Most travellers arrive in Portugal with images of the golden coastlines of the Algarve, steep sunlit streets of Lisbon, or the buzzing waterfront of Porto already in mind. Far fewer venture further north to its beautiful vineyards, medieval towns, natural parks, and historic centres. It is also where you will find the famed Vinho Verde and the beginning of the Camino Portugués pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Northern Portugal is truly full of beauty and character, and a stay at Vinte Quinta da Boavista, a beautifully restored estate near Ponte de Lima, offers an ideal base.
The estate
Set across 13 hectares of countryside, Vinte Quinta da Boavista centres on a 15th century manor house surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and gardens. Owners Ella and Sergey (below middle) lovingly restored the estate and reopened it in 2020 with a clear vision, to create a tranquil retreat that blends historic character with modern comfort. Alongside the manor house sit six stylish cottages and apartments in varying sizes, making the property suitable for couples, families, and small groups.
The grounds are a highlight in themselves. Walking trails weave through vineyards and vegetable gardens – perfect if you like to roam around, and contemporary artworks by Olga Osnach and David Pintor are scattered throughout the estate for art lovers. Guests can relax by the large outdoor swimming pool, unwind in the sauna, or book a massage. There are tennis courts, a library, and a peaceful Zen Pavilion for yoga and meditation. Children are also well catered for, with indoor and outdoor play areas.
Location
The estate is located in the lush Minho region, around a 50-minute drive north of Porto Airport. While peaceful and rural, it is well placed for exploring. Ponte de Lima, widely considered Portugal’s oldest town, is just minutes away. Its medieval bridge, cobbled streets, and riverside cafés make it a charming place to wander.
The historic cities of Braga and Guimarães are within easy reach, as are the foothills of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and Viana do Castelo coastline. Even day trips into Spain are possible, making the quinta an excellent base for combining relaxation with sightseeing.
First impressions
Arrival feels special from the outset. Guests pass through grand gates bearing the estate’s coat of arms and follow a driveway lined with citrus trees and camellias toward the manor house. Inside, the welcome is warm and personal. Maria, the front-of-house manager, offers an introduction and a handy map before escorting guests by buggy to their accommodation. It is a relaxed and attentive start that sets the tone for the stay.
Rooms
The six cottages and apartments are spacious and thoughtfully designed, sleeping between two and five guests. Each includes a fully equipped kitchen, lounge area, and modern touches such as USB and USB-C charging points next to the bed. Interiors combine stylish furnishings with natural materials, creating spaces that feel refined and comfortable.
I stayed in Casa sobre a Vinha (below right): “the house above the vineyard.” This airy two-storey cottage sleeps up to three and offers a welcome sense of privacy. Upstairs, there is a kitchen, dining area, lounge with a fireplace, and a bathroom. Downstairs, a large bedroom with a double-height ceiling opens onto a private patio overlooking the vineyard. An indoor swing adds a playful detail, while the bathroom is full of luxurious Castelbel toiletries and plush towels. With views across orchards and vineyards and little to disturb the quiet, it feels wonderfully secluded.
Families can opt for larger cottages such as Casa de Família or Casa do Caseiro, while couples may prefer the romantic Casa Julieta (below left) with its private balcony and freestanding bathtub.
Dining
There are many dining options at the estate. Breakfast is included for all guests and served in the main dining room or on the terrace in warm weather. The spread features organic produce from the estate’s gardens alongside local cheeses, cured meats, breads, fruit, smoothies, and homemade jams. Hot dishes are available to order by chef Francisca, and breakfast can also be delivered to your cottage.
Seasonal dishes and a casual room service menu are available throughout the day. Guests may cook in their own kitchens using the farm produce, but those who prefer not to can enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, Yehor. The estate also produces its own elegant collection of Vinte wines from grapes grown on-site, alongside a well-chosen regional selection. A farm-to-table restaurant is planned to open in 2027.
Activities
There is plenty to do without leaving the estate. Guests can book massages, join yoga sessions with Natali the in-house yoga teacher, swim in the big outdoor pool, or explore the gardens on foot or by bicycle. Tennis and table tennis are also available, and families will appreciate the large playhouse, climbing frame, and children’s activities.
Beyond the estate, Ponte de Lima is less than ten-minutes away and offers traditional restaurants and scenic riverside walks. Nearby highlights include Braga’s Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, the medieval streets of Guimarães, and the beaches of Praia de Cabedelo and Praia do Rodanho. Peneda-Gerês National Park, with its waterfalls and hiking trails, is about half an hour away.
Final thoughts
Vinte Quinta da Boavista is more than just a place to stay, it is a thoughtfully created retreat that captures the beauty of Northern Portugal. With its comfortable cottages, nourishing food, peaceful surroundings, and warm hospitality, it offers a place to truly unwind. For travellers looking to discover a different side of Portugal in 2026, this serene estate near Ponte de Lima is an excellent place to start.
About the author
Born in Hong Kong and based in London, Sarah Highfield is a travel and lifestyle writer. Follow her travels on Instagram: @SarahHighfield
