Coito: Hiking and Local History

Coito brings together two themes for a stay: hiking the PR1 Caminho do Xisto de Midões and exploring its architecture and local history. If you are looking for a hotel in Coito, you can plan your trip around whether you want to focus on the hiking trail or the historic sites. The landscape near Sumes and local traditions offer additional perspectives.

Hiking and Landscape

The PR1 Caminho do Xisto de Midões – Na Peugada de João Brandão begins at Outeiro de São Miguel in the village of Coito. This circular route returns to Coito and ends again at Outeiro de São Miguel. The starting and ending points are therefore the same. Trail conditions may vary seasonally, so check them before setting out.

Along the PR1, the Serra da Estrela can be seen in the background. Near Sumes, the unusual riverbed of the Rio Cavalos is a distinctive feature of the route. Foxes and wild boars live in the landscape around Sumes. Coito is also listed as a location on the PR3 Rota das Pontes. The information about the starting point, circular route, and landscape along the Rio Cavalos, however, refers to the PR1.

Historic Sites in Coito

The Pelourinho do Couto de Midões, also known as Coito de Midões, has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933. It is associated with one of the small medieval municipal districts. The year marks its formal classification; its connection to a medieval municipal district places the monument in the context of the area’s earlier history.

The Capela de S. Sebastião is in the highest part of Coito de Midões, at the upper end of Rua da Capela, and also at the start of the PR1 in Coito. Two stone inscriptions from Roman times are set into its lower wall. The chapel also houses a sculpture of Saint Sebastian from the first half of the 16th century, as well as sculptures of Saint James and Saint Michael from the 17th century. The chapel was renovated in the 18th century. Chronologically, the Roman inscriptions predate the sculptures, while the renovation belongs to a later phase of the building’s history.

The Feast of S. Sebastião

A 2017 monograph describes the recurring feast in honor of the martyr S. Sebastião, held on January 20 or the nearest Sunday. It includes a Mass and a procession accompanied by the Irmandade do Santíssimo Sacramento and a philharmonic band. If you would like to plan your stay around the feast, please confirm the date and program locally in advance.

Discover more destinations: Anceriz, Ceira, Montemor-O-Velho, Seixo Da Beira, Lajeosa, Armazéns, Figueira Da Foz, Coimbra.

Return to the main travel overview: Coimbra.