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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.

Explore the Mondego by canoe.

CANOEING

For a day of canoeing on the Mondego River, we can book a fun and adventure packed day with Rock & River for the whole family. Matt works out of Tabua which a hour and 15 minutes away from us. All the materials are included, so you only take your lunch with you and you will have a great day!

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  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’ve just stayed in the Macieira lodge for three nights and had an amazing time with Jacqueline, Menno and the volunteers. The safari tent is spacious for a couple with... read more all the essentials to get by for a few days. By far the best things are the warm and friendly hospitality and of course Menno’s cooking! Wow! Don’t pass up the opportunity to eat dinner there - lots of choice for each meal and absolutely delicious. I’m veggie and there was plenty for me. A nice breakfast each morning too. Full of good tips on days out and activities. Would happily go back and spend more time there!

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    hollypaulandmime
    May 24, 2018
  • star rating  We have just returned from Vinha da Manta having spent 10 days in Cachoeira lodge with our daughters aged 3 and (almost) 5. The accommodation is really magical, combining all... read more the best bits of camping - waking up to sunlight and birdsong and generally feeling at one with nature, with the comfort and practicality of having actual (comfy!) beds, a functioning kitchen and a plumbed toilet. We have spent many afternoons enjoying dinner on the terrace which overlooks a stunning mountain range and gazing at the blanket of stars as night descended upon the valley. However, the highlight of the stay has got to be the warm hospitality of Jacqueline and Menno and the wonderful team of volunteers who made us feel at home. In particular, the dinners Menno lays out for guests every other night are epic. Menno's cooking is a modern take on the middle-eastern kitchen which he combines with local ingredients as well as dishes inspired by the family's asian travels. Dinners are served communally and often end up with guests staying up late, chatting and drinking.

    Travelling with young children we were struggling a little to find age appropriate activities. The river beach is amazing but you really have to take care because the rocks are very slippery. The natural pool is great, but not ideal for toddlers. Likewise the farm tracks between the main building and the lodges are slippery underfoot and steep, which led to the occasional fall. This is not to discourage parents from taking young children, but they should be prepared. The kids loved playing with the cats and dogs and generally running around the main house. Our eldest also had a wonderful experience horse-riding led by Jacqueline and one of the volunteers. We really enjoyed morning yoga with Elise - a wonderful start to the day!

    Overall, I would definitely recommend Vinha da Manta for those seeking an unusual stay in a stunning location and a truly relaxing break.

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    solomonirene
    July 15, 2018
  • star rating  Een week bij Menno en Jacqueline en je komt helemaal tot rust. Wij hebben in het huisje Vinha da Horta gezeten. Een prachtig uitzicht, een fijne plek, relaxte sfeer en... read more s’avonds heerlijk eten maakte dit alles tot een geweldige week. Nogmaals dank hiervoor! Arno en...Meer

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    avatar thumb dijk2018
    June 19, 2018
  • star rating  Wij hebben met onze groep wandelmeisjes (allen 60+ en deels 70+-ers) een heerlijke wandelweek gehad in en om Vinha da Manta. Jacqueline en Menno hebben alles gedaan om het ons... read more naar wens te maken, zij hebben een prachtige programma voor ons samengesteld. Prachtige wandelingen in...Meer

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    avatar thumb Ellen M
    July 8, 2018
  • 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  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  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  Waar zal ik beginnen? Vanaf begin tot het einde van ons verblijf was echt alles in orde. Vriendelijk ontvangst en hulp als het nodig is. Wij waren er na 2... read more dagen en 1 fanastisch diner en ontbijt achter dat we langer wilden blijven. Wij hebben...Meer

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    avatar thumb Willem v
    September 9, 2018
  • 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

info@damanta.nl

Quinta do Barata

Licence 136342/AL

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