Coito brings together the PR1 Caminho do Xisto de Midões – Na Peugada de João Brandão and historic themes connected with its chapels and the Pelourinho do Couto. The circular route, the landscape around Sumes, and artistic and architectural details from different centuries give the place a range of distinct attractions. This lets you decide whether to include Coito in your travel plans mainly for the trail or for its local history.
Hiking and landscape
The PR1 starts at Outeiro de São Miguel in Coito, follows a circular route back to Coito, and ends again at Outeiro. Capela de S. Sebastião is located at the start of the trail in Coito. Starting and finishing at the same named place makes the circular route clear. Conditions on the route can vary seasonally; check them before your hike. Coito is also part of the PR3 Rota das Pontes, another route associated with the place.
Along the PR1, the Serra da Estrela can be seen as a backdrop to the landscape. At Sumes, the Rio Cavalos has an unusual riverbed that is a particular attraction along the hiking trail. Foxes and wild boar live in the landscape around the PR1 at Sumes. This route therefore offers several distinct landscape features: the mountain backdrop, the riverbed and the wildlife of the area. If you are considering Coito for a hiking trip, you will find specific points of interest in the landscape here, in addition to the circular route.
Chapels and local history
The Pelourinho do Couto, also known as Coito de Midões, has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1933. It is also associated with one of the small medieval municipal districts. This historical context adds a distinct connection to local history alongside the themes surrounding the chapels.
Capela de S. Sebastião stands in the highest part of Coito de Midões, at the upper end of Rua da Capela. Two stone inscriptions from Roman times are set into its lower wall. The chapel 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. It was renovated in the 18th century. Details associated with the chapel therefore range from Roman inscriptions and artworks from several centuries to its later renovation.
Another chapel is the 19th-century Capela de S. Miguel. It stands on a hill north of Coito, a short distance from the village. The two chapels offer different historical points of interest: inscriptions, sculptures and a renovation from different periods are documented at S. Sebastião, while S. Miguel is identified as a 19th-century chapel.
Festivals and travel planning
The festival tradition in honour of the martyr S. Sebastião gives the date as 20 January or the nearest Sunday. The celebrations include a Mass and a procession. The procession is accompanied by the Irmandade do Santíssimo Sacramento and a philharmonic band. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, confirm the date and current programme locally.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can start by deciding what brings you here: the PR1 is the main attraction for hikers, while the chapels, Pelourinho and festival tradition offer a cultural focus. Tailor your search for a holiday rental in Coito to whether you mainly want to hike or explore the local history. Also take into account seasonal variations in route conditions or, if travelling for the festival, the need to confirm the date locally.
Discover more destinations: Coimbra, Figueira Da Foz, Quiaios, Ceira, Midões, Tapéus, Lajeosa, Aldeia Das Dez
Go to the main travel overview: Coimbra.
