Quinta das Aveleiras

Booked as the final few nights of a family holiday. Had stayed in Porto and Nazare previously so wanted somewhere rural where we could relax. The views are certainly spectular from both the casa and the pool. The welcome basket was full of local produce.

Arrived at reception to find it locked. We had already received the key code so not an issue and we went to the casa. As mentioned, there was a welcome basket with fruit, nuts, honey and wine but some more information on the local area would have been welcome, for example local shops, towns, restaurants etc. No sign of anyone from Quinta das Aveleiras so couldn't ask. The casa was at the top of a tight, twisting road, which meant a bit of an effort to get into Torre de Moncorvo. Walking was out of the question. However, we hadn't planned on going out much as this intended to be relaxing. Unfortunately, the kitchenette was not usable, with the bare minimum pans and utensils. There was a two ring electric hob, a microwave and a toaster for cooking. We had just left a mobile home that was better equipped. Meals were very basic as a result. The casa itself was fairly dark, which is to be expected for an old farm building, but the blinds wouldn't stay up and only added to the gloom. Provision for outside space was some old directors chairs but the only outside areas to use them were next to the (admittedly beautiful) spring, which buzzed with insects all day, or next to the air con unit out the back. There was also a sign at the entrance advising not to leave the doors open because of the insects and as a result we spent most of the time there shut indoors with the lights on. My kids said it felt like a prison. Finally, the beds in the downstairs room were so hard that they were unusable. I genuinely considered sleeping in the car on the second night. We booked for four nights, but left after two. We had really looked forward to this part of the holiday, as it was intended to be our time to relax after the city and surf, but had to prioritise eating and sleeping. A real shame as a little investment and effort could transform this place.

Beautiful location with little details full of character and ancient history. Amazing pool with a panoramic view of the vineyards, olive tree farm, and the picturesque town. We’ll be back!!

Nothing

Very secluded and intimate place. The view from the pool is simply stunning Torre de Moncorvo had some festivities going on in mid August

The lighting could be improved Furniture was a bit old fashioned but that also participated to the charm of the place

A nice and comfortable villa in the large vineyard. We could look over the beautiful town and valley below. An isolated nice swimming pool. The owner’s family came and help us when we couldn’t understand the self check-in. The picnic basket was a present from the owner, we had a wonderful breakfast in the garden. We’ll never forget the special experience of staying in the Portuguese vineyard.

The houses are located in a beautiful farm, with a large vineyard, and you can buy locally produced wine and olive oil. The pool is amazing, located at the top of the hill, with beautiful views and long sun exposure. The property is very quiet, with trees all around. Torre de Moncorvo is 5 minutes away, walking, from the farm's gate. The rooms were big, each having its own bathroom. The kitchen is fairly equipped.

Depending on which house you stay, you may have to walk uphill to reach the pool. If you are staying at Casa Branca, it is a short walk, between 5 and 10 minutes, but it may be hard with the summer heat. The houses have no internet, and the lighting is quite poor, at least in the living room. They could also have more electrical outlets. You may also need to hop in your car to go to town, because it's a long uphill walk form the farm's gate to the houses/pool.

Cool place. Authentic building and vineyard. Loved the woodstove on a stormy night. Quaint little place. Basket of foodstuffs for breakfast which was a very nice touch.

No one there on arrival or departure but staff communication was good. Except for not telling us which building we were in so it was a bit of a scavenger hunt in the rain. The drive up is a steep cobble road with tight turns…but just part of the adventure!

The view was fantastic, looking down over the valley. The houses are on the quinta, so the mountain road up to them winds through vineyards and olive and almond trees. We rented The Pombal, a converted dovecote, very quaint and comfortable. Easy drive to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, with the museum and tours of the paleolithic rock engravings, and to the Douro Valley.