The Arouca region, and most specifically the Quinta de Pomar Maior, is one of the best places we have ever gotten to spend our holidays in.

The house sits in a large property, where a vast array of organic vegetables are grown and hens are bred for their eggs. We have often been offered freshly harvested vegetables, aromatic herbs, and also fresh eggs from the henhouse; they are top quality. The domain is surrounded by mountains and hiking paths, and is very close to the town of Arouca where all amenities can be found. There is a large swimming pool with a decked area and pool chairs and outside couches. The yard, which is very vast, is taken care of on a daily basis. The grass is cut short, the swimming pool is cleaned every other day and contains no chemicals, and its water is warm throughout the summer. Pool towels are provided in addition to bath towels.

The house itself has a large kitchen, a dining room, and a lounge with a big flat screen TV and cable. The four rooms are located in each wing of the house, and all have an individual bathroom and toilet; there are also two additional toilets. The beds are large and very comfortable and there is plenty of storage room for your luggage. Sheets and towels are changed often. There is also a modern washing machine, and the kitchen has all the tools to cook elaborate dishes if you feel like it: induction stove, convection oven, all the pots and pans you would need, etc. Outside the house, there is an outbuilding with a very good charcoal barbecue and a table where you can comfortably fit at least eight people to dine outside. All in all, you get used pretty quickly to the house and really enjoy living in it; you could go outside in the area because there is plenty to do, but don’t be surprised if you sometimes just want to hang around the house and chill. The house is that great, and the pictures don’t even do it justice.

Aside from the house and amenities themselves, one important thing to point out is the constant availability and quality of service of the personnel. As soon as you get there, you will be greeted by Clara and most likely one of her finest pastry creations. She will brief you on the specifics of the house and domain, and answer every one of your questions. There also is a caretaker that does work around the domain on a daily basis. Vania is also very available and will facilitate every reservation for the variety of activities available in the region, the Arouca Geopark.

It was a great experience, and we would like to thank everybody again for making our stay as memorable as it is. If you visit the Arouca region, this is the place to stay.