This is a small selection of places to visit nearby; there are may others to discover...
Outeiro windmills
The intensive production of cereals, especially corn, and the existence of high places in Ansião has marked this landscape with the presence of several windmills. These windmills were made of wood and they worked on top of circle stone rails; this way they could be turned to seek the best wind. They were essential for the ancient economy because they produced the flour for the bread and corn bread (broa), fundamental food for the local people.
Distance: 500m
Germanelo castle
On the way to Penela, trough Rabaçal, you will find the Germanelo castle. Built by D. Afonso Henriques between 1140-1142, this castle, typical of the Reconquest period has a wonderful view over the valley of Rabaçal.
Distance: 10 minutes by car
Castle of Penela
Its construction started in the 11th century, although what you can see of the castle these days only goes back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside is the church of St. Michael, which was originally built in the 12th century.
Distance: 10 minutes by car
Conimbriga ruins (Roman ruins)
Conímbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements in Portugal, and is classified as a national monument. Conímbriga lies 16 km from Coimbra and less than 2km from Condeixa-a-Nova. The site also has a museum that displays objects found by archeologists during their excavations, including coins and cirurgical tools. A restaurant/café is in the museum, which also has a gift shop.
Distance: 15 minutes by car
Pedra da Ferida waterfall
The Pedra da Ferida waterfall is in the Espinhal mountain, and to get there you need to take the road to Ribeira da Azenha. To visit this pleasant spot, you'll have to leave your car a few hundred yards from it and walk a little along a footpath.
Distance: 20 minutes by car
Buracas valley
Buracas valley is a series of limestone cliffs in a very hidden valley to the south of Coimbra in central Portugal, not far from the village of Casmilo. You can get there trough Rabaçal. Ideal for climbing.
Distance: 20 minutes by car
Louçainha river beach
The freshness, the green hillside scenery, the serenity and peace of this place make it one of the most attractive natural areas in the Espinhal mountain. Here, you will find natural pools, a picnic area and a panoramic restaurant.
Distance: 20 minutes by car
Aldeia Ana de Aviz
A nice river beach with bar; not far from the first IC8 junction to Figueiró dos Vinhos.
Distance: 20 minutes by car
Fragas S. Simão
Not far from Figueiró dos Vinhos. To get there exit IC8 road at 'Aguda' and go down the valley.
Distance: 20 minutes by car
Praia da Rocas
Praia das Rocas river beach is a touristy complex located in a lake with almost 1km of extension right in the earth of 'Castanheira de Pêra', with an area of approx. 10 hectares alongside the small river of Ribeira de Pêra that provides crystall clear waters to the complex. Praia das Rocas has a round swimming pool with 7000m2 and a waves swimming pool with 2100m2 (biggest in Portugal).
Distance: 30 minutes by car
Coimbra
Coimbra, side by side with Braga, is the third most important urban center of Portugal after the much larger Lisbon metropolitan area and Porto metropolitan area conurbations, and plays a role as the chief city of the central part of the country. The city, which was the capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1260, has a large archeological site with extensive ruins dating from the time it was a Roman town called Aeminium. Coimbra developed into an important cultural centre, mainly because of the University of Coimbra founded in 1290. The University is one of the oldest in Europe and due to its monumental buildings attracts tourists from around the world.
Distance: 30 minutes by car
Silver Coast beaches
Only 40 minutes driving from the villa you can find beautiful white sandy beaches like the seaside town resort of Figueira da Foz, or the ecological beach of Osso da Baleia. You can drive to Praia da Vieira and eat some delicious seafood or you can walk in Praia do Pedrogão and discover a lake lost in the forest. Driving south you will find the beautiful beach of S. Pedro de Moel. Further south, Nazaré is waiting for you with panoramic views over the sea and if you go beyond, you will find a beautiful bay in S. Martinho do Porto
Distance: 40 minutes by car
Tomar
It was founded as head-quarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal in the 12th century and contains some of the most significant templar monuments in Europe. Tomar was especially important in the 15th century when it was a centre of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, successor organization to the Templars in Portugal.
Distance: 45 minutes by car
Óbidos
Once the wedding present of a queen, the preserved medieval town of Óbidos lying 100km north of Lisbon is without doubt one of Portugal's most classic walled settlements.
Distance: 1 hour by car
Mira de Aire caves
Mira de Aire is a small town in Portugal in the district of Leiria. A point of interest is the Natural Park of Serra de Aire and Candeeiros. The area is known for caving. This is Portugal's largest caves system and the underground tour leads down trough a series of colourfully lit caverns with some impressive speleothems. The last cavern, 110m below the surface contains a huge lake with artificial waterfalls and dramatic artificial fountains. Exit is via a fast elevator to the surface.
Distance: 1 hour by car
Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela (English: Star Mountains) is the highest mountain range in Portugal and includes mainland portugal's highest peak (Pico mountain in Portuguese Azores islands is higher), which has a natural altitude of 1993m (around 6541 feet). However, in 1716-1729 the Portuguese king João V ordered the construction of a 7m tall tower so that the peak could reach 2000m. The locations of this tower is know as 'Torre' (Tower, literally translated). The mountain range is about 100km long and is 30km at its widest point. It is formed from a huge granite ridge that once formed the southern frontier of the country. Due to its bizarrely shaped crags and gorges, mountain streams and lakes, beautiful forests and magnificent views, the area ranks among Portugal's outstanding scenic attractions.
Distance: 2 hours by car
