In the authentic and peaceful village Candemil in the Alto Minho lies this lovely nature house. The village has a few hundred inhabitants and is situated in a valley. The locals are mainly engaged in agriculture. If you climb the mountain opposite the house, you can see the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. The immediate area around the house is green, quiet and fresh with all sides forest, mountains and fields. Most beautiful seasons of the year, here are spring and autumn. Then the overwhelming power of nature at its strongest.
The house stands in a natural setting, but not "in the middle of nowhere." You are surrounded by neighbors who have lived their entire lives in Candemil, and just like you, appreciate the peace and simplicity. The house is a restored version of the old family home, the grandmother of the owner has lived her whole life. The restoration took place with retention of original features such as the blue shutters, granite walls, small windows, to keep out the heat in summer. These authentic elements landlords have a modern, data-oriented twist on comfort: open and large spaces (living-kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms) as much as possible to create a sense of space and light, central heating throughout the house, powered by a wood-burning fireplace, modern decor: cozy and separately, with a combination of peasant furniture, retro and antique. There is a sound system with amplifier and CD player (with some CDs) and a mini-jack cable, which connects to I-pod or phone. The doctor cabinet with sliding doors is filled with literature and games.
The house has a plot of 4000 m2. This is a two barns, a vegetable garden, fruit trees, a large lawn, where a picnic can be, for example. Behind this field is a smaller field of about 2000 sqm. This field is left in wild state. The possibility exists, in consultation, of course, to be able to camp on it, for example if you want to receive guests during your stay.
NATURE
There is much to do in the area of the nature cottage. Actually too many to mention. A few personal highlights from the landlord:
Walking in the immediate vicinity of the village. There are no landscaped walking paths, but there certainly is walking well. Take the hill sloping road to Gondar (3 km) and continue to Menstrestido (7 km) and then back to Candemil. This is a hefty walk round, but you will pass beautiful spots woods, fields and mountains.
Outdoor activities: There are opportunities in the region to take organized trips, either on foot, by bicycle or by canoe or kayak. Other outdoor activities are organized.
There are many beautiful towns and cities in the area that are worth a visit: First of V. N. Cerveira with its cozy atmosphere, nice restaurants and the famous Saturday market. Also Caminha, at the mouth of the river Minho, with its historic center and its river and sea beach is worth a visit. Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns in Portugal and is almost a must for any visitor. For those of churches and monasteries holding Braga is a fun city, here there are more than 1000 to find! And of course the beautiful and trendy Porto, where you especially should not skip the port tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
The Parque Nacional da Peneda Geres is one of the largest nature reserves in Europe and offers lots to do for the true nature lover. From Candemil you within half an hour on the edge of the park. Wild horses, half-wild cows, wolves, Iberian lynx, all kinds of birds of prey. With a little luck you can spot one of these animals in the Geres.
For beach lovers, there are many beaches nearby, such as Caminha, Moledo do Minho and V. P. de Ancora.
In Candemil you find yourself in the middle of a land of famous wines, Vinho Verdes. The Vinho Verdes are Alvarinhos (these are wines made from 100% Alvarinho grapes) the most famous and the governing body of the Vinho Verdes has organized a so-called Alvarinho Route wine companies that give tours, organizing tastings, etc. The heart of the Alvarinho region is located in Moncao, a 30-minute drive away.
Last but not least: 7 kilometers you drive in Galicia and within the hour you're in the pilgrimage town of Santiago de Compostela. Galicia has much to offer the culture and nature lover and a trip to Northern Portugal is well combined with a visit to the region with Celtic roots.
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