Northern Portugal
Among the green hills of the Minho, an hour's drive from Porto. Rivers, mountains, vineyards and centuries-old cities within easy reach.
The location
Casa Fontelheira is situated in Vila Nune, a quiet village in the municipality of Celorico de Basto. The Tâmega River, with its small waterfalls and natural river beaches, is a ten-minute walk away. Porto and Guimarães are a maximum of an hour's drive away. Adventure and tranquillity effortlessly exist side by side here.
Distances
Trips
Porto, Guimarães, Douro Valley, Vila Real, Braga... all easily accessible from our resort Casa Fontelheira.
At 60 km
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City break
Porto after Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal. It is a beautiful coastal city in northern Portugal and is becoming increasingly popular among the Dutch. Alongside, of course, the port and wine production, Porto is also loved for its 19th-century architecture. In addition, Portugal's second largest city has a great atmosphere, plenty of culture, wonderful sights and culinary delights. And more importantly: the weather there is lovely! In short: Porto has all the ingredients for a great city break.
It is very easy to travel from place to place in Porto. After all, the city has its own metro system with six lines (A-F). All parts of the city can be reached with this. To explore the wider Porto region, buses, trams and trains are available.
At 45 km
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Birth of Portugal
Guimarães is situated in the north-west of Portugal and is an important historical city. It was the first capital of Portugal and also the place where Portugal officially came into being. For this special history alone, the city is well worth a visit.
It is a lively city full of terraces and with plenty of attractions. The old town of Guimarães is entirely on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, there are also beautiful churches, palaces, and castles to discover.
At 80 km
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Wine region · UNESCO World Heritage Site
From Douro Valley In Portugal, it is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This oldest wine region in the world captivates you with all its steep slopes and terraced vineyards. The Douro Valley owes its name to the Douro River, which meanders through the mountains.
The area is best known for its wine and port production. Wine has been produced there for more than 2,000 years. However, the region also offers much more. Towns such as Vila Real, Pinhão and Peso da Régua are absolute must-sees. Between all the towns and villages are dozens of viewpoints, also known as miradouros.
At 60 km
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Portuguese Rome
Braga, also known as the Portuguese Rome, is the original seat of the archdiocese. It is located in the interior of northern Portugal. Because it is the seat of the archdiocese, a great many chapels, churches and monasteries are to be found there.
However, the Portuguese city has much more to offer than that. Braga is also a vibrant student city. Due to the location of the university, Braga has undergone a rejuvenation. The city has idyllic streets, rich contemporary architecture and a wide choice of culinary (local) spots.
At 60 km
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provincial town
Vila Real Located in northern Portugal, about 60 km from Casa Fontelheira, on the edge of the Douro region. It is a typical provincial town that is still growing and where a large part of the local industry is located. With a lot of new construction and a chaotic road structure, Vila Real may at first seem somewhat unattractive. However, the city does have some sights worth visiting.
Vila Real is full of houses decorated with coats of arms and Manueline windows and featuring traditional wrought-iron balconies. The town is situated between the Corgo and Cabril rivers and is surrounded by the Serra do Marão, Serra do Alvão and Serra de Montemuro mountain ranges.
At 30 km
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At the Tâmega
Amarante is a picturesque town on the Tâmega River, with a historic center full of granite houses, riverside terraces, and the famous São Gonçalo bridge and church. It is a popular stopover for those exploring the region from Casa Fontelheira.
The town is also the birthplace of the painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, to whom a dedicated museum has been dedicated. Amarante is also located on the Ecopista do Tâmega, the cycling path that you can also explore on the e-bikes provided by Casa Fontelheira.
For the children
Casa Fontelheira is a paradise for little ones and big kids. We have noticed what children really like. Besides the fun games we lend (rummikub, don't be a nuisance, triviant, monopoly, skittles, boggle and many more), we often organize fun games for all ages. Table tennis tournaments, pétanque matches (also a favorite among the elderly and especially among the men, enjoyed with a beer). Archery matches, six-a-side etc. And who among the family makes the best shot? Furthermore, these activities are a favorite:
Every week
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For all children
Once a week (during the school holidays), all the children can learn to bake pizza themselves. From rolling out the dough to shaping it into a nice round shape, to adding all the delicious ingredients they can choose from. The children also place the pizza themselves in the special hot-fired pizza oven next to the restaurant. Success guaranteed when you try those homemade pizzas!
For the whole family
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Young and old
First, have a nice BBQ and then... BINGO! Young and old alike can take part in the always successful game of Bingo. You can win nice and tasty prizes. How fun is that for the whole family? And what we ourselves find the most fun is that we donate the proceeds from the bingo cards to a good cause. Such organizations as those that work for the stray dogs in Portugal, or the Alzheimer's and elderly home here in our municipality itself, where we buy puzzle books, games, cards and other essential materials from the proceeds.
At 15 km
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A day to tell about
Want to give the children a day to talk about for a long time? Take them to the beautiful adventure park, about 15 kilometers away in Ribeira de Pena. Here you can have a whole day of adventure. It’s up to you how adventurous you want to make it. Think of climbing trees, canoeing, paintball, karting and bobsledding. The absolute highlight is one of the longest Fantastic Cables in the world. ‘Flying’ at 130 km per hour... who dares?!
Something for everyone
Holidays are for relaxation, discovery and unique adventures. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it at Casa Fontelheira. In the immediate surroundings there is something for everyone to enjoy. Everything is arranged for you and if you want something special, we are happy to help you think it through.
Culinary
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Culinary
Discover where the Vinho Verde comes from and enjoy the charming estate of Fernando. The children are immediately surprised by a visit to Romeo and Julia, the donkey and the horse. And they can take a dip in the water all day long. Meanwhile, Fernando takes the time to answer all your questions with passion. Of course, with the most important part: tasting delicious Portuguese tapas and the flavorful wines.
Adrenaline
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Adrenaline
For anyone who wants to push the limits in Portugal’s rugged nature, there’s adrenaline-fueled canyoning. There are several tours available, even for children, and we’ll arrange everything for you. Safety first, so we work with professional guides. Can you see yourself jumping off rocks, abseiling waterfalls, crawling through cliffs and diving through holes? Then check out this exciting outdoor activity!
Wellness
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Wellness
With the view and all the greenery around you, the energy will flow naturally. In complete tranquility, you can treat yourself to a massage and yoga. Our in-house masseuse has golden hands for everyone. Our yoga instructor would also be happy to take you on a relaxing journey. Lying by the pool with a view over the valley is a treat for everyone.
Nature
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Nature
The Ecopista do Tâmega is a green traffic-free route (ciclovia) built on the old Linha do Tâmega railway line. It runs approximately 39 km from Amarante via Celorico de Basto to Arco de Baúlhe in Northern Portugal, with a predominantly flat, paved route along the Tâmega river. The route was officially opened in 2011 and in 2021 was awarded the Special European Greenways Award.
You can cycle, hike or run along the river, vineyards and rural villages, discover historical heritage at old railway stations like Celorico and Arco de Baúlhe, and enjoy panoramic views over the Tâmega valley and the Serra do Marão.
Adventure
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Adventure
Have you ever driven a tough "SandBuggy" yourself? Even this is possible to book at Casa Fontelheira. While dad and mom are behind the wheel and driving themselves, the kids can also take their place and enjoy a spectacular journey through the beautiful nature of northern Portugal.
Various tours are possible, including trips through the Alvão, the beautiful natural area where you can visit many waterfalls, reach the highest point and feel "on top of the world" there, while swinging on one of the many swings that Portugal is rich with. A true experience.
At the resort
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Facility
We have electric bicycles and we also rent them out. The bikes can travel 130 km. It is therefore possible to cycle from Casa Fontelheira to the beautiful and idyllic Amarante via the recently built cycle path and the Route da Romântica.
Along the way you’ll encounter all kinds of beautiful sights, such as the castle of Arnoia. During this cycling tour you’ll see Northern Portugal in a way you can’t see by car, and you’ll be amazed by the beautiful nature and culture that Northern Portugal has to offer.
At the resort
You don't have to leave the resort to fully enjoy it. You can find these facilities right at Casa Fontelheira itself.
At the resort
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Facility
Our large heated outdoor pool offers panoramic views of the valley. Around it you’ll find lounge chairs and sunshades, so you can alternate between swimming and relaxing all day long.
At the resort
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Facility
Every morning we bring a well-stocked picnic basket to your door, with fresh bread from the local bakery. This way you can start your day without having to go anywhere.
We cook for you several evenings a week: from barbecue to culinary delights, using fresh products from local farmers and our own herbs from the garden.
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Facilities • Wellness
Relax completely in our sauna and steam cabin, the perfect end to a day filled with outdoor air and adventure.
Nature
The Minho region is one of the greenest in Portugal. Vineyards, olive groves and eucalyptus forests alternate. The evenings bring spectacular sunsets over the valley. And the nights, far from city lights, reveal a starry sky you wouldn’t recognize at home.