The local area has much to offer any visitor staying in Central Portugal, but the best
part has to be the unspoilt natural beauty of the location.
This is rural Portugal at it´s best, Vila Nova de Poiares is the local town but if you prefer
a slightly faster pace, the university city of Coimbra is only a 30 minute drive away.
Vila Nova de Poiares    
  • Local town, only 5 minutes drive from Venda Nova
  • Many small shops & a small supermarket
  • Weekly Monday morning market
  • Local gardens with fountains & cafe
  • Chanfana (goat´s stew), is a traditional dish of central
    portugal and Vila Nova de Poiares is famous for this
    and also has it´s own Chanfana `brotherhood`!.
Penacova
  • Approximately 20 minute drive from casa lavanda
  • River beach on the edge of the stunning Mondego river
  • River beach side Cafe
  • Cafe's & shops in the village of Penecova, with stunning views
    overlooking the Mondego river
  • Bustling market held on the 1st Sunday of each month -
    bargains galore!
Conimbriga - For more information click on the following link
CONIMBRIGA RUINS
  • Approximately a 50 minute drive
  • Roman ruins
  • Historical interest
Santa Comba Dao
  • Situated between Coimbra and Viseu - approximately a
    40 minute drive
  • Beautiful lake town where the river Dao becomes a part
    of the lake of Aguieira
casa lavanda local & surrounding area
Venda Nova
  • Tiny picturesque village where casa lavanda is located
  • Cafe located within walking distance
  • Fishing lake a short walk away
Click on to the photos to view more images
Coimbra
  • The church of Monastery of Santa Cruz (Igreja de Mosteirio
    do Santa Cruz) & Cloister of silence (Claustro do silencio).  
    Entrance fee €2.50.
  • University of Coimbra & science museum.
  • Open top tour bus & boat trip (€6.00).
  • Antique market on Saturdays.
  • Botanical gardens.
  • Shopping malls galore!!
Local Amenities
  • Horse riding                                        
  • Kayaking / Canoeing                  
  • Golf - Golf de Montebelo
  • Walking - the windmills & other various
    view points (Miradoura)
  • Ten pin bowling
  • Go-Karting
  • Restaurants / Cafes
River beaches located within
30 minutes drive of Casa Lavanda
The Windmills
Figueira de Foz
  • Beautiful beach resort approx 1h30m drive from
    Casa Lavanda
Bucaco Palace
  • Approximately 40 minute drive
  • Formerly a palace belonging to the Portuguese Royal
    Family - Now a luxury hotel with beautiful gardens