SPAIN & PORTUGAL RURAL HOLIDAYS DESTINATIONS F
rom big-hitting Barcelona and Lisbon to up-and-
coming San Sebastian and Porto, cities tend to dominate the skyline when we think beyond Spain and Portugal’s beaches. It’s understandable: cities
are an easy, fly-in, fly-out hit. But there’s more to the Iberian peninsula, and it’s worth slowing down to appreciate the beautiful rural landscapes and relaxing way of life. Next time a client is looking for something a little different, suggest leaving the city behind and inspire them with one of these country charmers.
w THE VILLA STAY The ultimate rural escape has
its own front door, garden, and often a swimming pool, so clients can enjoy the privacy of their own hideaway. Families, couples, groups of friends – all types of traveller can find a home-away-from-home to suit, with everything from simple farmhouses to palatial villas in extensive grounds. Villa specialist Novasol has
3,000 villas in Spain and 50 in Portugal. Countryside options include a six-bedroom former farmhouse outside Morón de la Frontera. Guests at the finca can swim in the pool or dine outside on the patio to enjoy the views. The nearby town sits on the border of the Cadiz and Seville
provinces and in July a flamenco festival brings its white-washed streets to colourful life. A week in September starts from £799. With 1,093 villas in Spain and 462 in Portugal, James Villas has plenty of rural choices too. Villa Casa Verde is set in three acres of grounds on Portugal’s Costa Verde, the green corner of the northwest famous for forests, vineyards, mountains and wild Atlantic beaches. The six-bed, six-bath villa has endless facilities for a countryside hideaway, including a private pool, games room, tennis court, and covered terrace with a barbecue for alfresco dining. A week in September starts at £1,644.
w THE SELF-DRIVE TRAIL Forget a long-haul flight across the pond – Spain and Portugal are just as suitable for a good road trip as the US, especially once you leave city traffic behind and enjoy the tranquil rural routes. Classic Collection Holidays will book clients a pretty meander from Porto to Lisbon via the Douro Valley and the Alentejo region – one of Portugal’s prettiest and most underrated spots. Stays are at characterful properties including The Yeatman in Porto, which has a Michelin- starred restaurant, The Vintage House in Pinhao in the heart of the Douro’s vineyards, converted olive oil mill the Alentejo
Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
15 June 2017
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