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| Quinta de Santa Comba |
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| Barcelos - Minho - Douro & North Portugal |
| Manor House |
| Number of rooms: 6 |
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| This 18th century rural idyll is located on the outskirts of Barcelos, which every Thursday holds the most famous, and probably largest, market in Portugal. Santa Comba is surrounded by some 14 hectares of vineyards producing the much prized and refreshing “ vinho verde”, a young and slightly sparkling wine unique to the Minho. The grounds also include stables and cowsheds. The house itself was acquired by the present owner, Jorge Carvalho de Campos, in 1975 in a state of near adandon, so congratulations are in order to Jorge for turning it back into such a charming house, where many visitors come back on a regular basis. Accommodation, which can be either bedrooms or apartments, is actually located in outbuildings made from thick granite walls and small windows, though guests can make use of the lounge, dining room and swimming pool. Horse riding and organised rides in the countryside can be arranged whilst those who prefer more leisurely activities can partake in trout fishing within the estate itself. |
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Viana do Castelo:
Spread along the north bank of the Lima estuary (where one can take trips on typical boats), this town is famous for its handicrafts and colourful regional costumes.
Festivities include:
Romaria da Senhora da Agonia in August.
Festa do Traje (Costume Fair)
Peneda Geres National Park:
Recognised by the International Union for Nature Conservation because of the variety of the landscape, plant and animal species, habitat and cultural heritage. A mountainous area (Gerês, Soajo and Amarela). The park has offices in Montalegre, Arcos de Valdevez and Gerês, and lies across three administrative districts and 5 municipalities.
Barcelos:
An ancient city, which originated from a Roman settlement and still retains traces of its mediaeval layout, in particular the walls and the castle keep.
However, Barcelos is known today for its production of small ceramic figures, particularly in the form of cribs and musical bands, and, of course the Barcelos \"cock\", which is based on a famous legend. According to the story, a Galician who had been condemned to death for various crimes that had occurred in the region continued to protest his innocence to the judge and, in one last attempt to save himself, claimed that, to prove the truth of what he was saying, the roast cock that was about to be served for lunch would stand up and crow. Indeed, as the prisoner was just about to be hanged, the cock stood up and crowed and the judge, forced to admit his error, immediately ran to the gallows to prevent the execution taking place, fortunately arriving just in time. The Galician was immediately released and left to live in peace. |
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| From Lisbon:Follow the A1 going north, before arriving in Viana do Castelo you will find the exit N103 to Barcelos. Once there, take the road to Vila Nova de Famalicão and turn to Moure. Approximately 100m ahead you will eventually find the signpost of Quinta de Santa Comba. |
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