Casa de Sorro – a traditional villa near Ponte de Lima

The north western corner of the Iberian peninsula is much greener than anywhere else on the Spanish/Portuguese limb. This is due to more regular rainfall, which sweeps in from the Atlantic.

While southern Portugal and central Spain become sun-baked and brown during the summer months, north west Portugal remains lush and green, its rivers flowing swift and clean. It is a beautiful part of the world and nature is strong and thriving here. The climate is most favourable and you don’t have to wait too long before the hot Iberian sun shines down on you.

If this emerald yet sunny landscape sounds appealing and you’re looking for a private and secluded holiday spot, then look no further than Casa de Sorro near Ponte Lima in northern Portugal. This cute cottage can sleep four guests in style and comfort. Being surrounded by dense woodland and undulating hills, the views from Casa de Sorro are incredible, with the odd red tile roof tops popping through the never ending foliage. Rustic and welcoming, Casa de Sorro is a real ‘get away from it all’ place where you can put your feet up on the sun-lounger besides the inviting pool and float away into your own relaxing world.

The house is traditional and homely. There is a double and twin bedroom plus a barely believable tally of four bathrooms. Stairs lead up to a roof terrace where you can enjoy the best view of the house. With cloudless nights and virtually no light pollution, Casa de Sorro’s roof terrace is the perfect place to have a night cap and gaze up at a metropolis of stars.

Outside the pool is framed by a lush green lawn surrounded by smart wooden decking. Flower beds planted intermittently throughout the garden add splashes of colour, tastefully breaking up the various shades of green. A well-equipped outdoor eating area with a barbecue aids convenient al fresco wining and dining and the whole of the exterior beckons guests outside to soak up some Portuguese sun in the most secluded of settings.

Casa de Sorro is just ten kilometres from Ponte de Lima, one of the oldest towns in Portugal. This characterful town was once a significant Roman settlement but it is the medieval bridge that crosses over the River Lima which gives the town its name.

On every second Monday one of Portugal’s biggest and most famous country markets takes place here, so you can forget about the supermarkets on that day because the organic vegetables available at the Ponte de Lima country market are typically better tasting and much better value for money.

If you are staying at the house in mid-September be prepared for an influx of people to Ponte de Lima as a huge festival takes place, which has been held here since 1826.

Just 35 minutes drive to the west will take you to the Costa Verde, a stunning stretch of Spanish coastline. With its dune-backed beaches, the Costa Verde is among the most dramatic coastlines in Europe. Nearer afield the village of San Martinho de Gandra is well worth a visit, where a number of quality shops, restaurants and bars await you.

For more information on Casa de Sorro and for photos of this tranquilly positioned cottage click HERE.