Things To Do
Right in the centre of Portugal is the most diverse, magical region in the country. Welcome to the land of fantastic mountain landscapes, where green terraced slopes cross valleys with streams full of trout and rivers suitable for swimming and rowing, or pass lovely slate villages, castles and roman ruins with history oozing out of every pour.
With the Serra Estrela as a setting, the Alva and Alvoco river valleys show all their splendour to the visitor. The flora and fauna are enhanced by the wonderful river beaches that extend from S. Giao to Avo. The bright green river banks frame clear waters that invite you to swim, row, fish and enjoy nature at its best.
Holidays or long weekends in either summer or winter provide a diversity of activities from jeep, horse riding or bicycle, kayaking or climbing, walking lanes and roads through unique unforgettable landscapes. Winter sport enthusiasts can enjoy the ski slopes in the Estrela mountain range, or snow boarding. Hand gliding or flying over the mountain in a balloon or helicopter are also available.
 New for 2009, we will be offering Creative breaks where we will be working with local artisans to enable our guests to participate in a range of crafts such as painting, basket making, pottery, creative writing, weaving, photography and more. There will be weekend breaks or mid week breaks in April, May and June, contact us for more information.
 Fishing
If you're a keen fisherman/woman there are plenty of places to cast a line here in Central Portugal. However you will need to purchase a licence to fish on the rivers and lakes and beware you are not allowed to fish after sunset in Portugal or prior to sunrise.
Sport fishing licenses are annual, valid for every calendar year and you can choose to pay for a national, regional or district one. At the Quinta we have a detailed list of where you are allowed to fish. Licences cost: National 7.69€; Regional 4.09€; District 1.58€ and when applying for one you will need proof of identification.
Once you have the license, you are subject to the usual complex set of restrictions regarding seasons. The fresh water season is roughly between April and November. If you're thinking of going after a particular species, it's worthwhile to know in advance if you'll be allowed to catch it, so please find below a list of seasonal restrictions:
| Trout |
from March 1 to July 31 |
| Largemouth Bass |
from July 1 to March 14 |
| Barbel |
from July 1 to March 14 |
| Carp |
from July t to March 14 |
| Shad |
from February 1 to July 14 |
| Salmon |
from March 1 to July 31 |
| Sturgeon & Plaice |
from January 16 to July 14 |
Walking
At the Quinta we have books for the guests that cover the Estrela Natural Park, which has 357 kilometres of walks in a mountainous environment.
There is a Glacial valleys route which allows you to trace the origin of the glaciers, the valleys carved by the various ice tongues, and the deposits left by this moving mass of ice.
Locally the government have spent a lot of money marking out walking trails for everyone with different capabilities. Experience the peace and beauty of walking in central Portugal passing through small villages, historical monuments and beautiful countryside.
 Rock climbing
Rock climbing offers the unique opportunity to explore the hidden Portugal. Far from the thronging crowds, lose yourself in the magnificent tranquility of deserted crags and hidden forest.
Rock climbing's special combination of mental and physical challenges make it an unforgettable experience. Once you've tried it, you're hooked.
With a knowledge of the 'secret spots' of Central Portugal and the experience and specialist training to ensure your safety we are able offer a once in a lifetime experience.
 Kayaking
Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the wilderness around us. A craft truly in touch with its surroundings and used for hundreds of years. We use individual watercraft, propelled with a double paddle. Our Kayaking takes place on the areas magnificent rivers and the splendor of our secluded lakes.
Our experienced instructors will teach you safety procedures and how to maneuver you craft, before embarking on a relaxing trip exploring the river. This quiet approach to watersport will ensure that you enjoy the tranquility and the full range of our local wildlife.
Sports on the Estrela
The Vodafone Ski Resort is located at Torre, Seia County, right in the centre of the nature reserve, at an altitude of 2000 metres. Covered in a mantle of snow from December to April, thanks to an innovative artificial snow-producing process, the ski resort houses the support infrastructures for the practice of winter sports and provides sophisticated facilities such as latest-generation mechanical lifts and a modern pass identification system for the lifts. The Vodafone Ski Resort is the top destination in Portugal for lovers of winter sports, entertainment, and strong emotions.
 Activities include mushing (dog sledding), sleigh rides and snow motorcycles. You can rent a range of equipment, such as alpine skis and snowboards.
Other activities are Mountain biking, fishing (trout) , Four-wheel driving tours through Serra da Estrela, Bicycle tours, Helicopter flying, Horse riding, Country walks, Bird watching, scaling, and adventure sports.
Mountain Biking
The calmness and peacefulness of the mountains contrasts with the emotions experienced by the daring enthusiasts of outdoor activities, who prefer to descend the slopes by pedalling on bikes.
Riding down the tracks means experiencing a rush of pure adrenaline, amidst beautiful and breathtaking landscapes and a range of wild animals, for here you can easily come across a roebuck or a red deer, or see a kite flying overhead. Bikes can be hired locally or bring your own.
Horse Riding
Adventurous horse riding for experienced and inexperienced horse lovers, hour rides or all day treks.
Surfing
If you fancy surfing or a day at the beach, then the coast is an hour and 30 minutes away. Portugal has a huge variety of waves and swell size and, as a result, makes an ideal surfing location for surfers of every ability. It is a good place to learn to surf with lots of places offering surf lessons and packages.
Situated west of Spain, Portugal picks up north, west and south swells, making surf conditions very consistent. During winter the swell size is around the 6ft mark but can get to 15ft or more, making it a spot for those looking for challenging surf. There is surf throughout the summer months and you can expect waves of 3-5ft.
 Paragliding
The Serra Estrela is regarded as one of the best places for paragliding in Western Europe. In 2004 the world paragliding/parapenting championships were held here. For that weightless feeling, stripped of the daily pressures, try Linhares. Known in Portugal as the "cathedral" of hang-gliding, the village provides unique conditions for hang-gliders, including a school and all the necessary facilities.
In the north-west of Serra da Estrela, the historic village of Linhares stands at 820m, perched over the beautiful river Mondego valley, whose source lies nearby.
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