Great for a family of up to 6 people, or a couple wanting a romantic spot away from the crowds.
A 2-bedroom cottage with a newly constructed 1-bedroom annex (Casa da Mena) with private pool in one of the highest mountain villages on Serra de Arga, with spectacular views across to Spain. Great to get away from it all but also ideally situated near a motorway for access to the beaches of the 'Costa Verde' and for touring in Minho and the Gerês National Park.
An old farm cottage that has been in the family for generations and which was carefully restored from ruins in 2005, using traditional local stone. With 3 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and 2 lounges/dining rooms, it is nicely furnished and fully equipped. Outside there's a pool, children's swings, barbecue and a steeply terraced garden.
Beaches: The “Costa Verde” starts nearby (15km) and stretches for more than 100km, with a different beach every few kilometers, most of them wide and sandy, uncrowded and safe. There’s more beaches across the river in Spain, or you can go to the warm and sheltered river beaches on the banks of the Minho river. For something completely different, bathe in one of the secluded waterfalls and mountain pools on the Serra. In Afife, there's an international surfing beach; in Moledo, a sheltered bay popular with families; Vila Praia de Âncora is the main seaside resort; in Caminha, there's one beach on the River Minho, another on the Atlantic Ocean, separated by a narrow strip of clean soft sand. There's even an island in the sea, accessible by hired dinghy, where you can really get away from the crowds for a few hours.
Touring: The rugged, wild countryside of Peneda-Gerês National Park, & further away the Douro Valley * The villages and country lanes of Alto Minho, a landscape from an earlier era * Serra d’Arga (784m) * The Lagoas nature reserve at Bertiandes * The Casino at Póvoa de Varzim * History, culture and nightlife in a dozen towns within a short drive * Karting, canoeing, surfing, 10-pin bowling, fishing, horse riding * The World Heritage City of Oporto * The traditional Romarias, folklore, singing, dancing, decorative crafts and cuisine of the Minho region * Restaurants galore, serving the famous Minho dishes.
Special gastronomic days out: We have arranged some special days out with Vita d´Aurum (the 'golden life'): you can treat yourselves to one of a range of special packages that are based on the region's famous cuisine and spectacular wines.
'Afternoon Delight' - a mini-cruise on the Douro River and a 'Royal' dinner in a first class restaurant.
'Port Party' - Open bus tour of Porto’s historic centre, followed by a Port Wine tasting and a tour of the wine lodge.
'Gourmet Day' - Lunch in a traditional Manor House, wine tasting in a Port Wine Lodge, and a 'Royal' dinner in the heart of Porto's historic centre.
'Golden Day' - Scenic train trip to Régua, in the heart of the golden Douro Valley, lunch in the city's finest restaurant overlooking the river, and a restful cruise back to Porto.
Unforgettable food and wine, tremendous surroundings and a truly relaxing and stress-free way of experiencing the best of Portugal. Treat yourself!
