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Relax and enjoy your free time.

Doing Nothing

For many, being on vacation means doing nothing. Just reading a book, in a hammock or at the pool, taking an occasional nap in the shade and at times a snack and a drink. At Vinha Da Manta we write “Rest” with a capital letter.

The pride-of-the-place is our biological swimming pool. The water is chemically un-treated and the specially selected waterplants and waterlillies make the pond a surprise of color and flowers every day. If there’s a better feeling than that of gliding smoothly through a crystal-clear natural swimming pool while eye-to-eye with frogs perched nonchalantly on water lillies, then we’ve yet to experience it. The perfect spot to relax.

Explore the surroundings on foot.

HIKING

The Parque Natural da Serra de Estrela is famous for its rugged granite formations, alternating with savannah-like plains where the indigenous Bordeleira sheep still graze. This protected natural area, that has escaped mass tourism, can be discovered from Vinha Da Manta with some great tours. Old trails that crisscross through the area, that often date back to Roman times, lead the walker over vast mountain ranges and through sparsely populated valleys, where wild boars, eagles and foxes wander around in large numbers. This area, even during the hot Iberian summer, is a green oasis (altitude up to 2000 mtrs). We can point you to a variety of walks, long or short, and with or without guidance. We happily facilitate the walks by picking up walkers or taking them to the beginning of their trail.

Explore the area from the saddle.

HORSERIDING

If you are an experienced rider, you have come to the perfect place. We have three horses and a pony; all four can be ridden. I trained some of them from when they were born, and we can do tours in the beautiful surroundings here.

For novices, young kids, or if you are just curious to experience what it is to sit on a horse, we do guided horse-walks on our terrain.

I love to receive children as well as adults, to take them on a ride. For me, the horses are a big part of the pleasure I experience in Portugal. I like to share this with everyone.

Swimming in the river.

MONDEGO RIVER

There are several places nearby where you can swim in the Mondego River, which is situated within walking distance. The canyon is ideal for swimming and adventurous playing. It is always cool and calm, there are many flat rocks where you can lie down, sunbathe, swim, picnic, and the kids can play safely. Of course, there are many other places that have not even been discovered yet.

Just a little car drive away from us, there is a large water reservoir with a small beach where you can enjoy a quiet swim. Last but not least, there is also a “praia fluvial” in the next village, which is a guarded river beach. They have a little bar with cold drinks, ice creams, and a huge slide for the children.

Relive the medieval times.

HISTORICAL VILLAGES

Our environment is a 5000 year old cultural landscape. You can find something from every age in the landscape, which includes people who live partly in the 21st century, but clearly have their roots in an almost medieval society. The old ladies dressed in black with a bundle of sticks on their heads, the last donkeys, the common baker’s ovens, the Christmas bonfire, the busy village pub, the Easter processions… In short, everything here is very much alive, and takes place in an environment that is as it was 200 years ago.

In Portugal there are 12 medieval historical villages. All of them are in our region, and offer the unique opportunity to go back in time and relive medieval times.

Famous for wine and port.

DOURO VALLEY

The Douro valley is half an hour drive from us. That is where the Coa River and the Douro come together, and a different Portugal begins. First the Foz Coa archeological museum with his ancient rock carvings, then the endless vineyards for a nice wine tasting or dinner.

Newsletter

Our reviews

  • star rating  Ik ben geen kampeerder. Nooit geweest. Maar dit is geen kamperen hoor! Wow! Werkelijk een magische plek! Het terrein is zo groot waardoor de tenten ver uit elkaar staan... read more en je veel privacy hebt. Het bad op ons buiten terras hebben we ook veelvuldig gebruikt!...Meer

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    avatar thumb Brenda1972_10
    August 13, 2018
  • star rating  Glampling is not for everybody, but if you enjoy nature and fancy giving glamping a try, then you won’t be disappointed at Vinha da Manta! The standard is very high!... read more The tents (lodge) are very spacious with a wonderful terrace/veranda to enjoy the views. The...More

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    avatar thumb VDRBO
    August 9, 2015
  • star rating  This place is special. Hopefully we will be lucky enough to visit again. everything about the place is unbelievable, from the moment you arrive you know you are... read more in somewhere special. Jacqueline & Menno were superhosts, ensuring the week was special.........and the food prepared by Meeno unforgetable. Hoepfully we will get back someday.

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    avatar thumb Brian C
    February 6, 2023
  • star rating  This was one of my most favourite places that I have visited. It was just beautiful. The Fonte lodge with the dipping pool and being a little higher in the... read more hills was just wonderful. Somewhere you can just relax in peace and tranquility with a...More

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    avatar thumb Carl H
    June 3, 2016
  • star rating  Wat een heerlijke plek is Vinha da Manta! We zijn er nu 2 keer geweest en beide keren was het genieten. Het warme welkom van Jacqueline en Menno, de rust... read more en de relaxte sfeer, de ruime tenten met keuken, terras en veel privacy, de mooie...Meer

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    avatar thumb Eligab
    December 5, 2018
  • star rating  THE HOSTS:
    We read the reviews but nothing could have prepared us for the genuine hospitality of hosts Meno, Jacqueline and family. My husband and I spent a week here... read more in August (40 degrees on two of the days!)
    Unfortunately, we had problem after problem with our Car Hire provider Gold Car (DO NOT USE) Including being stranded and needing to be towed. Menno and Jacqueline literally came to our rescue.
    The family all play a part in the hosting be it manning the pool bar or preparing meals. They really are an incredible family with an impressive work ethic.
    THE GROUNDS:
    Although the decor may not be to everyone's taste, I can honestly say the grounds and accommodation are breathtaking in a way that photo's just do not do justice. Think high quality, Safari chic. One of the more magical places we have visited.
    FOOD:
    Breakfast is a generous spread of cheeses, meats, fruits, museli, tea, coffee, fresh orange juice and homemade spreads (YOU MUST TRY THE PUMPKIN JAM)
    Dinner is prepared freshly in house every other night. No menus. Served as a group with sharing platters. A totally new experience for us that we absolutely loved. It forces you out of your comfort zone and as a result we made some great new friends. Menno is a FANTASTIC chef. Absolutely brilliant!!!
    To sum up:
    On our final night we rebooked to stay again the following year. Smashing stay! And thank you once again to Meno and Jacqueline for showing us an incredible Portugal Xx

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    africatamar
    January 18, 2017
  • star rating  I have never felt so immediately welcomed as I did at Vinha da Manta. Menno and Jacqueline (and their kids) went out of their way to make my stay amazing.... read more Not only was the hospitality amazing, the food was incredible and the views were great. I had an amazing time getting to know both Menno and Jacqueline and their three sweet kids. I am already looking forward to my next visit. Thank you for treating me like a good friend and for making me not want to leave! Hopefully this is a 'see you soon'!

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    Loren W
    June 6, 2016
  • star rating  We stayed from saturday to saturday. It’s been a great time, in a wonderful place, with warm and friendly people all around.
    If you like doing Yoga, it’s also possible... read more in their wonderful yoga shala. We had the luck, having Elise as an excellent teacher.
    Last but not least, the unique delicious dinners, one shouldn’t miss!

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    X4041DTmichaele
    July 11, 2019
  • star rating  The most amazing place ever! Pretty much perfection and exactly what we were looking for. 8 lovely big tents , made really well,great quality and furnished beautifully- containing everything... read more you need for a week away. Amazing views and peace, surrounded only by nature .. The...More

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    avatar thumb Zphillip
    July 2, 2015
  • star rating  We stayed a full week at Damanta and we were sorry that we could not stay any longer.

    Menno and Jacqueline are very nice hosts that are warm, friendly,... read more and know how to cook! You feel part of the family the moment you enter their house.

    We had a lodge (we are not supposed to say the 'T' word) with four adults. It is a beautiful lodge, with a kitchen block, a sleeping area (nicely separated two double beds in our case) and a nice veranda and sitting area. We even had our own little 'pool' with fresh running cold water! Super for an early morning dive!

    The pool is very beautiful. All natural with many lilies in the water and frogs on their leaves.

    The breakfast is very nice. Perfect fresh bread and hand made jams. Fresh juice, yoghurt with stuff and local cheese.

    The diner (Menno makes a delicious dinner 3 times a week) is restaurant class. All fresh from their garden (if possible) and create combinations. You eat with all the guests together in a very nice atmosphere.

    We did quite some hikes from Damanta. Menno knows where to go and even guided us on a walk to the river. The region is very pretty and has lots of opportunities to hike and swim!

    I would recommend this for everybody who likes nature, friendly people and a holiday away from the crowds.

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    Mischa C
    July 3, 2015

Vinha Da Manta

+351966011630 Chamada para a rede móvel nacional

info@damanta.nl

Quinta do Barata, Faia, Guarda

Licence 136342/AL

COPYRIGHT © 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED VINHA DA MANTA