Canoeing
The Rio Mondego is the only river in the country that runs down the whole length of Portugal. You can canoe down the river as far as the old university city of Coimbra. However, you would do best to start your trip after the great dam in Agueira. Canoes are for rent in Penacova and other places. The journey of 40 kilometres down the Mondego takes you through a beautiful valley, surrounded by rocky slopes covered with an abundance of green vegetation. In the quiet of nature you will pass beautiful little beaches, caves, perhaps some fishermen; until you reach Coimbra and are suddenly surrounded by the busy city atmosphere.

Cycling, ATB
The steep roads around Tábua are perfect for even the untrained cyclist. There are plenty of narrow roads that are both quiet and well maintained. Are you getting tired of the paved roads? Then take your mountain bike and go looking for the smaller steep and sandy roads; those are also perfect for some tough cross-country running. In the hilly surroundings of the mountain, any radical sport is in perfect harmony with the environment: rough but still fun.

Climbing and abseilen
People who like a challenge can go to the icon of the village of Tábua: the huge rock Pedra da Sé. You can climb up the rock and then go down in various ways.

Walking tours, Nordic walking and running
The old Roman roads are excellent for beautiful walking tours in groups of alone. For the Nordic walkers and runners amongst us, the dirt roads in the woods are a challenge too.
           
Festivals and celebrations
In this pleasant village and all through the northern and central part of Portugal you can attend the festivals that celebrate the name days of specific Saints, and the summer parties with a less religious character. From spring until fall each village organizes at least one party a year. You will surely notice the posters and signs that decorate trees and walls; festa means festival, romaria means name day, and if the word baile is mentioned you can be sure that there will be a lot of dancing. In Tábua you should not miss the “Festa do Senhor dos Milagres”. There is also a new festival in the village: the Teenagers’ Festival. It promotes the rock bands from Tábua and brings to Tábua the bands that already rock!

Other activities
Throughout the year you can pay a visit to the Municipal Library João Brandão. You can find this beautifully renovated old granite building in the main street. Lectures, literary contests and literary dinner parties take place here. The temporary exhibitions are also worth a visit.

Horse-Riding and Leisure
In the Beira Alta region, there are excellent opportunities for horse riding. Several tours are organized. For example in the Serra da Estrela or Serra do Açor region. Crossing the rivers and exploring the mountains, on the back of a beautiful Lusitanian horse is a peaceful opportunity in learning to know the country.

Portugal by Horse
At Midões, a beautiful historical village (near Tábua), you have the opportunity to be familiar with horses and the nature all together. From off the farm with its guesthouse, guided tours (one or several days) are organised. There are also riding classes for the less experienced.

Quinta do Pombal
For specialised lessons in Lusitano horse riding, you have to visit Quinta do Pombal at Carregal do Sal. At this farm the owners will give you specialized lessons. They are members of the Royal School of Horses.

through the Rio Alva

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The beaches of the Silver-Coast of Portugal

A one hour drive brings us to the Atlantic Ocean from which the Portuguese explorers discovered the world. The beauty of the county is reflected in the Atlantic Ocean, its beaches and beach villages. Everything is peaceful and amazing, from the environment itself and the peculiar smell of the sea to the footprints in the sand.

Enjoy the little village Mira and its spectacular beach. Or visit one of the  beaches adored by all the Portuguese: the glamorous Figueira da Foz with the immense wide beach area. There are fantastic possibilities for walking cycling, running, or simply enjoying the beach accompanied with an ice-cream. Also the neighbour beach of Buarcos is recommended.

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