Seat of the country's oldest university, Coimbra was also the birthplace of six kings and the capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1256. It is therefore a city full of historical associations, joint with the colourful customs of the students that fill its universities.
Also historic is the National Forest of Buçaco, which goes back as early as the 6th century and contains hundreds of native and exotic species of trees and bushes, as well as, in its centre, the Buçaco Palace Hotel, with its romantic 19th century architecture and renowned murals and tiles.
Further south, Figueira da Foz is a popular seaside resort, with an extensive sandy beach and a sea that invites surfers.
Inland, Montemor-o-Velho exhibits a castle mainly from the 14th century but which includes vestiges of the Moorish and Roman occupations, while Cantanhede is known for its white wines and Conímbriga, near Coimbra, is the largest excavated roman site in Portugal, providing a vivid picture of a prosperous roman city.
Throughout the district, there are several interesting castles and historic sites to visit, together with a variety of wooded sceneries.