Bucaco

This beautiful old town has a lovely walled forest, with more than 700 types of trees (the most striking are the enormous cypresses). The towering canopy shades mossy paths, clear pools, and lovely ferns and lilies. After walking through the forest, visit the Carmelite monastery and have afternoon tea at the luxurious Palace Hotel, an architectural marvel with exotic stone decorations. Bucaco makes a delightful weekend getaway or a day trip from Coimbra.