Along the River Dão, boating and canoeing can be enjoyed in the spring and summer months. Hiking and walking along marked nature trails also enables residents to appreciate the captivating scenery of this beautiful natural region. Its lush green woods are home to many kinds of animals and plants, and the river allows plenty of good fishing. There are several cycle paths and horse riding is a popular pastime.

Just 14km away is the town of Viseu, also known as the museum and seven towers city, lying at the centre of this important wine-growing region. Dão is best known for its red wines, which are subtle and elegant, ranging from spicy and peppery to full bodied and fruity. There are several vineyards in the vicinity where wine tasting is enjoyed. Viseu also boasts fine architecture and is host to five museums, the most famous of which is the Museum Grão Vasco, housed in the former bishop's palace, with its stunning works of art.

The region is famous for its thermal spas, including Alcafache, Carvalhal, Caldas da Felgueira and Sangemil. These centres promote wellness through medical, exercise and well-being programmes.

Driving onto Coimbra, 90km away, this is where the country's first university was founded in 1290 by King Dinis. The town has many churches, a Roman archaeological site and museum, and the largest botanical garden in Portugal.

Golf can played some 30 minutes away at the 18-hole Golf Montebelo, which has exceptional views over the mountain ranges, Serra da Estrela and Serra do Caramulo.

Serra da Estrela (mountain range of the star) is the highest mountain range in Portugal. This protected National Park offers skiing in winter in the ski resort of Loriga and at the Skypark, where snowboarding, skiing, abseiling and riding are on offer.

Serra do Caramulo is a celebration of nature, with its magnificent views and contrast of natural colours due to the granite rocks, green fields and woods, heathers and picturesque villages. It offers a hiking trail along a Roman road high up into the mountains, where the charming Caramulo Spa town is situated. Famous for its craftsmanship of Molelos black clay pottery, it is also home to a famous museum of vintage cars and an art collection of works by Picasso, Dali and other modern masters.

The beautiful sandy beaches of Figueira da Foz and Aveiro, along with Aveiro's water channels, its majestic striped lighthouse and traditional Art Nouveau style architecture, are just a drive away.

Neighbouring Costa Nova is renowned for its brightly coloured striped houses promenading like beach huts along the sea front, where wind surfing and other water sports are very much enjoyed.