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Quinta das Leiras
Santo Tirso, Portugal
Quinta das Leiras
Santo Tirso, Portugal
A Sustainable Family Owned Farm Becomes a Vacation Lodge
A short drive north from Porto, these vacation home rentals in Portugal are relaxing and peaceful retreats surrounded by forests, fruit trees, and vineyards. Set on almost 25 acres at the base of the Nossa Senhora da Assunção mountains, the lodge is charming and traditional.
Originally a family-owned farm, this rural property was converted into separate accommodations with a philosophy rooted in sustainability and natural preservation. Still a working farm, it promotes circular economy procedures across operations and exclusively uses biological and organic agriculture techniques.
Each of the accommodations is private and well-equipped, and all have great views. Relax in a hammock under the shady trees, take a refreshing dip in the natural pool, or help yourself to the seasonal fruit and produce and learn more about bio-agriculture techniques in a place of silence, peace, and wellbeing.
PORTUGAL'S NORTH
Thirty minutes north of Porto, Santo Tirso is a town deeply tied to its traditions and religious roots and in particular, the Benedictine monastery that grew around it founded by Unisco Godins. Set along the Ave River, from 978 until 1834, it was a couto – or neutral area that belonged to the clergy and now, each summer the Festas de São Bento, in honor of the city's clergy, draws thousands of visitors.
Conversely, the town is also known for its love for contemporary art and there are dozens of works dotted around the town's outdoor spaces, contributed by the likes of Vladimir Veličković and Wang Keping. Completed in 2016 the Museu Internacional de Escultura Contemporânea was designed by Álvaro Siza and Pritzker winner Souto de Moura and exhibits the town's modern art.
The city is also devoted to gastronomy and authentic delights like the jesuítas limonetes, and traditional liquor Singeverga, and the local vinho verde unique to the area, served by most cafes and restaurants.
The nearby Nossa Senhora da Assunção Mountains overlook the city and offer beautiful forests and hiking paths that lead to the Fervença Waterfalls. The area is also home to several interesting Bronze Age ruins including Castro do Monte Padrão, a citadel and village on the slopes of Nossa Senhora da Assunção that make for fascinating exploration. A little further east is the Citânia de Sanfins, and most date back to the 5th century BC.
Braga and Guimares are both 30 minutes' drive.
LOCATION
Santo Tirso, Portugal. Nearest airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport Porto (30km)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall
