Quinta de Barbedo

HPGE1, Canicada, Portugal

Country lodge style hotel with pool and own lake

On the ridge encircling the stunning waters of Albufeira de Canicada, this comfortable country lodge, was created from old granite farm buildings early this century.

It stands in beautiful lush very well maintained grounds, with two swimming pools, a creek and a lake, surrounded by forests and with stunning views onto the mountains beyond, the rush of modern life a world away. Just sitting on the suntrap terrace with a glass of wine and a good book, will lull you into the tranquil scene.

The accommodation is fairly simple, nicely comfortable, well suited to its country surrounds. A bar and restaurant, for clients' use only, means you need never leave!

It's owned and run by a delightful, caring family – Clarinda produces delicious regional meals using home-grown produce whilst daughters Susana and Sofia take care of the hotel and their guests.

Canicada is one of the gateways into the impressive Peneda Geres national park where there are numerous walking trails, ancient granite villages, spa towns, waterfalls and thermal springs. Down below the village, the Albufeira de Canicada, is the park's centre for all kinds of water sports.

Accommodation

There are ten rooms in total – 3 doubles, 2 twins and 5 superior rooms with balconies – distributed amongst three restored granite houses, on ground and first floors.All rooms have lovely views of the grounds, the woods and hills beyond. All have polished wooden floors, ensuite bathroom.Standard rooms are traditional with fairly plain décor whilst superior rooms are more modern with a somewhat minimalistic but natural style, the rooms comfortable and light.

Hotel Features

Outdoor swimming pools for children and adults.
Lounge area, terrace with tables and chairs, gardens, the stone farmhouse, a creak and a lake.
Large dining room with fireplace.
Bar with TV and suitable for table games and reading.
Free private parking on site.

Restaurant

Breakfast – continental-type, but with some extra touches – is served in the dining room from 9.00 to 10.00 a.m.Lunch and dinner are served only upon prior request.Delicious traditional food from the Minho region, made with local produce and cooked by mother, Clarinda. The owners keep their own hens, cows and pigs and grow their own vegetables, all used in their cooking.Dinner and lunch cost from 20 – 30 euros per person with drinks included.Other options, a short walk or drive.

Hotel Facilities

WiFi all areas
Spacious Grounds
Garden/Patio/Terrace
Shared Lounge / TV Area
Air Conditioning

Sports and Wellbeing

Swimming Pool (outdoor, all year)
Swimming Pool (outdoor, seasonal)

Room facilities (all rooms)

En-suite bathroom
Heating
Air conditioning
WIFI
TV
Walk-in shower
Hairdryer
Desk

Dining

Resaurant / dining room for guests only
Bars / restaurants within walking distance of the hotel
Bar with terrace, open to the public, serving drinks and light snacks
Packed lunch service

Accessibility

Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility

Parking

On-site parking (free)

Canicada, Portugal

The village of Canicada in the municipality of Vieira do Minho, literally rolls down from its leafy ridge to the fantastic lake of Albufeira de Canicada (offering all kinds of water sports) and is one of the gateways to the impressive national park of Peneda Geres, considered by UNESCO to be a world biosphere reserve.

There is a bar and simple restaurant near Quinta de Barbedo and a bar and restaurant at the Pousada de Sao Bento nearby, but for more choice, there is a good selection around the Albufeira de Canicada and at Vieira do Minho where you have all facilities.

The historic city of Braga and World Heritage Guimaraes are just 30 kms away and the interesting spa town of Chaves makes a good day trip.Walking in the protected Peneda-Geres Natural park, an impressive area of 70,000 hectares, stretching to the northern border with Spain. There are more than 100 unspoilt granite villages amidst the peaks, oak and pine forests and rivers and waterfalls. Thrilling flora and fauna. There are hiking trails from 1 km – 30 km, all signposted throughout the park.

Mountain biking, horse riding, jeep routes within the park.
All kinds of water sports and fluvial beaches on the Albufeira de Canicada (lake).
The spectacular route of the waterfalls in the Valle de Arado, south of the Spa town of Geres. Take your swimming costume in warmer months!
The village of Soajo in the north of the park with its fantastic group of “espigueiros” – ancient, coffer like grainstores. Have a taste of mountain fare there at one of the little rustic restaurants.
After a long hike have a spa treatment at the little spa town of Geres.
Go further afield to the thick oak forests of Serra da Barroso and take in the stunningly picturesque villages of Montealegre, Pitoes das Junias…
Visit the monastery at Sta Maria de Bouro (now part of a hotel).
Take a day trip to the historic spa town of Chaves.