we will introduce you the best places in Coimbra! Of course, in our humble opinion.

PUBs 

     1)    What’s up Doc (Localization)

It is a nice pub, where most of Erasmus Students meet – cause it is Official Erasmus Meeting Point in Coimbra. In international surrounding you can drink cheap beer (0,7€) or shots (0,7€).

     2)    Se Velha (Localization)

It is an area of pubs – you can choose whatever you want. We present 3 of them:

Bigorna bar – great pub when you can play table football, watch a match or try one of 100 shots. There are no table or chairs – so you will not be bored somewhere in the cornerJ

Cabido – Great music, nice atmosphere, you can meet there a lot of peopleJ

Moelas – it is our favorite pub! You can drink here, for example, 8 shots or 4 beers and 4 shots for 5€, Mojito for 1,9€ or Sangria with bagasso for 1€ and maaany more. The bartenders are amazingly nice and social! You have to visit this place!

     3)    AAC (Localization)

If you just want to take a beer and sit outside with friends for longer time – this is place for you! Be prepared – it is always crowded.

CLUBs

    

     1)    NB (Localization)

The best club in Coimbra! You will meet there a lot of Erasmus Students, dance to the great music and have fun till the morning! Oh, just in case you do not know – the party really starts around 3 amJ

     2)    Twiit (Localization)

Good music, niece atmosphere – you just have to try it!

     3)    POP (Localization)

Small club with amazing music! It is in the center – so you close to everywhere! They are organizing theme parties like Mexican Party, when you can drink tequila for 0,5€ and get a sombrero! 

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Household remedies

Sometimes you have a problem – in your house, with your staff or with health. Whatever you want to buy is reeeealy expensive! That is why we present you some useful household remedies – they work and they are cheap!

1.     If you scald during cooking and you cannot afford for expensive ointment – use just a honey! It reduces the burning sensation and regenerates the skin.

2.   In home sometimes you can observe mold – it is occurs because of high humidity. But it is really easy to remove – you just have to spray it by bleach (cost: 1,5€) and later open the windows and do not come in for couple hours – the smell is really irritating.

3.    If you drank a little bit during party before important presentation in the morning and you are scared that there is unpleasant smell from your mouth – just chew cloves!

4.    When you decided to live active and you did not think about muscle soreness – smooth some vinegar on painful body parts. Accept of unpleasant smell it works really good!

5.    For sore throat, except of expensive medicines, you can use a slice of fresh ginger – just suck it as normal pill. It brings relief and is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

 6. Do you like onion but you hate crying during slicing? Just take match and hold it in your teeth with the sulfur part outside (of course do not even try to strike it)! You will not cry any more.

7.    If you would like to get rid of humidity in your room – glue next to your window couple chalks wrapped by a tape. They will be natural moisture absorber!

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