The Coimbra district is named after the district capital city, which used to be the capital of the nation centuries ago. The district has 17 municipalities and is situated in the central part of the country. The city of Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and has a population of over 100,000 people, around a quarter of the total residing in the Coimbra district. There is a large expat population in the city already, mainly due to the high numbers of international students who have come to study at the university.

The climate of the area is such that the summers are very warm, with average temperatures of 28°C. The winter months are much milder but have an average low of around 7°C. Rainfall in the summer months is minimal, although is quite high during the winter months.

Retiring to the Coimbra district is an attractive prospect. There are areas of both the city and surrounding district which are ideal for those who are looking to give up work and move somewhere quieter. Property prices are fairly average for the country and the cost of living is very reasonable and there are plenty of amenities in most towns in the district.

Those who are looking for a small business to run in Coimbra could consider property rental. The city has tens of thousands of students arriving each year, some of whom will be accommodated in university flats and halls, but many who will need external accommodation. Many landlords in the city make a decent living in this way and properties that are rented by students can be a good investment. The city is a good place to start a small business and there are usually established businesses such as bars and restaurants which are for sale.

Much of the city of Coimbra is quiet and has plenty of amenities for daily life. Parts of the city date back centuries and there are many older properties available. Some are in need of renovation but there are bargains to be had in some districts. Coimbra city is a good choice for those who are looking to retire to this part of Portugal as there are properties in many styles and price ranges. Due to the large student population there are many properties available to rent, though these are mostly apartments. Apartments are the main type of accommodation in the centre of the city as the area is commercialised. There are some rural areas outside the city which have properties on large parcels of land which are suitable for running an agricultural based business or for those who want to retire to a quiet area.

The municipality of Cantanhede and is a relatively small town. It is located inland and has many properties which date back to the 19th century. These are mainly large houses and as such are quite expensive. There are several parts of the town that are much cheaper for properties and some areas have apartment buildings, with properties available both to rent and buy. Houses in the town centre rarely have gardens and most have courtyards, although as you move towards the outskirts of town houses are located on larger parcels of land. Much of the town is becoming commercial now and may be a good place for those who are looking to start their own business. There has been expansion of the retail centres and other industrial districts.

Figueira da Foz is a city on the Mondego river and is one of the largest urban areas in the Coimbra district. As it is on the coast there are several beaches and as a result the area sees large numbers of tourists each year. Apartment complexes have been built to accommodate the tourists, although many have been bought for use as a second home. Further inland there are some areas which are more residential and have properties available at a reasonable price. The surrounding countryside has a number of properties which are suitable for renovation and which are available very cheaply, although there are former barns which have already been converted into homes and are on the market but many of these are priced higher than the average for the region.

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