We're in Coimbra's municipal campsite - which is fine, apart from the two groups of motorhomers taking up a large number of potential pitches, meaning that we're a little squashed in. Still, we're touring so that hardly matters for fwo nights.
We arrive from Aveiro around midday, pitch the van and head off to the large coastal city of Figueira da Foz which has a vast, fine sandy beach, some up-market looking hotels but, for us, it lacks a little character.
We walk the length of the entire beachfront but are surprised by the scarcity of enticing restaurants. Nice place, though.
We return to find the 'van surrounded by campervans but next to us is a little Portuguese caravan and we are just able to squeeze the car in between with the owner's cooperation. We have a nice chat to our new Australian motorhome neighbours in a French-plated van.
We wake up the next day to promising sunshine with an interesting day ahead. Coimbra is a centre of historic interest, in which the large and famous university has played its part. We motor in and walk around the old town which, although crumbling in places, exudes character. The university students tend to live together, almost communally, in 'republics', each having their own distinct characteristics.
The university itself is well worth the visit. It's getting hot but we have a great time absorbing the town's character as we work our way around some 'must see' sights. We finish our visit to this town with a great lunch at a little side street restaurant.
The University Square
Lunch....
Before returning 'home', we head for the immensely impressive Roman site at Conimbriga. Wonderful - but we're a little surprised to see the mosaics baking uncovered in the hot sun.
Aldi then home and prep for the trip to Sao Pedro de Moerel tomorrow. See you there?
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