To do in Coimbra: Canoeing the Mondego River

25km in a Canoe!

We’ve taken our family and friends on a canoe trip from Penacova to Coimbra on the river Mondego numerous times. 25 sounds a lot, doesn’t it! Well actually, it’s not. The stretch of river between Penacova and Coimbra is perfect for canoeists without a great deal of experience.

The river is exceptionally quiet and quite often you will find yourselves the only people there. For the first part of the trip there is practically no current due to an artificial lake effect from two meeting rivers. This is a great way to start after the palaver of getting into the actual canoe! The river slowly becomes narrower and the roads either side of the river disappear. This is the most peaceful stretch. There is an abundance of bird life and a small current to drag the canoes along should you wish to rest for a while. It’s the perfect place to float and enjoy the scenery. If the water is low you may even run aground on the riverbed. Just step out and drag the canoe along for a while. If the water is high, you will sail right on past. The route also takes you through the impressive “Mondego Library”, where the river narrows and the stones create the effect of rows of books. The approach to these can be a little scary, but I’ve been through with 7 year olds up to 60 year olds and all of us got through without a hitch.

In total the trip takes roughly 4 hours and isn’t a difficult journey. Different organisations operate differently, however we have always taken our own transport to Coimbra and then been taken by bus to Penacova where we have launched off and paddled back to our cars.

For links on where to do this great trip, try Quinta do Rio Dao, Go Outdoor!, and as always, check Coimbra Property Shop for upcoming events for the whole family.

For more on canoeing the Mondego, please check the canoeing section of our blog.

Tags: canoe, Canoeing, Coimbra, mondego, Penacova, to do, water