What to do in Penela

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic town with white buildings and a large castle on a hill.
A serene lake with a stone building and wind turbines in the background.

Penela Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Penela has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Penela, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Penela with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Penela

Penela is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Penela, and make it a breeze to explore Penela and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Penela to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Penela, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Penela.

Penela attractions

Penela has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Penela to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Penela.

Looking for things to do in Penela can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Penela or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Penela attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

£4
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

£26
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

£4
per adult
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town
Coimbra: Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites

Coimbra: Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites

£23
per adult
Coimbra: Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

£43
per adult
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

£13
per adult
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

£14
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

£9
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
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Top places to visit

1. Coimbra University

Dating back more than seven centuries, Coimbra University is the historic highlight of the city’s town center. Its 16th-century campus contains some of the most intriguing landmarks in the region, including a tower, a chapel and a palace. Speak with the docents for a comprehensive understanding of the university’s history.
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A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

2. Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos is the Little Portugal area that features tiny versions of the country’s most iconic landmarks. It is a fun and educational facility, where kids can find out about the cornerstones of Portuguese culture. Snap photos of your favorite tiny structures as you recognize these models of famous houses and monuments.
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A model of a white building with arches and a tower, surrounded by a pool and greenery.

3. Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Dating back as far as the 12th century, the majestic Velha Cathedral is a rare example of a preserved church of Romanesque design from the Reconquista era. Admire the fortress-like design of the cathedral’s façade, with its narrow arched windows and battlements marking the roof.
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A historic courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by arched walkways and a prominent castle-like building with a tower.

4. Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina is a historic hilltop library with stunning Baroque touches. Dating back to the 1700s, the library is one of the highlights of Coimbra University’s campus and offers wonderful views of the surrounding Old Town area. Snap photos of this marvelous structure and admire its ornate décor and grandiose features.
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A grand library with ornate bookshelves, a red carpet, and a central ornate archway.

5. Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

The Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha includes the well-preserved Gothic ruins of a 14th-century monastery. It contains a visitor center with exhibits that explain the intriguing archaeological traces and architectural designs of the convent. Piece together the history of this nunnery with a tour of the vestiges that remain.
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An ancient stone church with a red-tiled roof and a bell tower, surrounded by ruins and a river in the background.

Recommended things to do in Penela

Number of things to do
114
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Penela

Stay near popular Penela attractions

Penela Castle

8.6/10 (24 reviews)
You can find out about the history of São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal with a trip to Penela Castle. Visit the spas in this walkable area or simply enjoy its cafes.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Penela

A detailed mosaic floor with geometric patterns and a central diamond shape.

Condeixa a Nova

A coastal landscape with cliffs, a sandy beach, and turquoise waters.

Soure

A street with a white fence, a church, and flags.

Miranda do Corvo

A forest with a calm river, large rocks in the foreground, and dense green trees.

Figueiró dos Vinhos

A cobblestone street leading to a stone house with a tiled roof and a wooden balcony.

Aguda

Frequently asked questions

Is Penela worth visiting?
With a blend of views and history, there are plenty of things to do in Penela. While you're here, visit Biological Park of Serra da Lousa, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Penela?
After you've visited leading attractions like Biological Park of Serra da Lousa and PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Penela.
What is the top tourist attraction in Penela?
The top tourist attraction in Penela is Biological Park of Serra da Lousa, so don't forget to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Penela?
Book a getaway in Penela for three days and you'll easily be able to tick off its most popular sights and get a feel for the local vibe. For the chance to see attractions in nearby areas and get away from the tourist trail, consider hanging around for seven to ten days.
Is Penela a walkable city?
If touring on foot sounds like your kind of holiday, Penela is a perfect place to visit. Find major attractions, such as Church of San Miguel, within walking distance of downtown. You can also enjoy a stroll around São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal, a hip neighbourhood located about 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Penela with kids?
Planning what to do in Penela with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Penela for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural highlights to thrilling excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are many fun things to do in Penela for adults.
Are there free things to do in Penela?
In Penela, Church of San Miguel is a must-see spot for anyone planning to tour the city without taking their wallet out. Also, check out the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Penela.