Valença


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In the nearby little explored Peneda–Gerês National Park,youwillmeet few other cars,even at the height of the season.For the ultimately picturesque, meander through the garden town ofMonçao,perched above the River Minho valley and arguably one of the prettiest in Portugal;or Barcelos, famed for its handicrafts and vastweekly countrymarket;or the beautifully preserved fortified border town of Valença.


Hospitality is second nature to this unspoiled people and genuine friendship easy to come by.They are,quite simply,peoplewho have time for people. Occasionally, these quiet unassuming folkwill break the tranquillity of the countrysidewith their boisterous religious festivals or ‘festas’,which take placemainly in July and August.


The changeover day for our properties is either Friday or Saturday,as specified in the house descriptions.However, some of our owners can be flexible for both the arrival day and the duration of your stay.


Cuisine The abundant pergolas of the Vinho Verde grape produce young,gently fruitywhitewines.The rounder Alvarinhos are aworthy accompaniment to the freshly caught seafood or ‘Arros deMarisco’– rice cookedwith shellfish, and a variety of pork and chicken dishes,often casseroled and servedwith rice and vegetables.The portions are unfailingly generous and yet the restaurant bills for this fare are negligible.


Climate Northern Portugal is a land of vines and citrus fruits and therefore enjoys a sunny andwarmclimate.Especially beautiful is themonth of June,when the countryside retains the fresh greenness of spring, themeadows are splashed with the blue and yellowof cornflower and buttercup and summer temperatures arewell underway – around 25°C.


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GETTING THERE


Northern Portugal is easily accessible. Flights to Porto are offered by Air Portugal fromHeathrowand Gatwick,by Ryanair fromStansted, Gatwick,Bristol, Liverpool and Dublin and by easyJet fromGatwick. Alternatively the Spanish cities of Santiago de Compostela,Vigo and A Coruña in Galicia are just a 1–2.5 hours drive fromour properties. Flights are available to Santiago de Compostelawith Ryanair from Stansted and Aer Lingus fromDublin,whilst Vueling fly fromLondon to Vigo and A Coruña.


By car,Brittany Ferries provides sailings fromPlymouth and Portsmouth to Santander and fromPortsmouth to Bilbao,with both Spanish ports beingwithin a day’s drive of the area.


For further information, see pages 184–192.


For reservations call 01954 261 431 or book online at www.vintagetravel.co.uk 153


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