Northern Portugal

Surrounded by 35 acres of beautiful private grounds, the Quinta do Convento da Franqueira is a delightful property and one of our favourite accommodations. Originally built in the 16th century as a Franciscan monastery, the Quinta has been carefully remodelled by the current owners Piers and Kate Gallie and today offers accommodation in which guests feel truly at home.

All rooms have been attractively furnished and attention to detail is apparent throughout. In the main house there is a charming sitting room with open fireplace where guests can relax, read, or enjoy a quiet drink from the honesty bar. Outside there is a lovely terrace and swimming pool from which there are excellent views of the house, gardens and woodland. Although secluded and quiet, it is by no means isolated being only 4km from the historic town of Barcelos with its lively Thursday market.

Accommodation

• 5 rooms including 2 twin bedrooms, 2 double bedrooms and 1 studio
• All rooms have a bathroom (bath or shower) and tea and coffee making facilities
• 1 double room has a four-poster bed
• The open-plan studio has a double bed, designated sitting area with a single sofa bed (for a child) and an alcove kitchenette (2 electric hobs and a fridge)

Amenities/Leisure

• Continental breakfast
• Sitting room with open fireplace and honesty bar
• Complimentary WiFi in public areas
• Outdoor swimming pool (11 x 10m) open Jun-Sep
• Free parking
• Closest restaurant is 3.5km (c.5-minutes drive)
• 4km from Barcelos
• The towns of Braga (21km), Guimarães (39km) and Ponte de Lima (30km), as well as the Benedictine monastery of Tibaes (24km), are located nearby, making this property an ideal base from which to explore the enchanting Minho region
• Festivities in Barcelos: First week in May a religious festival takes place with processions, folklore dancing and fireworks; First week in August an Arts and Crafts fair is held

Minimum stay: 2 nights

A charming 17th century Manor House where the owner, Manuel de Sampayo, offers guests warm Portuguese hospitality in a breathtaking setting.

Located high on the hillside above the village of Pinhao (5km), the Casa de Casal de Loivos is a hidden treasure that enjoys uninterrupted views over the weaving Douro River. The property has been fully renovated in a traditional, local style and in doing so provides residents with a home away from home. Guests can enjoy their breakfast on the shared panoramic terrace overlooking the Douro valley.

Accommodation

• 6 bedrooms including 5 rooms (twin and double) in the main building and 1 double room located in the adjoining annexe 
• All rooms are decorated in a homely local style and have a bathroom (bath or shower) and complimentary WiFi (except for the annexe room)
• The rooms in the main building open onto a shared terrace (chairs and parasols), and have panoramic views over the Douro river valley 
• The annexe room has air-conditioning and enjoys uninterrupted views over the river (no WiFi)

Amenities/Leisure

• Continental breakfast 
• Dining room - evening meals provided on request at a long table
• Complimentary WiFi on all floors of the main house
• Outdoor swimming pool (11 x 5m) with views over the Douro river valley open Mar-Nov (pool towels provided)
• Bar service 
• Sun terrace
• TV lounge
• Limited on-street parking 
• Closest restaurants in Pinhao (7km) - taxi is c.10 Euros each way

The Pousada do Porto (Pestana Palácio do Freixo), designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, is one of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture from the baroque period. Built in 1742, the hotel has preserved the entire facade of the palace buildings, which became a National Monument in 1910. Today, the property consists of two separate but interconnected buildings: the Palácio which houses the restaurant, bar and lounges; and the former Harmonia Flour Factory, where the guest bedrooms are located.

With its charming river front setting, excellent traditional cuisine, attentive and personal service and considerable on-site facilities we recommend the hotel for guests looking to relax and unwind in Portugal’s second city.

Accommodation

• 87 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, superior rooms, superior deluxe rooms, junior suites, suites and one special suite 
• All rooms have a bathroom (bath or shower), hairdryer, telephone, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, minibar and safe deposit box
• Classic rooms have a palace or garden view
• Superior rooms have a side or full river view
• Deluxe rooms, located on the corners, have a view over the River Douro
• Junior suites have a garden view
• Suites have a bathroom with bath and separate shower cubicle and a view over the River Douro
• Due to the age of the property, all rooms vary in size and shape.

Amenities/Leisure

• Buffet breakfast
• Refined restaurant serving local cuisine
• Bar
• Outdoor swimming pool (18 x 6m) open May-Sep 
• Spa with indoor heated swimming pool (12 x 6m), sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms and gym 
• 2 Lifts
• Free parking
• 5-minutes drive (or 30-minutes walk) to the historic centre of Porto.
• Complimentary shuttle bus service to the centre of Porto