Termas da Azenha

Description:
Termas da Azenha is a little village in the center of Portugal, situated in a beautifull valley, approximately 12 km of the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Termas da Azenha is a former Spa-resort and the water is still of a purifying and healing force.
As we are situated on the boundary of forest and water we do have two ecosystems holding a very rich mixture of flora and fauna. This area alone is home to around 300 species of birds, a lot of remarkable birds are easy to spot and visit our wetlands frequently; blue kingfisher, heron, stork and flamingo.
There is a great variety of pine-, fruit- and foliage trees. The rivers and estuaries around our bath house are filled with all sorts of fish, river lobster, shrimp and frogs. We also spot foxes, rabbits, hares and bats. The area in the valley is often used for fishing and hunting.

The area is very well suited for day walks, bike rides and horse riding.

The vicinity of the beautiful Atlantic coast, Figueira da Foz and the quiet beaches of Lavos and Leirosa make it a perfect place for nature and sun lovers who come to seek clean air and time for themselves. The medicinal water from our springs is therefore an extra attraction.
Although the bathhouse has not properly been used for the last 10 years before we settled in, we still daily welcome local guests; some of them come from far, to take home a few litres of water or soak themselves in one of our healing baths filled with spring water.

This region is not only well suited for nature lovers, guests who come to soak up some of Portugal's finest culture find themselves surrounded by lots of opportunities to explore. Coimbra, the city of universities is only 25 miles away. The excavations of the ancient Roman stronghold of Conimbriga are a mere 16 miles away. The famous pilgrimage city of Fatima, the monastery of Batalha, the former castle in Buçaco and the Thermal baths of Curia and Luso are less than one hour away by car.


More detailed information of the surrounding cities
Coimbra

Ciombra is situated on a hill on the river Mondego. The top of the hill is home to the city's universities and amongst them some of Europe's oldest. You will find the beautiful old historic city centre at the bottom of the hill. Take a stroll along the river or visit the antiquities market in the centre. Have you ever fancied eating out while listening to the Portugese Fado being performed? Well Coimbra is the place to be!

A part from the old town Coimbra also has its good share of modern clothing stores to meet your holiday shopping demands. Museums, monuments, cinema and nightlife are all to be found within the city centre.

Figueira da Foz

Thanks to fishery and shipping in the 18th century Figueira has grown to what it is today. A fairly big city well equipped with plenty of shops, small squares, nightlife and an esplanade. Figueira's main attraction and face of the city will always be its vast, clean and beautiful beach running along the entire length of the city. Summertime draws a lot of Portuguese holiday makers to Figueira. This creates a lively beach atmosphere with lots of sports being played on the beach. Figueira is host to many festivals, theatres and its famous casino.
The lighthouse museum and the town of Paco de Maiorca are also worth visiting.

Montemor-o-Velho

Montemor's character is largely dominated by the ruins of a castle from the 11th century. This castle was build to protect the city against raids by the Moors. The castle is the main tourist attraction and the myth of the castle is charming; the king had the castle build out of love for his mistress. From this point you have a wide view across the Mondego valley.
September is host to a yearly market offering Portugal's best food and performances by artists, the market lasts three days. The city has a small Zoo and an Olympic rowing track.

Conimbriga

The roman ruins of Conimbriga are the best preserved remains on the Iberical peninsula. The remains are on an important connection between Lisboa and Braga.
Founded in the first century it was one of the most prosperous cities of the region until the city was taken by the Suevi and neglected. From that point on the city's appearance quickly deteriorated. Conimbriga is one of the popular tourist attractions in Portugal.


Soure

Soure is situated on a branch of the river Mondego. This old town gained its city rights in the 12th century and expanded around its centre castle. The ruins of this castle are open to the public. Furthermore various water sports can be enjoyed in Soure.

Pombal

The town of Pombal thanks its name to the former marquis of Pombal who in his time was a great benefactor to the city of Lisboa. Also in this town a beautiful castle is worth a visit, from the castle you will have a wide view across town and surroundings. The castle was build in the year 1161, altered in the 16th century and restored in 1940.

Fatima

The pilgrimage town of Fatima is world famous as a place of worship. Every year in May and August thousands of Pilgrims undertake the long walk to Fatima. In those months and just before you will see groups of walkers along Portugal's roads on their journey.
If you like you can participate in church and pray services or join an excursion around town.

Buçaco

Close to Luso lies the forest of Buçaco, surrounded by a stone wall. Within the old growth forest a 104 year old castle nowadays serves as a hotel. The forest is a perfect place for a stroll or a picnic.

Luso

The spring waters of Luso are rich in radioactivity and therefore widely used for treating kidney problems. Luso's spring water is well famous and most popular in Portugal. If you are interested in its healing power you can visit a daily market opposite the spring water complex.

Mosteiro da Batalha

The monastery of Batalha is a masterpiece of Portuguese gothic architecture. Nowadays the monastery is a UNESCO monument. Excursions in the monastery as well as in the surrounding area are offered.


Curía.

The spring water of Curía is known for its medicinal qualities for sufferers of rheumatism or hypertension. Curía also hosts tennis courts, pools and a lake.


Aveiro

Aveiro is situated at the end of Rua do Aveiro, a long road which winds along salt lakes, inlets and channels. At the end of the road, running parallel to the beach, a nature reserve shows its beauty.
The channels of Aveiro traverse the town, small bridges connecting the banks. That's why Aveiro is also called the Venice of Portugal.
The town of Aveiro has various museums and a beautiful park. Enjoy shopping around town or the nightlife.


Tomar

On top of the hill above town lies the beautiful Convento do Cristo. A combination of castle and monastery used in early days as headquarters of the supreme military order of the temple of Jerusalem, in its original language called; Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani. The town itself is attractive because of its park, square, renovated warehouses and factories. Remarkable is the match-box museum holding an extensive collection.


Amusement for kids in the region
There are plenty of things do for the kids. Take for example the open air museum of Coimbra, called, Portugal dos Pequenitos, in this museum you will find 'kids size' scale models of colonial architecture from Brazil, Mozambique, Angola and Macão.
As Coimbra hugs the river Mondego there are many river beaches to be found for relaxing and swimming.
The castles of Buçaco, Montemor-o-Velho and Pombal are perfect day trippers for the whole family. In montemor you can even visit a small zoo.
Kids do like beaches and water; well there is plenty of it just a few miles down the road. The beaches in this area are very quiet which leaves your family lots of space to play around. As the undertow of the Atlantic Ocean is very strong during low tide some precaution does needs to be taken, even for adults. High tide is safe for swimming.


Sports
Numerous options for sports are available around Azenha. Figueira has tennis courts, a sea-pool for lane-swimming and what about horse riding on the beach?
Every year surfing championships are held on the beach of Figueira. Surf fanatics can go crazy around here with the average wave being 6 to 10 feet high. At the lakes in this area you can rent a kayak or canoe, fishing can be done on the beach, at the lakes or even just a stroll away from our bath house in the river Pranto.



Markets
Many Portuguese markets offer meat, fish, poultry, fruit, vegetables, bread, clothing, agricultural tools, plants and more, all for reasonable prices. In Coimbra and Figueira the daily markets are held inside a big hall and only in the mornings. Highlight is the Sunday morning market 10 miles down the road in Louriçal.

Owner Details
Contact Person: Helena Lanser from Portugal
Member Type: Standard
Signup Date: 16 April 2006
Last Updated: 16 April 2006
Email: Contact Owner
Property Shortcut: http://www.holidayhomeads.com/Rent-termas-da-azenha

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Rental Rates:
Prices from 200 euros a week off season
350 a week main season

Location: Soure in Portugal