TRAVEL
About Portugal
Portugal is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, with a unique mix of culture, history, unspoiled beaches, great food and friendly people.
For more information about Portugal check this website: https://www.visitportugal.com/en
About Coimbra
Coimbra is capital of the center region of Portugal and home of one of the oldest Universities in the world (University of Coimbra, established in 1290).
Information on Coimbra and its various touristic attractions be found on our local tourism information website: http://www.visitcentro.com/en/destinations/coimbra/.
How to Get to Coimbra
Coimbra is easily reachable from the two main Portuguese airports (Lisbon, Oporto), either by fast train or by rental car. Both airports have direct flights from most European airports, as well as from South America, the East coast of North America and the major hubs from Asia.
Coimbra is located 200 km north of Lisbon and 100 km south of Porto. The best way to get to Coimbra is to fly to Lisbon or Porto and then rent a car or take a train.
Traveling by train from Lisbon Airport
- Take the subway (Metro) from the airport to the “Oriente” railway station (10 minutes, 1.95 €).
- Go to the upper ticketing level at the station and buy a ticket for an “Alfa Pendular” or “InterCidades” train. Trains depart approximately every hour, and the journey takes less than two hours. Please note that the last daily train departs at 22:09. The timetables are available at: https://www.cp.pt/sites/passageiros/en/train-times
- Get off the train at “Coimbra B”.
- Either take a taxi directly to your Hotel (it should cost less than 5 to 10 €) or take a local train to “Coimbra A” (downtown station), using your previous ticket (this transfer is included in the price).
Driving from Lisbon
- On the way out of the Airport follow the signs for “A1”, heading north. After 200 km, exit at “Coimbra Sul”.
Traveling by train from Porto Airport
- From the airport, which lies to the north of the town, take a taxi or the new Metro E line to “Estação Campanhã”. Depending on traffic, this might take up to an hour.
- Take an “Alfa Pendular” or “Intercidades” train. These trains depart approximately every hour. Please note that the last daily train departs at 20:40. The timetables are available at the following link: https://www.cp.pt/sites/passageiros/en/train-times
- Get off the train at “Coimbra B”.
- Either take a taxi directly to your Hotel (it should cost 5 to 10 €) or take a local train to “Coimbra A” (downtown station), using your previous ticket (this transfer is included in the price).
Driving from Porto
- On the way out of the Airport follow the signs for “A1”, heading south. Exit at “Coimbra Sul” (around 130 km).
CONFERENCE VENUE
CloudNet 2019 will be held at Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
The history of Quinta das Lágrimas dates back to the 14th century and is dramatically linked to the most famous Portuguese love story of Pedro and Inês. Although set in a historical place, the hotel offers all the modern facilities and services that one could expect from a top quality hotel, such as spa, golf course, swimming pool, gourmet restaurant and, last but not least, fully equipped meeting and conference rooms.
Directions for Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas can be found here.
HOTELS
The Conference venue is a relatively short walk from most Hotels in Coimbra, especially those located in the the historic downtown area.
Participants should book accommodation directly at the chosen Hotel. The following Hotels are recommended because they are located downtown, with nearby restaurants and shops. CloudNet 2019 will take place at Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas, and the other Hotels provided in the list are 20-30 minutes walking from the meeting place. An Uber or taxi ride from those Hotels should take less than 5 minutes and cost around 5 Euro.
Coimbra also has a large offer of tourist apartments and hostels, with very good quality-cost ratio. Platforms such as Booking and AirBnB may help you finding the best offers.
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas (****)
http://www.quintadaslagrimas.pt/
(Conference Venue)
Hotel Vila Galé Coimbra (****)
https://www.vilagale.com/pt/hoteis/centro-de-portugal/vila-gale-coimbra
(around 30 minutes walking, 5 minutes by car)
Hotel Dona Inês (***)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/dona-ines-coimbra.pt-pt.html
(around 30 minutes walking, less than 5 minutes by car)
Hotel Oslo (***)
https://www.hoteloslo-coimbra.pt/
(around 20 minutes walking, less than 5 minutes by car)
RiverSuites (*** guesthouse)
http://riversuites.pt/
(guesthouse less than 5 minutes walking from Conference Venue)
Hotel IBIS Coimbra (**)
https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-1672-ibis-coimbra-centro/index.shtml?adults=&children=&nights=&dateIn=
(around 20 minutes walking, less than 5 minutes by car)
Hotel Dom Luís Coimbra (***)
http://www.hoteldluis.pt
(around 20 minutes walking to Quinta das Lágrimas but outside downtown. Free shuttle to the city center but nevertheless less practical unless you have a car)