Great Things to Do Near Quinta de São Sebastião
Explore the charming fortress town of Valença...
A little further north of Caminha, 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.
From May to October, Ponte de Lima hosts the International Garden Festival on the north bank of the river...
Every year there is a different theme and entrants are from all over the world. A really pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Hire canoes on the Minho and explore some of the nicest views along the river banks...
Watch out for the area's wildlife, such as the herons who are frequent visitors along the Minho.
Head to the coast for the day...
Discover the beautifully unspoilt beaches that stretch north and south of Viana do Castelo, just over a 30 minute drive from the house.
Visit the natural and wonderful landscapes of the Peneda-Geres National Park...
Explore the small villages of Pitões das Júnias and Tourém, which have held onto their traditional customs, or follow the shepherds trails from Mata da Albergaria through to Portela do Homem which will lead you to some beautiful waterfalls.
Hire bikes from the nautical club in Ponte de Lima and follow the Ecovia which runs parallel to the river...
The path which runs from Ponte de Lima alongside the Minho to the Bertiandos and S. Pedro de Arcos lagoons. This is a protected wetlands nature reserve with several trails to follow, either by bike or on foot.
Take the funicular to the church of Santa Luzia for fantastic views over the historic port of Viana do Castelo...
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.
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.
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 and other hand embroidered items, and Barcelos for its pottery. But almost everywhere you can visit small artisanal workshops where weaving, basketwork, lacework, wood carving and toys are still made using traditional methods.
Sample the local Vinho Verde wine, particularly the Alvarinho, a style unique to this area...
Then stock up with supplies at the wine co-operative in Ponte de Lima. The Adega Cooperativa is in Rua Conde Bertiandos (near the hospital).
Browse the stalls of the largest market in Portugal, held on Thursdays in Barcelos...
The town is the birthplace of the 'Galo de Barcelos', the small cockerel, which is widely represented in traditional ceramic throughout the country and will no doubt be found on one of the stalls.
Fish your own dinner...
Just to the north of Ponte de Lima in Arcozelo there is a fish farm where visitors are lent rods and tackle and can catch their own supper. The trout is either grilled on the spot or you can take it home to cook yourself. In a delightful pretty spot, the farm is open all day every day and has a cafe which also serves local specialities.
Take a leisurely river trip along the Lima River from the pier in Viana do Castelo...
There are shorter trips of around 45 minutes or you can take a longer trip which includes lunch.
A pleasant walk of around 10 kms takes you up a hill above Ponte de Lima to the Chapel of Santo Ovidio...
Inside the chapel, the hard of hearing leave waxed models of their ears for the saint. Part of the walk follows the pilgrim's route to Santiago, so you pass many shrines on the way. (Details of walks are available from the tourist office).
Set aside a day to visit the beautiful city of Porto..
Visit the Planetarium to plot some of those stars you have been watching. Walk down the steep higgledy-piggledy, tiny streets that tumble down to the river Douro. Cross the iron bridge built by Monsieur Eiffel. Visit the port caves to try that famous drink. Then rest your feet and take the Open Top Tour bus for a fabulous view of all the best landmarks.
Explore the Gil Eannes Hospital ship. Built in 1955 in the Viana shipyard and originally served as a hospital ship to Portuguese fishermen...
But in 1984 it was taken out of service and spent several years languishing in Lisbon harbour. In 1997 it was sold for scrap, but the community of Viana saved it and is now moored in the town's harbour. Visitor's can view the bridge, galley, bakery, engine room, doctor's office, treatment room, radiology room, several cabins and temporary exhibition rooms.
Enjoy a day horseriding at the Centre Equestre riding school...
You can have a pleasant lunch or dinner in the restaurant - only a 15 minute drive from Quinta de São Sebastião.
Play Golf at the Axis Golf club, an 18 hole course in Ponte de Lima...
Afterwards, enjoy dinner in their excellent on site restaurant.
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.
Don't miss out on the local 'festas' ...
There are two very enjoyable ones in Ponte de Lima, one held in June, known as the Vaca das Cordas (when ropes are tied around the horns of a bull, which is then led onto the sand to 'fight' with the local population) and one in September, when the town once again bursts into life with the jolly event known as the Feiras Novas (New Fairs). This is the town festival, which includes a huge market, fireworks, a funfair, carnival costumes and a brass band competition.
