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GR48 - Grande Rota do Mondego
Comunidade Intermunicipal da Região de Coimbra
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GR48 - Grande Rota do MondegoPhoto: Município de Penacova
Discover the Grande Rota do Mondego, covering 142 kilometers between Figueira da Foz and Oliveira do Hospital, a unique journey through the landscapes, culture, and flavors of this charming region.
Along the Grande Rota do Mondego, the treasures that connect Figueira da Foz to Oliveira do Hospital are unveiled, on a journey of contrasts crossing history, culture, and nature. The route, over a hundred kilometers long, winds through Montemor-o-Velho, Coimbra, Penacova, and Tábua, always accompanied by the Mondego River, which, with its flow sometimes calm, sometimes impetuous, draws a unique narrative.
The beginning, near the Atlantic, is marked by the vast golden beaches of Figueira da Foz, shaped by the power of the tides and the sea breeze. Next come the fertile fields of Montemor-o-Velho, an authentic agricultural mosaic where rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and orchards testify to centuries of connection to the land. In Coimbra, the route crosses the vibrant university atmosphere, full of academic traditions, historic monuments, and streets echoing stories of centuries.
Leaving the city behind, the path advances through Penacova, where the Mondego narrows between green hills, forming postcard landscapes. In the municipalities of Tábua and Oliveira do Hospital, the scenery gains a more intimate and rural character: still active water mills, reservoirs taming the river, and terraces revealing the agricultural ingenuity of past generations.
The Grande Rota do Mondego is also a route for the palate. Along the way, the traveler is invited to savor typical dishes and regional products, from the convent sweets of Coimbra to Serra da Estrela cheese, passing artisanal sausages and wines with character.
Author’s recommendation
The section between Coimbra and Penacova follows a road (EN110) with regular car traffic and few pedestrian circulation conditions. Consider using the existing variants: GR 48.1 and GR 48.2
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Be careful with the heat in summer.
Tips and suggestions
Make the route in stages and take the opportunity to stay and get to know all the municipalities it passes through.
Directions
Coimbra-Oliveira do Hospital
Leave Coimbra
Suggested starting point: Rotunda do Almegue or Av. Fernão de Magalhães
Enter EN17 (Estrada da Beira) at the Ceira or Lordemão area, heading towards Lousã / Penacova
Follow EN17
Continue always on EN17, heading to Penacova / Tábua / Oliveira do Hospital
Pass through:
Portela
Silveirinho
Penacova (no need to enter the town)
Lorvão
Sazes do Lorvão
Carapinha
Tábua
In Tábua: continue on EN17 → IC6
After passing Tábua, stay on EN17/IC6 (direction Oliveira do Hospital)
You will cross:
Candosa
Ervedal da Beira
São Sebastião da Feira
Exit to Seixo da Beira
Right after Ervedal da Beira, follow signs for:
Seixo da Beira / Carvalha / Felgueira Velha
There is a local exit via EM239-1 or EM515 (depending on the entry)
Arrival at Felgueira Velha
After crossing Seixo da Beira, climb up to the locality of Felgueira Velha, located on a hillside
The road becomes narrower and more rural in the last 3 km.
Coimbra- Figueira da Foz
Leave Coimbra
From the center of Coimbra, follow Avenida Fernão de Magalhães or access points at Ponte Rainha Santa Isabel
Enter A1 (northbound), then:
Exit 12 for A14, direction Figueira da Foz
Follow A14
Pass through:
Montemor-o-Velho
Louriçal
Continue until the exit for Figueira da Foz (Center)
Arrival at Figueira da Foz
Enter through the southern part of the city, near the Mondego River, close to the marina and Edgar Cardoso Bridge
Total: ~40 min Toll (A14): around €1.60 to €2.20 (depending on entry and vehicle type)
Alternative: EN111 (national route, no toll).
Parking
In Felgueira Velha there are some parking spots.
In Figueira da Foz there are more parking options, some free and others paid
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions