Things to do

Portugal has a great climate for outdoor activities all year round. From late February through to early summer the countryside is carpeted with wild flowers displaying a gradually changing sequence of colours.  An active holiday is a joy in spring. Should it get too warm for walking, and it is often lovely and sunny from February onwards during the day, take a day off to stroll around some of the interesting historic sites.  Summer is of course hot but we have some of the best River Beaches close by and there is always the magnificent Silver Coast to explore.

Although the winter months are cooler there are many days with clear blue skies and lots of sunshine. Rainy days tend to be occasional and most weeks will enjoy some sunny days. Some of the best walking is to be had in Winter especially in December.

Swimming - Beaches and Rivers

Come to Portugal and you will want to swim!  Whether its a glorious half empty sandy beach, a cool, crystal clear river or a swimming pool, cooling off in water is an absolute necessity.

The famous Silver Coast

Portugals Atlantic coast has beautiful beaches, traditional villages and fantastic authentic food - best of all its only half the price of the Algarve!  Lovers of "real Portugal" will enjoy a day trip to the coast.   In the height of the season (July to August) when temperatures are high the beaches are busy but outside these times you can walk for miles with the sound of the Atlantic breakers in your ears and hardly meet another person.  The sea is quite chilly but the beaches are fantastic sun traps.

Surfers Paradise There are waves here on most days of the year and the Silver Coast is Europe's premier surf destination, as well as the monster waves famous in Nazare's North Canyon there are also safe beaches for learners.

Fishing and Watersports are fantastic here too.

River Beaches are a relatively new but brilliant concept and we have lots to choose from here in Central Portugal.  To find out more go to our dedicated River Beach page

Walking, riding and cycling in unspoiled nature 

We can provide you with a number of walks and trails from the front door of the house anywhere from 2km and beyond, on most of them you will not touch a tarmac road.  The miles of sandy tracks around here are maintained well and provide a great starting point for exciting exploring.

Walking, running and cycling routes around Oliveira do Hospital 

Walking routes in the wider area

Walking and information on the Serra da Estrela mountains here

Ecopista do Dao - (cycling, walking and running) The "Linha do Dão", until 1988 a railroad between Santa Comba Dão and Viseu in central Portugal, was opened again in 2011, but now as a bike and walking path called the Ecopista do Dão. With its 49 km, it is not only the longest Ecopista in Portugal, but probably the most beautiful as well.  Cycle hire can be arranged too.

Fishing information here

Riding in our area

Portugal by Horse is a great place to go for riding, hacking out and lessons are available and its close by.

Adventure and extreme sports

Whether its skiing, snowboarding, climbing, abseiling, canoeing, off road motorcycling, 4WD driving, paragliding or canyoning that gets your pulse racing all these sports (and more) are possible close to the Quinta.

Mountain tours, skiing and snowboarding are all available 40 mins drive away from the Quinta.  There are 9 runs, one chairlift, two drag lifts and a beginners ramp.  Take lessons in the snow park or for the experienced skier try the Torre Black Run (not that hard but fun!).  All equipment can be hired on site, its good quality and in good condition.  You will be amazed by the prices too!  The best up-to-date information on snow conditions can be found HERE and they have a webcam.

 You can of course just play and use the toboggan run.

Climbing, abseiling and canoeing Rock and River offer you real adventures on the River Mondego and beyond, Mat and his team are guaranteed to make your day very special

For more experienced climbers Climbing Portugal have some good climbs mapped for you.

Paragliding and Canyoning information - click the links

For light Aircraft experiences just ask us - Rik has his own 2 seater plane.