Great Things to Do Near Casa do Moinho
Try your hand at some watersports at Afife beach...
Most beaches along the coast of Portugal will offer some sort of watersports, but Afife is well known as the place to go for surfing. The surf school offers lessons for any ability, or alternatively you can sit back and relax and watch others ride the waves as the sun sets.
Stop off at the nearby, well-stocked supermarket for some fresh fish from the fish counter to grill on the barbecue...
The Continente Modelo supermarket is the nearest large supermarket to the house, just 5 minutes drive away on the outskirts of Esposende. They sell all the essentials and have meat, fish and cheese counters as well as a bakery, a small cafe and an extensive wine selection!
Spend a day sightseeing and shopping in the historic city of Braga...
Braga is known as the city which will get to heaven first due to the number of religious buildings and monuments around the city. The most well known being the Bom Jesus staircase which pilgrims would climb up on their knees to worship, and of course the Braga Cathedral. As well as having some beautiful buildings and historic monuments to admire, the city is great for a spot of shopping having a number of well known high street shops and independent boutiques to peruse.
Go walking in the Northern Littoral Natural Park which stretches along the coast from Antas beach, through Belinho and down to Esposende...
Begin at Antas beach and follow the paths through the dunes to the lighthouse at Esposende. If you are a keen birdwatcher then grab your binoculars as this area is well known for bird watching. Some beautiful scenery can be seen along this walk as well as the flora and fauna and if you go in the evening you may catch the fiery sunset.
Visit the natural and wonderful landscapes of the Peneda-Geres National Park...
This national park is a truly beautiful place to enjoy a day of hiking, exploring or just relaxing in the natural surroundings for a picnic. There are numerous hiking trails to explore and an abundance of wildlife to be spotted. The information centre offers maps and guides and you can also pay to go on a guided walk in some areas of the park which you may not discover on your own.
Spend a day in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns spreading lazily along the tree-line banks of the river Lima...
Every other Monday the market is held on the banks of the river, near the roman bridge. Spend an afternoon wandering the cobbled streets then stop for dinner in one of the many restaurants in the town. On weekends the locals gather to enjoy music and cocktails in the bars around the town and you can hear some great local musicians and meet some friendly people whilst enjoying a drink or two in the warm evenings.
Set aside a day to visit the beautiful city of Porto..
Just half an hours drive away, or catch the train from the station in Esposende, then use the underground to explore the city. Take an open top bus ride to see the sights, admire the historic buildings and bridges, sample delicious traditional cuisine and drink local port wines in the many restaurants and cafes.
Take a stroll around the garden and find a nice shady spot to relax in...
Take a stroll around the perimeter of the lovely gardens and listen to the sounds of the nearby stream trickling along. Pick a nice shady spot under one of the trees to sit back and relax with a good book.
Wander into the village and mingle with the friendly locals...
The village of Palmeira de Faro is approximately 15 minutes walk and here you will find a quaint village shop where you can pick up some fresh bread for lunch. Stop off for a coffee and a pastel de nata in one of the local cafes before heading back to spend the day by your pool.
Watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from Moledo beach...
With a number of bars and restaurants to the back of the beach with great views out to sea, you can easily spend a long evening sat here watching the sun go down.
Enjoy the local area, meet friendly locals and sample the traditional food in the local cafes and restaurants...
Driving through the country lanes in Portugal means you end up passing through a number of quaint, pretty villages. You are sure to pass the occasional cafe where you can stop of for some refreshment and be greeted by friendly locals. See the villagers going about their day to day lives, tending livestock or the vineyards which grow in their back gardens. You can discover some hidden gems by exploring the local area and the owners of Casa do Moinho will be happy to suggest some of the best places to go.
Head to Esposende for a long, lazy beach day...
The unspoilt beach at Esposende is backed by low dunes and accessible by a criss cross of wooden walkways, these protect the dunes from being eroded by people walking across them. There are numerous cafes and restaurants backing the beach where you can stop for lunch or a nice cold drink when the midday sun is at its hottest.
Swim some lengths in your 12metre pool!
With 12 metres of swimming pool to enjoy why not swim a few lengths or grab a lilo from the supermarket and spend a few hours floating around the pool while you catch some rays.
Take a leisurely river trip from Esposende along the Cavado river...
The nautical club (centro de atividades nauticas) in Esposende can arrange river trips along the cavado, kayaking trips and much more.
Browse the stalls of the largest market in Portugal, held on Thursdays in Barcelos...
Have an early start and head into Barcelos for some souvenir shopping, or pick up some of the freshly grown local produce being sold which you can then cook for dinner on the barbecue. You can find almost anything at Barcelos market, from fruit & veg to hand made baskets and ceramics. The towns emblem is a colourful cockerel statue and you will undoubtably see them being sold on nearly every stall.
Tickle your tastebuds with some fantastic seafood...
Restaurants in and around Esposende offer delicious, fresh seafood and other Galician dishes for you to sample and enjoy. A few restaurants in the area also offer take away service for you to enjoy in the comfort of Casa do Moinho.
Go for a walk around the Sao Lourenco hill fort...
This Iron Age settlement sits inland from Esposende and there are hiking trails through the woods surrounding the ancient buildings.
Play blackjack in Povoa de Varzim...
Visit the casino if you're feeling lucky! With occasional live entertainment and set across from the long, sandy beach where there are also a number of restaurants.
