Beaches and golf:
The family seaside resort of Vila Praia de Âncora is about 11km away, and either side of it, along a 50km stretch, are the many safe, clean beaches of the Costa Verde - surf beaches, sandy, rocky, wide, discreet, family, romantic beaches - you can go to a different one each day to suit your mood. At Afife there's a surfing beach (and surf/body boarding lessons); at Caminha there's a beach with one side on the Atlantic, the other on the River Minho; or you can hire a ferryman to take you out to a deserted island; on Serra de Arga there are fresh mountain pools and waterfalls (including one at Pincho, within walking distance of Casa do Valo); and there are also warm, sheltered river beaches on the Rivers Lima and Minho, within 15km.
For golfers, the excellent Ponte de Lima course is 27km away. Part of “a bucolic scenery of mountains, vineyards and fruit gardens”, is a course typical of the Minho region. Par 71, 6005m, including Portugal's longest hole at 622m (par 5).
Touring, tourism:
For those who enjoy rural sightseeing, just touring around, or taking some long walks, there's the rugged, wild countryside of Peneda-Gerês National Park, & further away the Douro Valley provide plenty of opportunity. The villages and country lanes of Alto Minho, offer a landscape from an earlier era. Serra d’Arga (784m) provides great views in all directions, and the Lagoas nature reserve a chance to see some wetland wildlife. For more sophisticated entertainment, there's the Casino at Póvoa de Varzim, and plenty of history, culture and nightlife in a dozen towns within a short drive. There's karting, canoeing, surfing, 10-pin bowling and fishing, and the World Heritage City of Oporto. The traditional Romarias, folklore, singing, dancing and decorative crafts and costumes provide an unusual taste of the local culture. And the famed cuisine of the Minho region can be found in restaurants galore.
Special gastronomic days out:
We have arranged some special days out with Vita d´Aurum (the 'golden life'): you can treat yourselves to one of a range of special packages that are based on the region's famous cuisine and spectacular wines.
'Afternoon Delight' - a mini-cruise on the Douro River and a 'Royal' dinner in a first class restaurant.
'Port Party' - Open bus tour of Porto’s historic centre, followed by a Port Wine tasting and a tour of the wine lodge.
'Gourmet Day' - Lunch in a traditional Manor House, wine tasting in a Port Wine Lodge, and a 'Royal' dinner in the heart of Porto's historic centre.
'Golden Day' - Scenic train trip to Régua, in the heart of the golden Douro Valley, lunch in the city's finest restaurant overlooking the river, and a restful cruise back to Porto.
Unforgettable food and wine, tremendous surroundings and a truly relaxing and stress-free way of experiencing the best of Portugal. Treat yourself!
Other Activities:
Karting, canoeing
