Stunning Scenery Northern Portugal

I am very lucky to have a Portuguese husband, his family live in a beautiful historic town called Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in the district of Guarda, close to the border of Spain. The village Castelo Rodrigo that overlooks the town has the ruins of a medieval castle, for a very small fee we took a stroll around the ruins learning about the history, we explored the narrow cobbled streets and visited the boutiques for homemade jams, honey, nuts and wine, bags or purses that are made locally from the tree bark (cork). I love sitting at one of the cafes and enjoying a cold drink admiring the views of the mountains and landscape surrounding this village and overlooking the town. We always visit the Adega Cooperativa winery for their award winning wines that are made locally.

Take a short drive to Barca da Alva, where often you will see the river cruises that offer excursions to Figueira Castelo. Barca da Alva is surrounded by vineyards and olive and almond groves, we love to walk across the Almirante Sarmento Rodrigues bridge to truly appreciate the views of the river Douro and the surrounding hillside vineyards, here you can see all the river cruise boats lined up along the dock. This is one of my favourite places to visit and have some wonderful food or take a stroll along the river and just enjoy the relaxing way of life.

Almeida is another beautiful place to visit again just a short drive away, this fortified town when seen from the air has the appearance of a star, the fortress is built around the medieval castle and you can take a walk around the fortified circuit and visit the museum. Wander through the cobbled streets and learn about all its history.

I love to pamper myself at the Termas De Almeida Fonte Santa (Almeida Hot Springs), where the mineral waters of the Thermal Complex spring slopes of the valley where the Coa River flows at an altitude of 560m. I often have a massage followed by a relaxing swim in the hot water with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the landscape.

Well worth a visit is the museum and archaeological park of the Coa Valley in an open air complex of where there are over 80 sites with rock art of the different Paleolithic periods. The museum sits on top of a hill overlooking the Coa valley which offers interactive information.

If you like a bit of retail therapy with the views to go with it then Guarda is the place to visit. Guarda is the highest city in Portugal, the Torre de Menagem known as Guarda Castle is an imposing stone tower located at the highest point of 1056 metres altitude. The towns main square is where you can visit Guardas cathedral and a statue of Dom Sancho I, who founded the city in 1199. There are a number of cafes around the square to sit back and relax. Guarda is a beautiful city not to be missed. There are also a number of beautiful lake shore swimming areas a short drive away, which on a hot day is a wonderful relief.

To explore all what I have wrote about and so much more, a self-drive would be perfect. Whether you want to hire a car, mobile home, caravan or take your own, I can help you plan your perfect Itinerary including the hiring of vehicles, flights, ferries, hotels river cruises and more. Please do get in touch with me if you feel this is for you.