Lisbon Coast

Just 10km from Lisbon is one of Portugal's most beautiful and popular leisure areas. An area warm in summer and mild in winter, the Estoril coast has been attracting visitors for centuries and is where the Lisbon gentry established their summer homes and weekend retreats; mansions and stately homes close to the sea or in discreet tree-lines streets.

Here there are wide, sandy beaches, golf and watersports, casinos and nightlife, concerts and ballet. In fact, all the ingredients of a holiday where you can choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish.

The spectacular coastline leads up from Cascais and Estoril to the romantic old town of Sintra and to aristocratic Queluz.

To the south of the estuary are unspoilt, dune-backed beaches with attractive residential developments close by for quieter pursuits.

The perfect combination of sun, sea, countryside, culture and city pursuits - and all this so close to Lisbon!

Northern Portugal

Oporto is the gateway city to the north of Portugal - the city which gave its name to Port, a favourite both as an aperitif and after-dinner drink is situated magnificently at the mouth of the Douro river and boasts an historical centre which is now a World Heritage site.

Northwards, the Minho region is bordered by the sea running up to the Minho river, which acts as the country's northern border with Spain. Here, arched vines edge the roads and twist around the trees in the fields. This is the world of 'Vinho Verde', the dry white wine, which is such a superb accompaniment to fish and the local dishes of the region. Many vineyards are open to the traveller providing the ideal excuse (if it was needed) to sample traditional hospitality.

The Minho is steeped in history with ancient settlements, impressive churches and the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela and there is not a town or village that does not have a fair or festival, especially in summer, where locals and visitors alike can experience fun, fireworks and dancing, accompanied as always with tasty local food and wines.

To the east of Oporto is the renowned and stunningly beautiful Douro Valley. Here, a Mediterranean climate encourages the growth of figs, cherries, almonds, oranges and, of course, grapes. It was on these sunny slopes and chalky terraces that Port wine was invented and it was on the River Douro that the barrels were transported in traditional boats to the warehouses of Gaia, on the bank of the river opposite to Oporto.

Northern Portugal is an area to be discovered at your leisure and our traditional, superbly located houses are your ideal base.