From Coimbra under two hours, our favourite mini adventures.

Hike that loop from Aigra Nova.

Best in winter, when prolonged rain may delude you into thinking you're in Scotland, this two hour hike will take you through three Xisto villages. The terrain is steep, and walking there can feel like a lot of work (don't forget snacks)! Start in Aigra Nova, where you can get a homemade cake and a coffee in the only cafe. Then, after examining the map in the village, climb up towards Aigra Velha, and further, to Pena - simply follow the red and yellow trail-markers. We like this hike the most, with its open mountain views, valley path alongside a stream, and trail through a pine and eucalyptus forest, when the stress of everyday life becomes a drag.

Swim in a lake in Casal da Lapa

From Coimbra, drive towards Casal da Lapa through Lousa and the views will take your breath away. Between October and May, the water in Santa Luzia lake is cold but crystal clear with no boat traffic, and the nature around is tranquil, thus if you like cold swimming, this place is a bliss. Best to park behind the Bar da CAL, in the pine forest, and walk towards one of many access paths to the water. Don't like swimming? There are many paths to walk or cycle through the forest, climb the mountains and contemplate the blue sky's reflection in the lake. We like the most, after the cold swim, to read a good novel, listening the gentle waves splash on the rocky shore under a fresh blue sky of November.

Walk and dip in Ribeira das quelhas.

Come to walk the Quelhas walkway near Coentral da Cruz. You hop on a wooden deck, just like you'd on the New York's High Line, but instead of a giant city, you will be astonished by the beauty of the valley. And if you brave only a little bit and leave the path and climb down towards the stream, to one of a few basins, you'll find yourself in a refuge surrounded by the hardwood trees, shielding from the sun with their thick layer of leaves. All around, a dry southern European landscape, but here, where turquoise water flows all year long, is fresh and succulent. We love to plunge into this freezing cold water and, afterwards, eat a sandwich; it's this place or the preceding thousand steps, but it is always delicious.

Take your family to a river and a waterfall. 20 minutes from Coimbra.

This short (~1km), family-friendly trail begins below the famous Roman ruins of Conímbriga, in the valley of the Rio dos Mouros. The forested route and wooden boardwalk, best visited in the winter and spring (and ideally after a heavy downpour), leads to a suspension bridge and waterfall. At times roaring and at others a dribble, the forest (and its many mushrooms) is sure to delight even the youngest hiker. To get there, park at the Conímbriga National Museum (20 mins from Coimbra) and follow signs to the "passadiço." If you didn't manage to pack a lunch, the restaurant at the museum offers good coffee and generous portions. Since the Conímbriga ruins are along the caminho, there are many options for extending the hike for a longer day out. The ruins themselves are a major archaeological site that offers a window into the layered history of this region.

Walk, Swim, and Stroll to Cabril de Ceira.

Cabril de Ceira offers a tranquil spot to swim, listen to running water over minor falls, and admire the picturesque rock formations that entice stronger swimmers (and kayakers) to explore further. There are a couple ways to reach Cabril de Ceira. The first is to park directly at the river. For those interested in a short walk (3.5 km one way; 7km round-trip) park at the Parque de Merendas de Serpins, opposite the Praia Fluvial da Senhora da Graça. Look for the nearest signpost for a map of the nearby walking routes, and follow the red and yellow trailmarkers to Cabril (P.S. This village-and-forest trail can even be walked with a sturdy stroller!).