The Minho
Ponte de Lima It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the farm.
When the group fancies a day out, Ponte de Lima is the first place to visit nearby. The town is about 5 km away and boasts a historic centre, the banks of the River Lima, restaurants, a market on certain days, and easy walks before returning to the estate.
The Roman-medieval bridge, the cobbled streets and the Ecovia provide plenty of reasons to spend a morning out and about, have lunch in the village or go for a stroll in the late afternoon. It’s close enough to visit without disrupting the rhythm of your stay.
The crisp white in the Lima Valley.
The Lima Valley is the birthplace of the Loureiro grape variety, the aromatic and fresh white wine that gives the region’s Vinho Verde its distinctive character. Around the estate, there are producers and family-run estates where you can taste the wine in the cellar or amongst the vines.
Ask for a tasting in the late afternoon – it’s a simple way to bring a taste of the Minho region into your stay.
A stage The Camino passes nearby.
The Portuguese Central Route of the Way of St James passes through Ponte de Lima, just a few minutes’ drive from the farm. For those who wish to go for a walk during their stay, this can be a lovely way to experience the region. Set off on a stage of the route, passing through villages, chapels and country lanes, before returning to the peaceful pace of life at the farmhouse.
There’s no need to turn your stay into a pilgrimage. It can simply be a morning or a day spent doing something different in Minho, organised by the group itself.
Eating well It’s also part of the stay.
Ponte de Lima and the surrounding region boast a cuisine well worth the trip: sarrabulho rice, lamprey in season, cod, veal, smoked meats and Vinho Verde. The group can cook at the estate, but there are also good reasons to book a table out and sample the best of the Minho region at a restaurant.
The green side and peaceful.
Surrounding the farm are a river, a cycle path, ponds, trails and country lanes, perfect for gentle walks during your stay. These are easy walks, ideal for a morning, an afternoon or simply to soak up the atmosphere of the Minho region away from the house.
The river and the Ecovia.
Scenic riverbanks, river beaches and the Ecovia trail along the water’s edge, to be explored on foot or by bike along a gentle, flat route.
The lagoons from Bertiandos.
A nature reserve featuring water, reeds and birds, just a few minutes away, with boardwalks and easy footpaths for a peaceful morning.
Rails and landscape.
Gentle footpaths through the countryside and over the hills, with green landscapes within easy reach on any given day.
A good foundation to explore the North.
For longer stays, there are nearby towns and scenic spots that enhance the trip, all within about an hour’s reach, without taking the focus away from the valley.
Foz do Lima, seaside gardens and the historic centre. The city on the Atlantic coast, half an hour away.
The Cathedral, the Baroque gardens and the Bom Jesus sanctuary, in the city of the archbishops.
The cradle of Portugal, a medieval World Heritage site and the Palace of the Dukes.
The national park: mountains, lakes, waterfalls and stone villages.
Beaches for a day at the seaside, about half an hour away.
The riverbank, the quay and the Douro flowing into the sea – a full day’s outing about an hour away.
Where is it? everything else.
Journey times by car from Thursday onwards, to help you plan your trips and organise your days.
Ways of living the region.
Between Ponte de Lima, Loureiro wine, the Way of St James and the River Lima, there are plenty of day trips that are easy to fit into your stay.
The historic centre, the bridge and the banks of the River Lima – perfect for a morning or late afternoon, just a few minutes’ walk from the Quinta.
Loureiro do Vale do Lima at a nearby winery or family-run estate, to get to know the region’s wine better.
A section of the Central Bypass, near Ponte de Lima, for anyone who fancies a walk whilst they’re here.
Sarrabulho rice, veal, cod or vinho verde on a traditional regional table.
The historic centre, the mouth of the River Lima and the Atlantic Ocean nearby, for a longer trip down to the coast.
A gentle route along the Lima Ecovia, ideal for walking or cycling without going too far.
Thursday, and the Minho region all around.
Come and experience life at the farm at your own pace, with leisurely days, shared meals and the Lima Valley close by.