Person_X

I am travelling by rail from Obidos to Porto, and am wondering if anyone can recommend an interesting place to visit in between. I won't have access to a car.

Georgine

Traveling in Portugal by train, when you are using the "spur" rail lines, is not the fastest method for getting around.

From Obidos (which is on a spur line), you can get to Coimbra in about 3 hours. It is a long journey, but Coimbra is a "fun" town---particularly if your definition of fun is a younger crowd.

There is a large university in Coimbra; and, consequently the nightime activity that goes along with a large population of college age students.

It is worth a "two night" stay.

The old town, which is set atop a hill overlooking the rest of the city, has an interesting palace and amazing library. There are several museums, two interesting churches (with cloisters)and tons of college students milling about between the various old, campus buildings.

At the base of the hill is the main shopping area--- It is "pedestrian-only" and you could spend days in their stores, if your money holds out. The shopping is impressive, from pottery, to clothing and any imaginable type of bed linens and bath towels.

While the students are in session, you will find unusal, small fado clubs where the "young men" sing their partiuclar version of these laments.

There are lots of quaint, medevial, winding streets with inexpensive restaurants and fado clubs.

Since Coimbra is on the main rail line, it is a fast trip to Porto from here.

Coimbra, in my opinion, would be the most interesting and active area to visit between Obidos and Porto, if you are using the train system.

lobo_mau

http://www.quintadaslagrimas.pt

Georgine

Person X,

Lobo is directing you to a web site for a beautiful, four star, "quinta" accommadation that is about one mile from the beginning of the pedestrianized area of Coimbra.

It is a very special property with refined, "white glove" service.
(A tuxedo-clothed bellman arrives at your car to take the luggage.)

The quinta is very formal and on the "higher-end" of the price scale for Portugal.

I didn't list it for you because you asked for "fun towns".

The quinta is a place where you feel obliged to whisper in the corridors.

If you are looking for this price of accommodation, and don't mind taking taxis back and forth from the station and for your touring---it is gorgeous!!

lobo_mau

Georgine

Thanks for the clarification.

Quinta das Lagrimas (place of tears) is related with Portuguese History since 14th century, because Ines de Castro was killed there. Ines and Pedro are the Portuguese version of Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet. He lived to become king and Ines was raised to the dignity of queen after her death. The tombs of both may be seen in Alcobaça Monastery facing each other, so in the day of final judgement, they can see each other before anything else.
Although the sad way she died, her illegitimate son Joao (John) married Philipa of Lancastre (the daughter of Engand's John of Gaunt) and together they produced a large offspring (Inclita Geracao - the Destinguished Generation), from which Prince Henry the Navigator is the most known.

Better than I could possibly do, I recommend you the synopsis of Opera Ines de Castro.

http://www.thomaspasatieri.com/inesdecastro.html

Person_X

Thanks for the info Georgine and lobo...I actually was considering Coimbra; now I think I will definitely go.