Casa Darque

Casa Darque enjoys a wonderful location, just minutes for the fabulous Cabadelo Beach. The beach is fantastic for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding. Lying just to the south of the Lima River, the beach is very popular with the residents of Viano do Castelo as well as tourists. The beach is surrounded by dunes and a pine forest and boasts the most amazing sunsets when the sky changes to wonderful shades of orange, pink and purple. The beach is brilliant for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding but is also loved for its sand. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants surrounding the beach and in the town.

The beautiful city of Viana do Castelo is on the opposite side of the river. Its pearly white, magnificent Santa Luzia Church sits high on the hilltop overlooking the city. It is very appealing to those who appreciate Romanesque-Byzantine architecture. Entrance is free and you can visit using the city’s funicular transport. The sanctuary was completed in 1943 and is one of the most visited places in the city. The city offers a unique cultural and historical diversity. With the sea in sight and bathed in gold, Viana do Castelo never disappoints. Viana do Castelo’s compact historic centre boasts extravagant religious buildings, delightful cafes, elegant plazas and narrow shopping streets which open onto the banks of the Rio Lima. Many of the bars and restaurants are found in the Praca da Republica along with many regional handicrafts. The architecture of the surrounding buildings looks like a castle. In August, the city hosts The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia which celebrates the religious devotion of the residents of the city. The festival dates back to 1772 and in 2013 received the Declaration of Interest for Tourism. The highlight is the Desfile da Mordomia where more than five hundred women parade while wearing the traditional costume of the city and several pieces of family gold. The parade is a moment of union, enthusiasm and joy.

Spectacular landscapes surround Viana do Castelo and Cabadelo, brimming with waterfalls, pine forests, slow flowing rivers, wild beaches and nature trails. It is a farming region where the famous ‘vinho verde’ is produced. In Serra d’Arga you will find the Pincho Waterfall, bathed by the Ancora River. It is a very popular spot. Also in Serra d’Arga is Poco Negro where the sun only shines between 11am and 2.30pm. At the end of the 2km walk, visitors can take a dip in the natural pool.

Braga is regarded as one the main religious centres of Portugal, with the oldest cathedral and many Gothic churches. Every hour you will hear a cocophony of different church bells ringing out! It is the third largest city of Portugal and is a joy to explore. Braga is an enthralling university city and the setting for Bom Jesus do Monte, a fine monument. The historic centre is fully pedestrianised. There are pretty city gardens, charming plazas and busy shopping streets.

Ponte de Lima is one of the most characterful and picturesque towns of Northern Portugal, on the southern banks of the Lima River. The location has been the main river crossing since the Romans constructed a bridge in 1AD. There is a delightful mix of ancient houses, grand religious buildings and pretty plazas. There are a number of interesting museums as well as colourful flower gardens and stunning natural scenery all around. The Ponte do Lima is an excellent centre for adventure activities such as the Ecovia cycling route, kayaking along the Lima River, mountain biking or hiking in the Serra D’Arga or birdwatching in the Lagoas de Bertiandos. You can river bathe in Labruja.

You may also feel like heading north to the Minho River. On the north side of the river, Tui, in Galicia, is wonderful. It boasts a beautiful historic centre and an excellent range of gourmet dining as well as excellent shops. Tui is located south of the Pontevedra province and sits opposite the Portuguese town of Valenca. The towns are connected by a nineteenth century bridge. Valenca do Minho is located on the hillside overlooking the left bank of the Minho and on the main road that links the Spanish Santiago de Compostela with Porto. Tourists flock to the town to buy embroidered tablecloths and sheets, the speciality of the town. It is definitely worth the trip!

Read more about Minho

Please be aware that the location tab shown on the website is not based on the property's exact location; therefore, all location amenities are an approx of facilities, restaurants, and villages/towns you might find around the property. The property's exact location will be provided to you before arrival and might come along with some recommendations about the area and what to visit.

ABOUT MINHO

The areas of Minho extend from the Spanish border in the north, south to Porto and east to the mountains of Vila Real. It is a green and fertile area of rolling hills encompassing the great rivers Minho, Lima and Douro, and the National Park of Peneda Geres. The countryside of the region is typified by long, sandy beaches bordered by pine woods, picturesque villages nestling among vine-covered hills, and historic towns such as Amarante, Guimaraes, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Viana do Castelo.

The area encompasses a range of postcard-worthy landscapes and features that could almost be Portugal in microcosm: dreamy river scenes, high mountains, rolling vineyards, beautiful historic towns, dramatic Atlantic beaches, ancient religious foundations and mysterious archaeological sites.

Then there's the bold, sharp and fruity Vinho Verde to consider. This young wine is fashioned from the fruit of kilometres of vineyards that wind along rivers, over foothills and into Minho mountain villages.

But while you're enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Minho, you may well want to take some time out from all that sun worship to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we've put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Check out our Minho Travel Guide >>