HPLA1, Castelo Rodrigo, Portugal
In a privileged position in the tiny walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, with the eponymous castle looming large, this delightful guest house is a treasure and makes the perfect base from which to discover the historic fortress towns of the Planalto, once Portugal's first line of defence against the Castilian and the Moor. The guest-house is housed in three buildings, each lovingly restored and decorated with great taste and each with its own lounge area. The upper house houses the main dining room with a sunny terrace which leads down to the garden with swimming pool, all of which command wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. The home-made breakfast and evening meals just couldn't be better and make the most of the local produce from cheese, honey, jams and olive oil to the excellent local wines of the Beira Alta. Ana, the owner, speaks good English and is a wonderful hostess. Nothing is too much trouble and she can even accompany you on a night-time adventure to see the wonderful prehistoric petroglyphs in the nearby Parque de Coa. There are twelve historic fortress towns in the area Trancosa and Almeida being the most famous. The International nature park of the Douro is just nearby and the unique landscape of the Planalto - with granite boulders scattered among vineyards and olive groves - is wonderful for trekking. Nearby in the Faia Brava nature reserve you can take a horse ride and see wild cattle and horses as well as a wonderful variety of bird life.
Three standard rooms, six superior rooms and two suites in this charming hotel.
Outdoor swimming pool Sun terrace Parking on street nearby Guided walks or birdwatching Excursions in jeep or donkey Bike rental Guided nocturnal visits to the rock-art of the Vale de Coa
Breakfast, lunch and delicious evening meals served in the main house.Picnic lunch can be provided (there is also a service where the lunch is served in the countryside, complete with tablecloth, crockery and all the trimmings).
Castelo Rodrigo is a tiny walled village (50 inhabitants in winter) clustered around the castle of the same name. All the practical business of life now goes on in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, just down the road, which has left Castelo itself to remain wonderfully unspoilt. The castle was originally constructed by the Spanish in the 12th century but was reinforced and extended by the Portuguese in the 13th as they started to firmly establish their borders. The vantage point which once made the village an important defensive point now affords it wonderful views over the Planalto and the half-ruined castle, now a National Monument, gives it a special atmosphere – especially at night when it’s all lit up. Though small, the village has all you could need with a lovely local bar and a good tea-room, both of which have nice terraces to take advantage of those views. With the nature parks of Côa and Douro as well as the Faia Brava reserve just nearby and the unique landscape of the Planalto all around, this is a wonderful base for trekking, bird-watching and all manner of outdoor activities. With twelve historic fortress towns in the area and delicious local wines and olive oils to discover we doubt you’ll get bored!
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