Great Things to Do Near Casa da Horta
Discover the Serra d'Arga, a protected area which rises to nearly 900 metres...
For the more energetic, there are a number of way-marked trails taking walkers through majestic scenery passing lagoons and waterfalls and different types of fauna, such as the Iberian frog and the Garrano horses which roam freely in the mountain.
Spend a day lazing on the sands on the beach in Moledo...
When you feel the need for some refreshment, a number of smart snack bars lie just behind the beach and form the ideal setting for having a drink whilst looking out to sea and watching the world go by.
Visit historic Braga for a day sightseeing and admiring the historic buildings. Do a spot of souvenir shopping whilst you're there...
Braga is the third largest city after Porto and Lisbon, as well as sightseeing and seeing the historic buildings and monuments there is also a huge shopping centre with high street shops and designer outlets to peruse.
Visit the Aqua Museum in Vila Nova de Cerveira...
You can see simulations of the River Minho, from its source near Lugo in Galicia to its mouth at Caminha, and get to know the various species of fish and animals which inhabit the river. .
Spend a day in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns that spreads lazily along the tree-lined banks of the river Lima...
This beautiful town, with fine buildings and pretty cobbled squares is a delight to visit. Go 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.
Take a leisurely river trip along the Lima River from the pier in Viana do Castelo...
There are short trips of around 45 minutes or you can take a longer trip which includes lunch. There are also river trips along the River Minho.
The lovely beach at nearby Caminha, Foz do Minho, sits at the mouth of the Minho River and is sheltered from the offshore breezes by pine woods...
The beach has views over the Celtic hill fort of Santa Tecla on the other side of the river in Spain. If you get peckish the restaurant on the beach serves up hearty Portuguese fare and the pine trees provide shade for an after lunch doze!
Take the car ferry from Caminha to A Guarda in Spain or, drive across the river on the bridge from Vila Nova da Cerveira and spend a day in Spain...
A Guarda is regarded as one of the best places in Galicia to try seafood. Visit the Celtic village of Santa Tecla at the top of the hill beside A Guarda - there are some great views.
Feel closer to nature in the National Park of Peneda-Geres...
Discover the many hiking trails or drive for miles through the largely undiscovered beautiful mountain scenery of this stunning area of natural beauty. Why not pack a picnic and stop off in one of the many shady spots dotted around.
Visit Monçao, just to the east of Valenca, a very pretty town which overlooks the Minho...
There are several old houses and a spa whose waters are believed to help the aches and pain of rheumatism. They also produce the well-known local Alvarinho wine here, so it's well worth a visit!
Take a trip back in time at the Medieval Fair held in Caminha...
Costumes, music, food, dancing, horse shows and theatrical displays - everything goes Medieval in this delightful town for these few days. There are lots of arts and crafts to look at or buy too. This is one of the best festivals in Portugal!
Do some souvenir hunting at any of the local markets or craft fairs...
The people of the Alto Minho still continue with many ancient handicrafts passed down through generations. Viana do Castelo is renowned for its colourfully embroidered festival dresses, lace and pottery.
Explore the charming fortress town of Valenca a short drive north of the house, this delightful border town is steeped in history
Drive through the ancient archway that leads the way through the impressive walls that encircle the old quarter to discover cobbled streets and a delightful range of shops selling the beautifully embroidered towels and linen for which the town is famous
Walk around the narrow cobbled streets of Caminha to discover some of the beautiful old stone houses, many built over a century ago...
Some have the family's coat of arms engraved into the walls, while others are adorned with attractive tiles and have wonderful old wooden doors or iron gates.
Follow the Vinho Verde wine trail...
Along the banks of the Minho Valley which passes between undulating hills covered with the vines which produce the lightly sparkling and very tasty wine of the region.
Take the train along the scenic railway line to explore the beautiful city of Viana do Castelo...
The historical centre is mostly pedestrianised and is where most of the best buildings and shops are to be found. Take the elevator up to the Basilica of Santa Luzia which was inspired by the Sacré Coeur in Paris.
Hire surfboards at the beach of Afife and spend a day in the water on this lovely unspoilt coastline...
A much sought after spot for keen surfers, you can take lessons at the surf school or simply lay back and relax on the sand and watch others ride the waves. Moledo is a great place for surfing too and you can try your hand at kite surfing there.
Take a boat ride with the local fishermen from Foz do Minho which lies 5km south west of Caminha...
Local fishermen are on hand to take tourists to the ruined island fortress of Ínsua Fort, which houses a former Franciscan convent and church where the cloisters and chapel can still be seen.
Spend an evening on Moledo beach...
Watch the beautiful sunsets, either from its pristine sands or from a terrace of one of the smart coffee bars that lie just behind the waterfront.
Picnic by the river...
The winding River Coura meanders down to Caminha and offers many delightful spots for picnicking. In Paredes da Coura there are areas to dive and safe pools for children.
