This holiday house is in the mountain village of Bocado 7kms from Arganil. Renovated in 2011 it is built with local stone, xisto, and has spectacular views down the valley and out to the mountains. Most of the rooms have retained some of the natural stone walls with a high vaulted wood ceiling in the living room and the main bedroom. Free Wi-fi internet access is available.
There are 3 double bedrooms, 2 have a double bed and the third has 2 single beds. The living room has a sofa bed for a child and a wood burner for the winter months with a complimantary basket of logs on arrival, more logs can be purchased if necessary. There is also a TV with Portuguese satellite(some English programmes), games and books. The kitchen is well equipped for a self catering holiday with a dining table and seating for 6 people.
Outside there is a sun terrace with a private above ground circular 4m pool and a private garden with garden furniture for outside dining, 4 sun recliners and a barbecue. The views from the house are fantastic and the sunsets are spectacular!
Price is for 6 people with a discount for less depending on the season.
Things to do: Most visitors to the Arganil area come for the peace and quiet and the relaxing atmosphere. You can stay by the house taking in the wonderful views whilst topping up your tan or discover some of the lovely river beaches along the Rio Alva where you can swim or just laze to your hearts content. An information booklet is in the house with more details. Canoes and pedaloes are for hire at some of these river beaches. The nearest river beach is at Folques 3kms from the house with a picnic area and parking.
If you want to go further afield there are more things to explore. The ancient Roman town of Conimbriga is approx. 1hrs drive. These are some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Portugal and there is a very interesting museum with artefacts found on site and in the surrounding area.
If you want a day at the seaside then the popular resorts of Figueira de Foz and Mira with golden beaches are only 1 hr drive from Bocado. Figuiera is a large town with everything for the family, Mira is smaller but still has fish restaurants and shops as well as a small lagoon.
Both Arganil and Coja have a selection of restaurants serving both local and more international dishes. Most menus will have a selection of chicken, pork and fish dishes which can be washed down with the local Dao wines.
The Portuguese wines are very good and of course the heavier Vinho de Porto or Port wine is a great way to finish a meal. Try the chilled white Port as an aperitif. If you are barbecuing you could try the Vinho Verde as an accompaniment this slightly sparkling wine is very refreshing served well chilled!
There are some wine producers in the area that will give a short tour of their caves and provide a wine tasting, you may need to book. The Quinta de Cabriz is one of these and there is also an excellent restaurant on site.
