Attractions
Discover Nature by Bike: Electric Bike Hire for Unmissable Rides
Address: Rua da Fonte N2, Carvalhinhos-Penela, Portugal .Casa Belavista offers you an exciting additional activity to explore the surrounding area: electric bike hire. We have two electric hybrid bikes available to rent, either for a full day or a half day.
Our electric hybrid bikes are equipped with powerful 650-watt and 500-watt motors, allowing you to explore the region with ease and comfort, even on the most challenging terrain. With these bikes, you can effortlessly follow hidden trails and enjoy stunning panoramic views, all with complete freedom.
So don’t wait – hire our electric hybrid bikes and set off on an adventure to discover the breathtaking landscapes around you. Get in touch with us now to book your rental!
Refresh Your Body and Mind: Experience the Revitalising Power of Our Outdoor Sauna
Address: rua da Fonte N2, Carvalhinhos-Penela, Portugal .At Casa BelaVista we want to make you discover a healthy and quiet life, close to nature. You will therefore have the opportunity during your stay to enjoy the benefits and views of our outdoor sauna.
Heated Infinity Pool – Relaxation and Breathtaking Views
Address: rua da fonte, n2, 3230-211 Carvalhinhos, Penela, Portugal .A retreat with an endless view
At Casa BelaVista Penela, every detail is designed to inspire serenity and well-being.
The heated infinity pool is the heart of the experience — stretching out towards the horizon, it offers breathtaking views over the Penela hills and the Serra do Açor.At sunset, the water reflects the golden light, turning the moment into a living painting where the landscape and pool seem to merge into one.
Here, time slows down. Nature surrounds you. And rest takes on a deeper meaning.
ExperTree Park- Arborismo e Aventura
Address: Parque Verde da Quinta da Cerca, Espinhal, Portugal .Do you like adrenaline and nature?
Just 5 km from the house, you have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable moment in the middle of nature. ExperTree Park offers you tree climbing, bubble football, guided tours, and much more.
Cascade da Pedra da Ferida
Address: Cascata da Pedra da Ferida, Portugal .For the most adventurous and nature lovers, just 5 km from home, you’ll find one of the best waterfalls in the region. It’s a place full of trails to explore the most beautiful landscapes the region has to offer.
River beach
Address: Serra da Lousã, Portugal .The Central region offers a large number of river beaches in areas rich in nature and with diverse landscapes. Less than 5 km away, you will find the Louçainha River Beach, located in the heart of the Lousã Mountains. A small paradise in the mountains
São João do Deserto
Address: 40.0175° N, 8.3833° W .The best-kept secret of the Serra da Lousã.
Just a short drive from Casa BelaVista lies one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region: São João do Deserto. Perched at 854 metres above sea level, it offers a panoramic view that stretches across five districts — a landscape of rolling mountains, lush valleys and open skies.
At its heart stands the small Chapel of São João, built in 1614. Modest and remote, it opens only on 24 June, the feast day of Saint John. The rest of the year, it stands as a place of quiet reflection, surrounded by the raw beauty of the mountains.
The journey there is just as rewarding. You can follow scenic trails from nearby villages such as Ferraria de São João or Espinhal, passing through abandoned schist villages like Esquio and Pessegueiro — each step revealing a piece of forgotten history.
Perfect for nature lovers, hikers and seekers of soulful moments, São João do Deserto is not just a destination — it’s a discovery.
Parque Biológico da Serra da Lousã
Address: Quinta da Paiva 3220-154 Miranda do Corvo .The Biological Park is the largest showcase of Portugal’s native fauna and flora, as well as its traditional agro-pastoral practices. Home to over 300 animals across more than 60 species, it offers a true representation of Portugal’s wildlife.
In the Wildlife Park, visitors can observe Iberian wolves, brown bears, lynxes, birds of prey (permanently unable to return to the wild), wild boars, deer, and many other species in semi-natural habitats.
The Educational Farm provides a fantastic opportunity to learn about, observe, and compare different native breeds traditionally used in farming, including cattle, sheep, pigs, horses/donkeys, poultry, and goats.
Beyond its focus on animals and plants, the Biological Park also features several captivating museum spaces:
The Cooperage Museum,
The Living Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts,
The Mind Space Museum.
A key mission of the Biological Park is to promote employability and inclusion for people with physical and/or psychological disabilities, who play an active role in animal care and the Living Museum.
The Biological Park is part of the Trivium, alongside the Universalist Ecumenical Temple and the Eco-Museum Mind Space, which are dedicated to upholding the core values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
Estimated visit duration: 2 hours
Aldeias de Xisto
Address: Serra da Lousã, Portugal .27 unique villages scattered across the mountains, far from the daily routine. Here, clocks tick more slowly, and time takes on a different meaning. Relax, explore, and enjoy a natural experience – a true cultural treasure.
These villages are filled with hiking trails that offer breathtaking views, just 12 km from home.
Roman city - Conímbriga
Address: Rua Professor Vergilio Correia, Condeixa-a-velha 3150-220 .Conímbriga is one of the most important and best-preserved Roman cities in Portugal, located near Coimbra. Founded in the 1st century B.C., it became a significant urban centre during Roman rule in the Iberian Peninsula, standing out for its advanced architecture and infrastructure for the time.
The archaeological site of Conímbriga offers a fascinating insight into Roman life, with ruins of houses, baths, paved streets, and impressive mosaics. Highlights include houses with atriums and decorated courtyards, public baths, and mosaics depicting both mythological scenes and everyday life.
The Conímbriga Museum, located nearby, displays artefacts and objects uncovered during excavations, providing a detailed view of Roman life in the city. Today, Conímbriga is one of Portugal's most important tourist destinations, drawing visitors eager to learn more about the country’s Roman heritage.
Penela Castle
Address: Rua da Filarmonica Penelense 2 Penela 3230-253 .Penela Castle, located in central Portugal, has a history that dates back to the medieval period.
Likely built in the 12th century during the Christian Reconquista, the castle was constructed to defend the settlement and the surrounding region from Moorish incursions. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous modifications, being expanded and reinforced at various stages, including significant fortifications under the reign of King Denis (D. Dinis).
During the Middle Ages, the castle was a crucial strategic stronghold due to its elevated position, which provided sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. However, by the 16th century, it had lost much of its military significance, and over time, it fell into neglect, suffering damage from earthquakes, particularly the great quake of 1755.
Today, Penela Castle stands as an important historical and cultural landmark, attracting visitors eager to explore its medieval architecture and uncover the history of one of the region’s oldest Fortress.
University of Coimbra
Address: Coimbra Üniversitesi, Coimbra, Portugal .Just 35 minutes from Casa BelaVista, you'll find one of Portugal’s most treasured landmarks: the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290.
A visit to the iconic Pátio das Escolas is a journey through time — from the magnificent Joanina Library and the beautiful Chapel of São Miguel to the striking university tower offering panoramic views of the city.
More than just an academic institution, the University is the cultural heart of Coimbra, where century-old traditions like academic rituals and student serenades still echo through the streets of the old town.
Casa Tip: Take a moment to stroll through the Botanical Garden, browse the historic bookshops, and soak in the student atmosphere at local cafés. A rich experience full of charm, history, and inspiration — perfect for those seeking more than just rest.
