Useful Information

The University of Coimbra is one of the most prestigious universities in the Portuguese-speaking world. It is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in continuous operation in the world, with more than 700 years of history. The university was officially established in 1290, beginning its activities in Lisbon, but in 1308 it was transferred to Coimbra, alternating between the two cities until 1537, when it was finally established in the city of the Mondego River. For many centuries, it was the only university in Portugal and its influence extended to most Portuguese-speaking regions. In 2013, UNESCO declared the university a World Heritage Site, highlighting its historical role, architecture, unique culture and traditions.

Initially confined to the Royal Palace, the university spread throughout the city of Coimbra, transforming its landscape and making it the University City. This expansion was significantly accelerated in the last decades of the 20th century, with the creation of a second campus dedicated to Engineering and Technology, and a third campus dedicated to Health Sciences, amongst other sites. The university is currently organized into eight faculties, granting bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in nearly all major fields. It lends its name to the Coimbra Group of European research universities founded in 1985, of which it was a founding member. Enrolling over 25,000 students, more than 15% of whom are international, it is one of Portugal's most cosmopolitan universities.

Participants travelling to Portugal for the conference are responsible for checking whether they require a visa and for obtaining the appropriate travel documentation before departure.

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, country of residence, and the purpose and duration of your stay. Participants who require a short-stay Schengen visa should apply well in advance of the conference. Please check the latest visa requirements with the Portuguese consulate or embassy responsible for your place of residence. We recommend starting the application process as early as possible, as processing times may vary.

If you require an official invitation letter to support your visa application, please contact the conference organizers. Invitation letters can be issued to registered participants who meet the conference requirements.

Please note that an invitation letter does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. Visa decisions are made by the relevant Portuguese authorities.

Participants should ensure that their passport is valid for the required period and that they have any other documentation needed for their journey and stay in Portugal.

For the most up-to-date information, please consult the official Portuguese authorities before making travel arrangements.

For USA citizens

What is the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)?
ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals similar to ones already in place in the United States (ESTA), Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.

ETIAS is not a visa. It only covers short-term stays to the 30 aforementioned countries. It will cost 7 euros (just over $7) and be valid for three (3) years or until your passport expires.

When will ETIAS go into effect?
ETIAS is scheduled to be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date will be announced at least six (6) months before the system enters into operation.

https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/united-states-america/FAQ_en

Indian passport: For a normal tourist trip to Portugal, you need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before travelling. It allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the visa granted.

Brazilian passport: For tourism or business, you do not currently need a visa for Portugal/Schengen for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This is based on the EU–Brazil visa-waiver agreement for ordinary passport holders

For us to know - visa free countries

Americas: Brazil, United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Bahamas, Barbados, and several Caribbean countries.

Europe (non-EU/EEA): United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, San Marino and the Vatican/Holy See.

Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Israel, and a number of Pacific island states.

Africa: Mauritius and Seychelles are among the visa-exempt countries.

The 10th Annual Conference of the World Ecology Research Network (WERN) will take place in the city of Coimbra. This city is located in the central part of Portugal and is the capital of a district of the same name, 200 km north of Lisbon and 115 km south of Porto. The average temperature in June is 19°C (67°F). Daytime high temperatures typically reach 26°C (79°F), while nighttime lows drop to a cool 13°C to 14°C (56°F to 57°F). Evenings can be cold.

The closest airports to Coimbra are: Sá Carneiro/Porto Airport (1h20) and Humberto Delgado/Lisbon Airport (2h20).

From the Sá Carneiro / Porto Airport, there are direct buses to Coimbra (about 1h15). Another option is to go by bus or by metro (line E, purple) to the Porto-Campanhã train station to get a direct train connection to Coimbra B, the main train station of Coimbra. The train journey takes about 1h15 by fast train (Alfa Pendular) – IC takes 30 minutes more.

From the Humberto Delgado / Lisbon Airport, it is also possible to take a direct bus to Coimbra. Another option is to go by metro (red line) to the Lisboa Oriente train station and from there get a direct train connection to Coimbra B station. The train journey takes about 2h by fast train (Alfa Pendular) – IC takes 30 minutes more.

To travel to Coimbra by train or by bus, it is possible to buy tickets on the websites or or applications of the following companies:

Train

CP

Bus

Rede Expressos

FlixBus

The 10th Annual Conference of the World Ecology Research Network (WERN) will be held at the historic campus (Polo 1) of the University of Coimbra in three different venues: the College of Saint Benedict (Colégio de São Bento), the College of Saint Jerome (Colégio de São Jerónimo) and the Rectorate Auditorium (Auditório da Reitoria).

The Colégio de São Bento (Saint Benedict) was first built in the 16th century and was intended for the study of Arts and Theology. In the 18th century, as part of the profound university reforms carried out by the Marquis of Pombal, the college ceded part of its land to plant the Botanical Garden, and it became home of the Institute of Botanics. Later on, in the 19th century, the college would also become the home of the Institute of Anthropology. Today it is the home of the Department of Life Sciences of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, merging several biological, ecological, and anthropological fields under one administrative unit. The college is also the home of CIAS – Research Centre for Anthropology and Health. The rooms used for the WERN conference are located in the 1st and 2nd floors of the college, using the old Anthropology entrance at Rua do Arco da Traição.

The Colégio de São Jerónimo (College of Saint Jerome) was first built in the 16th century and was designed to be a college of the Order of Saint Jerome. Highlights of the complex include the grand staircase built in the 18th century, the multiple doorways and windows and the many sets of historic tiles. The College of São Jerónimo is now home to the Center for Social Studies (CES), the Center for Studies in Archaeology, Arts and Heritage Sciences (CEAACP), among other university institutes and services. The rooms used for the WERN conference are located in the 1st floor of the headquarters of CES.

The Rectorate Auditorium (Auditório da Reitoria) of the University of Coimbra is a building located at Rua Larga in-between the Departments of Chemistry and Physics of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology. The plenary sessions of the WERN conference will take place in this large auditorium with capacity to host 200-450 persons.

All three spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility. To access the buildings there are ramps, and elevators to move in the inside. Additionally, there are also accessible bathrooms available.

Local Transport

The most convenient way to travel inside the metropolitan area of the city of Coimbra is to use a 100% electric bus rapid transit system called Coimbra Metrobus (operated by Metro Mondego). There is a Coimbra Metrobus station immediately outside the Coimbra B station that can take you to the area close to the conference venue and other parts of the city. Every stop has a machine where tickets can be purchased with cash or with credit card.

Coimbra Metrobus

You can also travel inside the metropolitan area of Coimbra using the buses of the Municipal Urban Transport Services of Coimbra, a municipal structure dedicated to ensuring the Public Road Passenger Transport Service in the Municipality of Coimbra. It is possible to pay the ticket in cash to the driver or buy a card with several trips in the SMTUC stores. To know the schedules and routes you can use the MOOVIT web or the app version.

Municipal Urban Transport Services of Coimbra

Besides public transportation, it is possible to use taxis and ride hailing services (e.g., Uber, Bolt) to get to the conference locations or else move around the city.

Mobility

Coimbra has many places worth appreciating, but its hills and narrow streets can create significant mobility challenges. We recommend you to plan your itineraries and accommodation location taking this into account. The three locations where the event will take place are accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Health Emergencies

European emergency number: 112

Hospitals

Hospital da Luz Coimbra
Praceta Prof. Robalo Cordeiro, 1
Telephone: +351 239 096 900
Email: Enable JavaScript to view email
Private hospital · All specialisations; other services: see hospital website.

Hospital CUF Coimbra
Rua Camilo Pessanha, nº 1
Telephone: +351 239 700 720
Contact: CUF Contact Form

Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC)
Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra
Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal

Pharmacies

Farmácia Adriana
Praça da República 20-22, 3000-343 Coimbra

Farmácia Santa Isabel
Avenida Sá da Bandeira 28, 3000-350 Coimbra

Connectivity & money

Wi-Fi available on site, cheap SIM cards for sale at telecommunications shops, ATMs, card payments – cash is needed in various typical/traditional places.

Practical information

Currency (Euro), language (Portuguese; English understood in academic contexts), time zone, plugs/voltage (Type F, 230V). Shops are often open until 21:00.

Places to visit

The city of Coimbra stands on the banks of the river Mondego. An important cultural centre where the country’s first university was established. Its historic centre has several churches and convents, an aqueduct, two cathedrals, museums such as the Natural History Museum and a botanical garden. There are also panoramic views and interesting local sweet shops. Some places of interest are the following:

Biblioteca Joanina
Largo da Porta Férrea

Sé Velha (Old Cathedral)
Largo da Sé Velha

Sé Nova (New Cathedral)
Largo Feira dos Estudantes

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
Calçada Martim de Freitas

Parque Verde do Mondego
Av. Lousã

Docas Rio Restaurant – Close to Parque Verde do Mondego
Av. Lousã n.98

Pastelaria Briosa Coimbra – Portuguese traditional sweets
Largo da Portagem

Doce Meu Handmade – Portuguese traditional sweets
R. Visc. da Luz n.8

Gelataria COSÌ
Rua do Quebra Costa n.1

DOPPO Gelataria
Praça do Comércio n.9

Passaporte Coimbra Restaurant – Panoramic view of the city
Couraça da Estrela n.13

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro
Largo Dr. José Rodrigues, 3000-236 Coimbra

Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra
Largo Marquês de Pombal 3000, 3000-272 Coimbra

Convento de São Francisco
Av. da Guarda Inglesa 1a, 3040-193 Coimbra

Convento de Santa Clara a Velha
R. Parreiras, 3040-266 Coimbra

Museu de Arte Contemporânea
R. do Arco Almedina 11, 3000-179 Coimbra

Exploratório
Rotunda das Lages, Parque Verde do Mondego, Santa Clara, 3041-901 Coimbra

Jardim da Sereia
Praça República, 3000-019 Coimbra

Mata Nacional do Choupal
Rua do Centro Hípico, En 1 414

Miradouro do Penedo da Saudade
Rua do Penedo da Saudade, 3000-331 Coimbra

Conference participants are required to book their own accommodation. The city of Coimbra has a variety of accommodation options. Below is a short list of hotels and other accommodation options, which are close to the conference locations and the city centre.

Casa de São Bento (guesthouse ****)
Rua de Tomar nº 7, 3000-403, Coimbra

Hotel Botânico **
Bairro de São José, 15, Sé Nova, Coimbra

Studios Greenside (guesthouse ***)
Rua das Parreiras 31 Celas, 3000-326, Coimbra

Celas Dream Studio (guesthouse)
Rua das Parreiras, 34 – 3 Esquerdo, Celas, 3000-326, Coimbra

Riversuites (Santa Clara) (guesthouse ***)
Av. João das Regras nº82, 3040-256, Coimbra

Hotel Ibn-Arrik ****
R. Alexandre Herculano 18-24, 3000-104, Coimbra

Hotel Oslo ***
Av. Fernão de Magalhães 25, 3000-175, Coimbra

Hotel Mondego ***
Largo das Ameias nº 1-4, 3000-024, Coimbra

CSI Coimbra & Guest House – Student accommodation
Rua Bernardim Ribeiro, 76, 3000-069, Coimbra

Hotel Residencial Alentejana **
Rua Dr. Henrique Seco 1, 3000-145, Coimbra

Hotel Tryp Coimbra Aeminium, Affiliated by Meliá ****
Av. Armando Gonçalves, Lote 20, 3000 059, Coimbra

HI Coimbra – Pousada de Juventude
Rua Dr. Henriques Seco nº14, 3000-145, Coimbra

Hotel Ibis Coimbra Centro **
Avenida Emidio Navarro, 70, 3000-150, Coimbra

Hotel Astoria ***
Av. Émidio Navarro 21, 3000-150, Coimbra

Hotel Coimbra Dona Inês ****
Rua Abel Dias Urbano, 12, 3000-001, Coimbra

Sapientia Boutique Hotel
R. José Falcão, 3000-062, Coimbra

Typical regional dishes (e.g. chanfana, suckling pig, cod, conventual sweets)

Here are some suggestions of cafés and restaurants near the conference venues. These are mainly cheaper options serving Portuguese cuisine and with limited vegetarian options. For quicker service, we recommend ordering the ‘dishes of the day’ (pratos do dia or sugestões do chefe), which are ready to serve.

Café & Restaurant of the Mathematics Department [Bar das Matemáticas].
Lunches and quick meals. Payment only by cash. Portuguese food.

FLUC Bar [Bar da FLUC]
Lunches and quick meals. Payment only by card.

Yellow Student Canteen [Cantina Amarela]
Lunch and quick meals. Italian-style cuisine. Payment only by card. Economical choice.

Blue Student Canteen [Cantina Azul]
Lunch. Payment only by card. Economical choice.

Pink Student Canteen [Cantina Rosa]
Lunch. Payment only by card. Economical choice.

Cafeteria & Restaurant of the Faculty of Law [FDUC Bar]
Lunches and quick meals. Portuguese food.

Cafeteria & Restaurant of the Museum [Cafeteria do Museu].
Buffet available at lunchtime. International cuisine. Payment only by card

ACM Restaurant [ACM Restaurante]
Lunches and quick meals. Portuguese food.

Loggia Café & Restaurant (inside the Machado de Castro Museum)
Buffet available at lunchtime. International food. Booking is preferred. Great view.

Cafeteria & Restaurant Couraça [Café Couraça]
Lunches and quick meals. Portuguese food. Great view.
Open from 08:30 to 00:30

Justiça e Paz Café & Restaurant [Restaurante Justiça e Paz]
Lunches and quick meals. Portuguese food. Great view.
Open from 08:30–18:30

PAPA Cafeteria & Restaurant
International and Portuguese cuisine. Good wine.
Open from 12:00–15:00 and 19:30–23:45

Pé na Alta Café & Restaurant
Lunches and quick meals. Good wine.
Open from 11:00–20:00

Casa Costa Restaurant [Taberna Casa Costa]
Traditional Portuguese food. Local wines. Booking preferred.
Open from 09:00–22:00

Tasca do Zé Café & Restaurant [Tasca do Zé].
Traditional Portuguese food. Local wines.
Open from 07:30–22:00

Terraço na Alta Café & Restaurant
International and Portuguese cuisine. Booking preferred. Great views.
Open from 12:00–00:00

Italianino Restaurant
Italian-style cuisine. Booking preferred.
Open from 12:30–14:30 and 19:30–23:00

O Trovador Restaurant
Traditional Portuguese cuisine. Booking preferred.
Open from 12:00–15:00 and 19:00–22:00

Tasca das Tias Camellas Cafeteria & Restaurant
International and Portuguese food. Great views.
Open from 12:00–15:00 and 18:30–22:3

Cafeteria & Restaurant Universidade [Pastelaria Universidade].
Lunches and quick meals. Portuguese food.

Here are some good vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Coimbra:

Restaurante O Burrito
Vegan food. Plant-Based Mexican Fusion. Booking preferred.
Open from 12:00–15:00

Bruxa da Horta
100% Vegan
Torre do Arnado, R. João de Ruão n.º 12 Loja 5, 3000-229 Coimbra
918 777 688
Opening hours vary depending on the day

Legumes & outros Vícios
With Vegan and Vegetarian options
Rua de Angola, R. Fonte do Bpo. 1, 3030-243 Coimbra
910 479 582
Open from 10:00–22:30

Cozinha Consciente
100% vegan and macrobiotic
Restaurant hidden on the 2nd floor of the Galerias Topázio shopping centre
Open from 12:30 to 15:00

Here are some additional suggestions of restaurants:

Familia Restaurante (Ukrainian Food)
R. do Srg. Mor 29, 3000-382 Coimbra
239 055 053
Open from 12:00–15:00 and 19:00–22:0

Taj Indian Punjabi Restaurant (Indian Food)
Rua dos Oleiros 18, Coimbra, Portugal, 3000-302
965 009 900
Open from 11:30–15:30 and 19:00–23:00

DIYA CAFE & RESTAURANT (Nepalese Food)
R. Visc. da Luz 15, 3000-414 Coimbra
920 038 963
Open from 08:00–23:00

Korean Restaurant Gangnam (Korean Food)
Praça do Comércio 12, 3000-116 Coimbra
239 822 053
Open from 12:00–23:0

Casa da Massa (Chinese Food)
Avenida Sá da Bandeira 50, Coimbra 3000-350 Portugal
960 125 887
Open from 12:00–15:00 and 18:00–22:00

TBA

[01] Visit (Science Museum)

Name of the Visit: Old Library & Science Museum of the University of Coimbra
Brief description: TBA
Additional information: TBA
Registration here: TBA

[02] Visit (Pierre Marie)

Name of the Visit: Student Crisis of 1969 in Coimbra
Brief description: TBA
Additional information: TBA

[03] Visit (Jorge Vaz)

Name of the Visit: The Students’ Community Houses (Repúblicas) in Coimbra
Brief description: The Repúblicas are community houses for university students whose history dates back to the 14th Century. The houses have played an important role in the civic life of the university and its students, acting as political collectives and spaces of community organization. Tour itinerary: TBA.
Additional information: TBA

[04] Visit (Mondego Kayak Tour)

Name of the Visit: Experience the Mondego River by Kayak
Brief description: Discover Coimbra and its green surroundings from the water on the city's most popular adventure tourism activity — the kayak tour of the Mondego River organised by O Pioneiro do Mondego. Paddle along one of Portugal's longest rivers, stop at scenic river beaches, take a refreshing swim, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife along the way.
Additional information: Meeting point: Parque Verde do Mondego, next to the watersports club by the river. Transport will be arranged from there. Cost: €20 per person. What to bring: Clothes and shoes you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Booking: Advance reservation is required. Please email Enable JavaScript to view email mentioning your participation in the WREN conference.

[05] Visit (Milvoz)

Name of the Visit: Senhora da Alegria Bio-Reserve
Brief description: TBA
Additional information: TBA