Mata do Choupal

Coimbra is more than just historic buildings and university. It has also a great nature. Apart from it's parks (Jardim Botanico, Jardim da Sereia and Parque Verde do Mondego) there is also a forest in town called Mata do Choupal.

The place was made to keep Mondego river from flooding (which used to happen a lot during the 17th century - it has even flooded Santa Clara's Monastry) and it is also a great place for hiking, having a pic nic or doing outsides activities. 

It is completely bursting in trees and it has some Mondego river's creeks, which make the scenery very beautiful. During the autumn, the forest get's all yellowish with leaves falling. I recommend you to go there during this time of the year, when it's not so cold and not so crowded. 

Enjoy the place in a sunday afternoon with friends! 

Location

Although it isn't located near the city center, the forest is really easy to reach. You can walk all the way there (about 3km from the main University campus) or you can get a bus at Praça da República and you'll be there in 15 minutes.

It is really close to Coimbra-B train station, so if you're coming from another city you can stop there!