Nestled in a small Minho village, a short drive from the picturesque Roman riverside town of Ponte de Lima and the atmospheric, historic town of Caminha, Villa Maricola offers an inherited peaceful ambience, total seclusion and sensational views from its elevated spot. This characterful holiday home sleeps up to twelve guests and is a perfect base to explore the gorgeous, unspoilt Minho region.

Villa Maricola is situated near the beautiful village of Rubiaes which is on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and boasts its pretty Sao Pedro de Rubiaes church. From its fabulous elevated spot, the villa overlooks a lush green valley. Caminha is a hidden jewel in the Viana do Castelo district in Alto Minho, near the mouth of the River Minho which separates Portugal and Spain. There is plenty to see and admire in Caminha including the ancient Torre do Relogio de Caminha, the clock tower which forms part of the old city walls built in the 12th century and is a national monument. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy fabulous views of the town. The Rua Direita or Ricardo Joaquim de Sousa Street is the cobbled main street in the historic centre. Another historic monument is the Igreja Matriz de Caminha where you can admire tiles from the 17th century. The Foz do Minho Beach is located next to the River Minho, a wonderful area of great natural beauty with a gorgeous beach and delightful walking trails. Guests staying at Villa Maricola enjoy beaches, rivers, mountains, forests, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and absolutely delicious food and local wine.

Villa Maricola is an idyllic retreat, offering a most serene and authentic slice of the Minho. It is comprised of sprawling buildings, the main villa which dates back to the seventeenth century, a cottage and a new building, which in total boast six bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The furnishings throughout are traditional and comfortable. The new building overlooks the swimming pool and valley. The very generous gardens are well-maintained and very mature with lush lawns, chestnut, orange and cherry trees and a children’s playground. In addition, guests have use of a games room with table tennis, table football and a pool table and an excellent barbecue and outdoor kitchen area.

The main villa boasts a charming country kitchen with a wonderful array of wooden cabinetry, all the appliances you need for a self-catering stay and a handy breakfast table. This leads to a formal dining area for all twelve guests and a characterful living room. With a wooden beamed ceiling, a gorgeous carved bench, comfy sofas and shutters, the living room is warm and inviting. Doors open onto a large courtyard terrace for alfresco dining. Upstairs, you will discover the master bedroom with its double bed, ensuite bathroom and covered balcony. In addition, there is a second living area, equally charming with a wooden arched ceiling, a feature fireplace and more comfy sofas. A couple of steps lead to the extended bedroom wing with its three twin bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Steps lead down directly from these rooms to the pool and garden. The cottage offers one double room and one twin room, each with an ensuite bathroom. Villa Maricola works very well for multi-generational families or groups of friends.

The villa boasts some wonderful, sun drenched terraces, beautiful lawns and flowerbeds together with the 12m x 6.5m swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by loungers and a pool side shower. Guests can cook delicious feasts in the covered barbecue area and children can happily play in the playground or games room.