Activities:
Birdwatching:
Guests at Raza will be given advice on the best spots in the area to see the different bird species, and you can arrange with Peter to go on a guided tour. A half day trip will cost you the price of the fuel and lunch! You can see a wide range of birds including egrets, vultures, eagles, great and lesser bustard, black-shouldered kite, azure-winged magpie, hoopoe, blue rock-thrush, bee-eaters and many more.
Walking:
Walking the medieval tracks through the hills is a must, and we will provide you with details. Some tracks start from the house.
Guided walks can be organised as well as self-guided walking maps and notes, with lunches or picnics.
Mountain Biking:
There are 8 mountain-bikes for guests use. The area has many quiet tracks to explore, and maps and advice can be given.
Cycling:
This area is very suitable for serious cycling with good road surfaces, quiet traffic free roads, good and long hill climbs and all amongst the wonderful scenery of the Sao Mamede hills, combined with a good climate and delicious local food and wines.
We can meet groups with their own equipment at Lisbon airport with a minibus and provide backup as required.
Swimming - besides the swimming pool a stones throw from your room, river bathing is available on the River Sever at Portagem and at various lakes in the area, the most convenient being Apartadura (6km) and Barragem do Póvoa (10km). There are superb municipal swimming pools at Castelo de Vide including an indoor heated pool.
Fishing - Bass and Carp fishing on the Caia and Apartadura lakes. Private fishing can be arranged on a 4 hectare Alfarofia lake near Elvas where the Portuguese record carp was caught this year, weighing 24kgs or 52 lbs! You will need a licence which can be obtained in Portalegre.
Horse Riding - Cordero the mule and Improvisto the donkey are residents of Raza and Montinho properties and can be ridden to explore the farm. Riding can be organized locally and a visit to the National Horse Stud at Alter do Chão cannot be missed.
Rock climbing and abseiling under supervision can be arranged nearby.
Other Activities:
birdwatching, guided walks.
