Activities
Off-road driving is one of the ultimate tests of driving skills.
Following the forest tracks (we will provide maps and suggested routes to get you started) is an adventure all of its own.
Land Rover owner International (June 2006 iss.7) declared “If you had to pick one country in Europe to nominate as Land rover dreamland, it would have to be Portugal”.
Land Rover Monthly (July 2006) agreed “The Portuguese delight for all things Land Rover and off-roading is instantly evident to any enthusiast who has been fortunate enough to visit this nation.”
Portugal offers the Lousa Challenge, the Merca Rainforest Challenge & Lisbon Dakar – need we say more!!
Between October and April there are locally organised Passeios’ and TT events.
A Passeio is an organised event where enthusiasts meet for an early breakfast. In following the designated route mapped by the organisers through the forest tracks you have an experience unlike anything before. The landrovers cover many kilometres, often involving river crossings and hill challenges. But for those of you who are not into extreme there are alternative, less challenging routes where the going is a less difficult.
So a Passeio can be enjoyed by all driving standards. Often after a leisurely and friendly lunch in a local hall the afternoon starts with a shorter Passeio and concludes with a series of more difficult challenges, more often than not involving water !! This is as much fun to watch as it is to participate in. If you have a winch you can make many new friends in one afternoon.
In a similar vein there are Ciclotourismos for bicycles. At around 30 kilometre cycle tour, again starting off early morning and covering some serious road mileage.
If you prefer to make your own way through the spectacular countryside cycling or walking we can provide you with maps to start you off.
Horse riding, river canoeing and kayaking are also all within easy access of Carapinha.
The city of Coimbra is famous for its university and being only 40 minutes away is well worth a visit. The Roman ruins at Conimbriga are stunning and need a good long day (or more than one visit) to fully appreciate and enjoy them.
For the wine buffs among you Portugal has some stunning wines to offer and there are many wine tasting and tours to enjoy, ranging from the very small local caves to the larger, custom-built wineries. Not forgetting of course the extensive, world renowned Port producers in Porto itself.
And no holiday is complete without a trip to the beautiful Atlantic beach. Figuera da Foz offers a more commercial experience with the small town of Tocha a little way along the coast giving access to peaceful beach stretching as far as the eye can see. Walking there on New Years day is an experience worth trying.