Great Things to Do Near Casa da Cuca
Spend a day immersed in the natural beauty of the Peneda Geres National Park...
Discover an abundance of hiking trails and old shepherds tracks, traditional villages and wildlife. There are maps available from the english speaking office in the park.
Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the village down to the charming local church...
Enjoy watching the locals go about their day to day lives on your way by and see what delights you discover exploring the winding streets.
Unwind in the pretty garden...
Spend all day relaxing on the hammock with a book, enjoy a candelit dinner on your terrace with a cold glass of wine, or a game of badminton in the garden.
Follow the Vinho Verde Wine Trail along the banks of the Minho Valley...
Pass between the undulating hills covered with the vines which produce the light sparkling and very tasty wine of the region.
In July visit the Ponte de Lima Summer Festival of Opera and Classical Music...
Fast becoming one of Europe's top cultural events. Performances take place in several venues including historic manor houses, local churches and the Teatro Diogo Bernardes, a 19th century theatre in Ponte de Lima.
Take the funicular to the church of Santa Luzia for fantastic views over the nearby port of Viana do Castelo...
You may be able to climb the dome and look out from the very top. Then, head into town and wander around the fascinating embroidery shops for which the town is famous.
Visit the World Heritage City of Porto for sightseeing, shopping, dining and friendly people..
Take a while to absorb the sights and sounds of this unique city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are regular trains from Viana do Castelo to avoid parking in the city centre.
Visit Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns with fine buildings and cobbled squares...
Spreading lazily along the tree-lined banks of the River Lima, this is a beautiful town. Visit on a Monday morning and you may be fortunate enough to witness the local market, which is held on the sandy river beach every other week.
Explore the steep, higgledy-piggledy, tiny streets of the Barredo quarter in Porto...
The narrow streets here lead down from the cathedral to the quayside of the River Douro.
Whilst in Oporto, take the Open Top Tour bus...
for a fabulous view of all the best landmarks and an overview for orientation of the city. A chance to rest your feet after a hard morning of sightseeing!
Spend a day lazing on the sands...
of one of the many fantastic stretches of dune-backed beaches that lie just a 20 minute drive away from the house.
Hire surfboards and hit the waves!
at the beach of Afife and spend a day in the water on this fantastic stretch of unspoilt coastline, a much sought after spot for keen surfers.
Play a round of golf at the Axis club in Ponte de Lima, an 18 hole course not far away...
The hotel has an excellent restaurant too which is open to the public.
Sample the local port wine in the port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia...
Just the other side of the Douro river from Porto, there are numerous lodges here, including Taylors, Sandeman's and Grahams and most of them offer tastings and tours.
Visit the birthplace of Portuguese identity in the town of Guimaraes where the medieval streets are full of charm...
The country's first administrative seat was established here by Portugal's first King, Alfonso I.
Sample a local delicacy, The Francesina...
A sandwich loaded with steak, sausage and other meats, covered with melted cheese and a fried egg and served in a spicy tomato sauce.
Have a drink on the terrace of a beachfront cafe in Esposende...
This charming seaside town is popular with the Portuguese and has a lovely dune-backed beach of fine white sand. Head into the town to wander around the shops or grab a bite to eat.
Walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims at Bom Jesus do Monte, 3kms east of the city of Braga...
Set in the woods above the city, this glorious ornamental stairway of granite is the object of devoted pilgrimage where pentitents climb the steps on their knees.
Enjoy the atmosphere and music in Ponte de Lima at the weekend...
Join the locals in the little bars dotted around Ponte de Lima's cobbled streets. Sample the local wine, try a home made cocktail, or sip a Gin and Tonic on the terrace.
