CENTER - Central Nacional do Turismo no Espaço Rural

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Ramalho Ortigão the distinguished portuguese writer and traveller wrote in the 19th century: "There”s nothing in the world more pleasant to a Lusitanian heart than travelling in Portugal".

Undoubtedly there are innumrable cities, small villages, rivers, landscapes, gardens, across the country worth a visit by people looking for new experiences.

Our journey starts in Ponte de Lima whish is often described as “The Garden of Portugal” due to its enormous beauty. Throughout the valley between Santa Maria Madalena and Santo Ovídio flows the Lima river with green and blue tones bathing the sands banks of the oldest village in the country. Near the riverbank extensive and fertile valleys, rich in agricultural and botanical species, are a great location for long walks.

Flower lovers will appreciate the Park of the Arnado with the botanical garden and its beautiful greenhouse.

Walking around this area has been described by many poets born in the region: the landscapes of the Arga Mountain, the ascent to the Vacariça belvedere, the chapels that harbour historical memories of the crusaders, the evening fragrances of the Lima river or the excitement of the fortnightly trade fairs.

By foot, bicycle, or riding a horse the most adventurous can follow the Ecovia route through protected landscape of great beauty all the way to the Bertiandos and S. Pedro de Arcos lagoons.

Traditionally known for their hospitality Limianos – the people of Ponte de Lima – have many splendid manor houses to offer as accommodation.

Going up the Lima River through Carregadouro towards Ponte da Barca one remembers the time when the wines were loaded here before going to Viana do Castelo and then exported to Southampton in England for the delight of the English.

The green landscape of Minho is followed by the wild and dramatic scenery of Trás-os-Montes, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of Portugal. Bordering Spanish Galiza and Castela is the Natural Park of Montesinho with majestic mountains and a variety of fauna and flora. You will need a car or other transport to explore this vast region.

Along the Sabor River on the road from Bragança one passes through the villages of Rabal, Portela, França and Montesinho that preserve the traditional way of life of the region: small houses of schist and granite, blackstone roofs and genuine wooden terraces. The Barragem da Serra Serrada dam is worth a visit so is Vinhais which is famous for its carnival of pagan origins.

Douro and its astonishing landscape torn by the river produces some of the best wines in the world and has inspired poets and writers. The Douro is inhabited by hospitable people. It is rich in tradition with a vast and diverse natural patrimony.

On the right bank of the river are several interesting places. São Leonardo da Galafura where the Portuguese writer Miguel Torga found inspiration is an exceptional belvedere with valleys and the river. In Pinhão where the Douro crosses the Pinhão river you can admire a bridge constructed by Eiffel and the Train station tiles panels. From there you can also go to the Monte de Santa Bárbara and the Miradouro de Santa Clara. Finally the village where Miguel Torga was born, São Martinho de Antas, deserves a visit with exceptional views from the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Azinheira.

The Serra da Estrela remains unchanged with its villages in granite, wild landscape and solitary shepherds. A Natural Park since 1976, it is best known for its winter snow but is less visited at other times of the year. The Penhas da Saúde and the Torre are popular destinations but you will discover the true mountain region in the central plateaux and in the villages of Sabugueiro, Folgosinho and Linhares da Beira with its medieval castle and aristocratic houses. The proximity of the Zêzere and the Mondego rivers allow for fishing, swimming and other leisure activities. The great attraction of the region is the spectacular mountain scenery, the rich fauna and flora and its rivers and cliffs.

Further South in Alentejo region the Guadiana River serves as a natural border with Spain.  Water mills, dams, flowery riverbanks, streams and lots of pure fresh air. Mértola is a village situated on a high point where the Guadiana river and the Odivelas stream cross each other. This peaceful area was once inhabited by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs and was once considered the most powerful fortress of the western Iberia. The castle is the perfect place to observe the winding course of the Guadiana and the cluster of houses and villages streets that follow the route of the river. Nearby is Pulo do Lobo which is a narrow canal where a famous water-fall can be seen. Also worth a visit is the abandoned mines of São Domingos and the fluvial port of the Pomarão.

The Solares de Portugal are dedicated to introducing the magic of Portugal”s Gardens of Eden and the beauty of the countryside with its rich variety of flora for you to experience and enjoy.

Solares de Portugal (2006), The Stamp of Quality