Beaches and mountain bathing pools:
The family seaside resort of Vila Praia de Âncora is about 10km away, and either side of it, along a 100km 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. There are also warm, sheltered river beaches on the River Minho; and the river Âncora, with its stretches of waterfalls and fresh rock pools ideal for bathing, meanders through the valley within walking distance from Roma. At the internationally known Afife surf beach, there's a surf and body boarding school. And on the River Minho, you can take out a canoe and paddle across to Spain, or take a more leisurely cruise down river to the historic border towns of Valença (Portugal) and Tui (Spain). Or maybe hire a boatman from Caminha to take you out to the deserted fortress island of Ínsua and come to pick you up again a few hours later.
Touring around the region:
For walkers or cyclists, or for touring in the car, there's plenty here within easy reach. For rugged, wild countryside, visit the Peneda-Gerês National Park, or go further to the home of port wine - the dramatic Douro Valley. The village itself lies at the base of the Serra d'Arga range (peak 784m), and the villages and country lanes in its hills offer a landscape from an almost forgotten era. A visit to the World Heritage City of Oporto is a must, as are the traditional local Romarias, with folklore, singing, dancing, decorative crafts and the famous cuisine of the Minho region. There are restaurants galore, serving the famous Minho dishes. History and culture abound in a dozen towns within a short drive, such as Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Valença, Guimarães. Or for something different, there's Portugal's largest market on Thursdays in Barcelos, or the wetland nature reserve at Lagoas.
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.
