Great Things to Do Near Casa Monte Santo Antão
Visit the convento San Payo at Vila Nova de Cerveira, a fascinating place that combines art with nature...
The main building is packed with works and the extensive gardens are scattered with interesting sculptures. The views from the gardens down to the River Minho are spectacular and the woods next to the convent make the ideal place for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
Visit the tiny harbour at Vila Praia de Âncora...
For a gastronomic feast, be sure to buy some of the fresh fish you will see being landed there to cook on your barbecue back at the house.
Hire bikes and follow the Ecovia which runs along the coast and then inland along the Minho River...
Pack a tasty picnic to enjoy in the shade of the trees and spot the wildlife along the banks of the river.
For fantastic views over the historic port of Viana do Castelo take the funicular to the church of Santa Luzia...
Climb the dome and look out from the very very top. Then head into the town and wander around the fascinating embroidery shops for which the town is famous.
Hire surfboards at Afife beach...
Spend a day in the water on this fantastic stretch of unspoilt coastline, a much sought after spot for keen surfers.
Nothing but nature in the National Park of Peneda-Geres. Enjoy the many hiking trails and admire the wildlife...
Drive for miles through the, largely undiscovered, beautiful mountain scenery of this stunning area of natural beauty. Whilst you are unlikely to meet another car, watch out for the mountain goats, who have right of way!
Spend a day in Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's oldest towns...
Spreading lazily along the tree-lined banks of the River Lima, this is a beautiful town with fine buildings and pretty cobbled squares. 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.
Shop for ceramics at the colourful Thursday market held in Barcelos...
Taking place in Campo da República (also known as Campo da Feira), it is the largest market in Portugal and one of the largest in all of Europe. You’ll be sure to find the 'Galo de Barcelos', the small cockerel which is the town’s emblem.
Views of this beautiful coastline don't come much better than those afforded at Casa Monte Santo Antão...
Make some time to sit with a drink and take it all in.
Visit the charming fortress town of Valença...
Travel through the ancient archway in the impressive city walls to discover a myriad of cobbled streets and a delightful range of local shops selling the beautifully embroidered towels and linen for which the town is famous.
Go to the opera in July, when the Ponte de Lima Summer Festival of Opera and Classical Music is held...
Something that is fast becoming one of Europe's top cultural events. Performances take place in several venues throughout the town including historic manor houses, local churches and the Teatro Diogo Bernardes, a 19th century theatre in the historic centre.
Visit historic Braga, the third largest city in Portugal...
Known as the city that will get to heaven first due to the abundance of religious and historical architecture. Take time to wander the streets and stop off at the many charming cafes surrounding the cathedral. For a spot of retail therapy, head to Braga Parc shopping centre.
Walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims up the steps of the Bom Jesus do Monte, 3kms east of Braga...
Set in the woods high above the city, this glorious ornamental stairway of granite is a monumental homage and is the object of devoted pilgrimage, where penitents climb up the steps on their knees.
Pop over the border to Spain for a day...
A great benefit of being close to the border means that you can take in a wide range of delights on either side of the Minho River. The International Bridge of friendship connects Vila Nova de Cerveira with Goián in Galicia, across the Spanish border. Alternatively, you can take the car ferry from Caminha to A Guarda, this most southerly part of Galicia boasts some lovely beaches and some fantastic restaurants.
Cool off at Castelinho Park in Vila Nova de Cerveira...
A perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day, the Castelinho Park is situated next to the Minho River and contains a wide range of water features to splash about in. You’ll also find the Aquarium, sports courts and a mini golf course. There are various play areas, benches and a few cafés in the park making it the ideal place to relax and unwind for the whole family.
Explore Porto...
Porto is a fascinating and atmospheric city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot! An easy transport option is to drive to the Metro station at Póvoa de Varzim. From there, take the Metro to São Bento Station in the city centre. This is recommended as parking can be quite difficult in the centre of Porto and there is often a lot of traffic.
Visit the port wine lodges during a day out in Porto...
Walk across on the upper level of the iconic Dom Luis iron bridge and either amble down through the windy streets or take the cable car for fantastic views across the Douro River towards the colourful ‘Bairro Ribeira’ neighbourhood. At Vila Nova de Gaia you’ll find the lodges of familiar names such as Taylors and Grahams as well as more local brands such as Ferreira and Calém.
Learn about life in the Minho..
Situated at the Castelinho Park in Vila Nova de Cerveira, The Aquamuseu do Rio Minho gives a fascinating insight into the wildlife in and around the Minho River. The Aquarium takes you on a journey via a series of tanks that plots the river’s course from high in the mountains of Lugo to where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Caminha.
Visit Guimerães, the medieval streets are full of charm...
Known as the birthplace of Portuguese identity, the country’s first administrative seat was established here by Henry of Burgundy and it was also the birthplace of Portugal’s first King, Alfonso I. Don’t miss the Castle complex and the stunning Paço dos Duques (Palace of the dukes of Braganza). A UNESCO world heritage site and European Capital of Culture in 2012.
Don't miss out on trying the local cuisine...
Such as Bacalhau, Arroz de pato, Francesinha, Cataplana, Pastel de Nata and some delicious Vinho Verde wine.
