The converted watermill
This lovely fully restored and equipped watermill dates back to the 19th century. It is located on the left bank of river Neiva, two Km from the river mouth, surrounded by a attractive 400 m² natural garden with inviting shadows under the trees. To the nearby beach is two Km, shopping facilities, restaurants and bars can be found in Belinho (2 Km), Forjães (5 Km) or in Esposende (8 Km). The typical city of Viana do Castelo is 15 Km to the north, and Porto is 40 Km to the south.
Built with ancient stone boulders, the watermill comprises a large lounge room in the the ground floor, with living and dining areas, satellite television, video recorder, stereo, open fire place and equipped kitchenette, and two bedrooms (one double, one triple) and a complete bathroom in the loft. Access to the upper floor through a circular staircase, young children will require parental supervision.
Sleeps five persons, self catering.
In the garden there is a grill and a garage. Fishing equipment is always available, if you wish to try your luck and skills.
Pets accepted, provided not staying in the bedrooms.
Esposende
At the time of the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries, Esposende was an important fishing and sea port. These activities have continued into the present day, although it is also a very popular seaside resort. In the nearby village of Apúlia, besides fishing, one of the most typical activities is the gathering of seaweed at low tide.
The coastal strip stretching from Esposende to Ofir and Fão has been classified as a protected landscape area and is considered to be one of the most attractive stretches of Portugal´s northern coastline.
Roughly six km to the north, São Bartolomeu do Mar is famous for its religious festival on 24th of August, which includes the "Banho Santo", a ritual of bathing in the sea that according to tradition cures illnesses and makes children strong and healthy.
Viana do Castelo
Situated at the mouth of the river Lima, Viana do Castelo was founded in the thirteenth century by D. Afonso III, king of Portugal, who, in an attempt to gain popular support, decided that this place should be destined exclusively for the use of the common people and declared that the nobility could not settle there. This fertile valley had already been much appreciated by the Romans, who reached here quite easily but then drew back, as, on encountering the River Lima, they thought that they had discovered the mythological River Lethe, known as the river of Oblivion, since anyone who crossed it would inevitably lose their memory.
Viana do Castelo gained in importance during the period of the great Maritime Discoveries (in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries) primarily as a shipyard and seaport, but also as a source of the crews that manned the ships setting sail to discover unknown lands.
Today it enjoys a rich architectural heritage and its many monuments are best admired as a whole from the top of Monte de Santa Luzia, which provides a spectacular view over the mouth of the River Lima and the Atlantic Ocean.
Amongst the particular highlights of this region are its folklore, its brightly-coloured, typical costumes and the extremely popular religious festivals and other festivities, particularly those that are held in August in honour of Nossa Senhora da Agonia and are considered to be the most spectacular in the whole of Portugal.
Viana do Castelo also has a rich and varied local handicraft industry, with its ceramics (everyday pottery articles), embroidery and goldsmiths work being particularly sought after.
Beaches
Cabedelo is the closest and better known Viana do Castelo beach, on the other side of the river Lima. Surrounded by a pine wood, you will find there everything you need, from restaurants, disco, bars and shopping to camping sites and apartments for rent. There is a ferryboat to cross the river to town and back, also bus.
Carreço is one of the most attractive beaches of Viana do Castelo. Dominated by the lighthouse of Montedor, Carreço is a blessing of nature, with its rocks over the sea, pinewoods, fields and village, all together. If you like nature, this is the beach to look for.