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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.

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Our reviews

  • 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 enjoyed a family trip here in July and I would agree with many of the comments made in previous reviews.

    The accommodation was as described - a safari... read more tent with good facilities including a much needed fridge for the heat. If going, you really need bug spray or a mosquito net as we were bitten quite a bit and our citronella wasn't strong enough. The paths between the house and the pool can be steep and loose rocks caused a few wobbles every now and then so if you have mobility issues this may not be ideal for you.

    The pool was lovely though it could get quite crowded so if you want relaxation you had to go either first thing or on a Saturday which seemed to be prime changeover day.

    Because there are volunteers, service is very laid back so be prepared for this relaxed vibe.

    Menno's cooking was great and worth doing.

    I would also recommend a car as there are no shops within walking distance, you need to catch a cab if you want milk or ask the hosts to arrange it for you.

    There is some noise in the valley, the church bells, if the dogs get rowdy barking and local events. This didn't upset us though it did impact upon our sleep so if you are a light sleeper I would agree with the ear plug comment made by another reviewer.

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    ViBoLondon
    August 25, 2018
  • star rating  First impressions , for me as we arrived, were a little 'off' . It gave a 'messy' impression and for someone like me that takes a little time to come... read more to terms with. But after a couple of days we all settled in as a family with both the hosts and the other guests. We were treated with exceptional kindness and the kids, 10 and 8 absolutely loved it . It's a way of living and it involves togetherness and bonds become tight and caring with both hosts, guests and the volunteers working there. Something we all miss after our departure . There's plenty of pets to play with and the kids went riding twice and also helped walking the dogs . Most days we hung out by the natural pool watching frogs and dragon flies and chatting to other guests. The dinners this place cook are absolutely amazing and pizza night tops it all. Kids get their own yummy dinner before the grown ups and it's like a big party every time and really brings this place together. Most guests are Dutch and my husband and I agree that the Dutch are very sorted and fun people to be around.
    They organise walks as well and I went on one through the Montego Valley. Hard work through the bushes going mostly down hill in 35 degrees but with great views and a sense of adventure! The walk took a good couple of hours and a bit and at the end we were met by volunteers from the camp who brought us a lovely little picnic by the river. We all had a well deserved swim and got back to camp in the afternoon.
    The possible down side about Vinha da Manta is that if you don't want nature every day and need a little culture and a shop or two, there isn't much to see. Our best outing was Viseu which is an hour away. Great cathedral and castle and and plenty of both silly and good shops. Guarda, nearest to the camp site is just about ok and has a good cathedral but otherwise nothing much. The old bit of town is small and the surrounding concrete mess is not so great. Porto is 2 hours away and we loved it. Stunning buildings and packed with hipsters and art and great food. Make a day of it ( if not two!).
    If you are able to really relax and read and do nothing you will be perfectly fine at Vinha da Manta. It is a truly special place that will stay with us forever. It feels like family to us and the kids have expressed deep wishes of wanting to go back.
    Highly recommended .

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    Cat F
    August 20, 2016
  • 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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    lorenw887
    June 6, 2016
  • star rating  This is the fourth time we have visited this amazing place, which is usual for us, rarely going anywhere twice. But there is something so magical about Vinha Da Manta... read more other places fail by comparison. When you arrive you breathe and remember what’s great about life. It’s hard to tear yourself away. Gentle morning yoga, delicious breakfast, lounging by the stunning natural pool watching the kids make new friends and exploring for frogs in the lily pads, horse riding, a cheeky massage looking over the valley and the highlight, the sumptuous mouth watering dinners where everyone comes together and forges new friendships. Jacqueline and Menno and their lovely family are such warm hosts and nothing is too much trouble. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. I want to keep it a secret but such a rare jewel should be shared.

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    OnAir26215251561
    September 25, 2021
  • star rating  Really enjoyable week and lovely hosts and food. Accommodation and facilities great. BUT the electronic village church bell chiming every half hour, 24 hours a day was terrible! What should... read more have been a restful week was actually quite exhausting, even for me, who would usually sleep through anything!

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    Nick J
    September 10, 2016
  • star rating  You are great!
    Vinha Da Manta is great and all this thanks to the wonderful Jacqueline and Menno, their kids and the many volunteers who make sure that you feel... read more welcome and at ease from the moment you arrive and this during your whole stay.
    It is really difficult to tell everything in only a few words. My friends and I enjoyed the morning yoga classes, the nice breakfast, the refreshing jumps in the natural pool, the sporty walks, the peace and quiet, the privacy in the clean and cosy tents, the cats and dogs, the little chats with Jacqueline, Menno and the other guests.
    And last but not least thank you Menno for the fantastic dinner evenings. We loved the idea of all the guests around a big table sharing and enjoying your wonderful homemade food!
    We'll be back!
    Big kisses from the Belgian ladies; Saar, Indra, Marijke and Katrien!

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    KatrienV259
    July 11, 2017
  • 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  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  Vinha da Manta is not a place to stay, it’s an experience. All you want to do here is calm down, sit back, enjoy the view and relax. And so... read more we did.
    Even a (very) rainy day was not so bad, because it’s also nice to just stay in for a day (okay, our kids will disagree there).
    The dinners are delicious and the owners and volunteers will make the most of your stay. We’re hoping to return in the future (and stay longer).

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    mienepet
    June 25, 2019
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