# Kayaking the Mondego from Penacova to Coimbra Kayak · 3–5 h · 18 or 25 km · From €20 Fuente: https://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/central-portugal/coimbra/things-to-do/mondego-kayak · Revisado: 2026-11-11 Dónde: Coimbra This is a gentle paddling river, not white water: you float downstream, with stops on sandy beaches to swim and eat. For anyone who has never picked up a paddle, it is the best way to see the valley. ## What it is and why it is worth it Upstream of Coimbra, the Mondego runs through a valley hemmed in by pine and eucalyptus hills, with villages on the slopes, old mills and sandy river beaches. The easiest way to take it in is to let the river carry you: the company takes you and the kayaks up to Penacova and from there you paddle down at your own pace, without being stuck to a group, to Torres do Mondego, 18 km away, or all the way to Coimbra itself, 25 km. O Pioneiro do Mondego has been doing this since 1988. It was founded by two Belgian teachers, Dirk and Kristien, and is still a family business based in Penacova, with local guides who speak several languages. It has single and double kayaks, both the closed kind and sit-on-top ones, and open canoes. ## Who it is for All ages with an adult, no previous experience needed. It works for families, groups of friends and large groups: the company works with school groups, scouts and businesses. Small children can ride in the middle seat of a two-adult kayak. If you are on your own, you can take a single kayak for a supplement. And if you have a dog, it can come down with you too. It is sensible to be able to swim: although the river is calm, you will be spending hours on the water. It is not for anyone after thrills: there are no real rapids, just the odd stretch with more current. ## Getting there O Pioneiro do Mondego's base is at Rua da Calçada 21, in Cheira, Penacova, with its own facilities and parking. Penacova is upstream of Coimbra, a short drive up the Mondego valley. When you book, confirm where you will leave your car and at what time: the company arranges transport to the starting point. ## When to go There are descents every day. It is most pleasant from late spring to early autumn, when you will want to swim at the river beaches. In high summer, the river is busier at weekends. In spring, the flow can be stronger and the water is cold: ask the company about river conditions. ## What it costs in total The price per person falls as the group gets bigger: €35 if you are on your own, €30 as a couple, €25 for 3 to 10 people, €24 for 10 to 30 and €22 for groups of more than 30. Children up to 15 pay €20, and those in the middle seat, €10. Students and scouts, €24. The long stretch to Coimbra costs €5 more per person, a single kayak has a €5 supplement and a dog is €10. It includes transport, equipment, insurance and VAT. Add a €5 refundable deposit for the waterproof barrel, and whatever food you bring. ## If it rains In light rain you go anyway and you will get wet regardless, but do not set out in a storm or when the river is in spate. If the day does not cooperate, in Coimbra you have the university and the Joanina Library, almost all of it indoors. ## Paso a paso ### Start · Penacova You meet the company, who take you in a van with the kayaks to the starting point. They give you a paddle, a life jacket and some instructions. ### 2 h · First stretch The river winds between hills, with mills and river beaches. ### Stop · River beach To eat and swim at one of the beaches along the route. ### 1–2 h · On to Torres do Mondego or Coimbra The short stretch ends at Torres do Mondego; the long one carries on to the city. ### Finish · The pick-up You leave the kayak where the company tells you at the end of the stretch you chose. ## Qué llevar - Swimsuit and clothes that can get wet - Food and water for the day - Sun cream and a hat - Footwear that can get wet - Dry clothes for the end ## Consejos ### Ask for the waterproof barrel For a €5 refundable deposit, you keep your phone and wallet dry. ### With children, take a double kayak Small children can ride in the middle seat of a two-adult kayak, for €10. ### Choose the short stretch the first time 18 km is a full day with stops. ### Go as a group From three people the price drops to €25 each. ## Aviso ### Do not go out when the river is in spate. After heavy rain the Mondego runs faster. Always keep your life jacket on and ask the company about the state of the river. ## Preguntas frecuentes ### Do you need experience? No. The river is calm and the company gives instructions before you set off. ### How much does it cost? From €25 per adult in groups of 3 to 10, €30 as a couple and €35 if you are on your own. Children up to 15 pay €20. ### Is transport included? Yes, transport, equipment and insurance are included. ### Can you go with a dog? Yes, with a €10 supplement. ### How many kilometres is it? 18 km from Penacova to Torres do Mondego, or 25 km if you carry on to Coimbra. ### Which days can you do it? Every day, booking on the company's website. ### Do you have to go with a guide? No. You paddle at your own pace, with the instructions at the start and the company's support if you need it.