The Alarcao family week was an exhilarating, captivating, and rewarding adventure. The National Park's beauty is awe-inspiring, and the efforts to educate us about its history and current farming practices were commendable. The horseback riding was exceptional, showcasing intriguing flora and breathtaking vistas of the high plateau, mountains, and valleys. The picnic lunches were an extraordinary delight. Mariana and Pedro's diligent care and affection for the hardworking horses ensured a flawless ride. We managed to incorporate some yoga with Anabel, which was precisely what we needed after several days on horseback, and we also enjoyed some delightful river swims, walks, and lots of laughter. Anabel's cooking is of the highest quality, utilizing local and intriguing ingredients. Overall, it was a memorable week, and I would love to return someday. Thank you immensely.
Pedro, Anabela, and Mariana go above and beyond to ensure that their guests and horses receive exceptional care. The horses are regarded as part of the family, and the establishment offers access to a variety of scenic trails. The horses are well-cared for and paired expertly with riders, challenging individuals based on their skill level. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about the local horse breeds. Anabela provides a gourmet food and wine experience using locally-sourced seasonal produce, and each dish is unique and delicious. During my months-long stay in Portugal, Anabela's food was, without a doubt, the best everyday food I've ever had. The accommodations are comfortable, authentic, and feature artistic woodwork created by Anabela. With amenities like hot water, fast internet, and attention to detail, this beautifully restored hamlet is truly a unique experience. The family has a wealth of knowledge about local flora and fauna, as well as backgrounds in journalism, photography, and conservation. While horseback riding was the highlight, I also enjoyed guided walks to observe local plants and animals in nearby areas (Geres is especially fantastic!). My heartfelt thanks to Anabela, Pedro, and Mariana for all the experiences and knowledge I gained during my stay!
Pedro, Anabela, and Mariana are exceptional hosts who deeply value their clients and horses. Their equine companions are treated like family, and the establishment offers easy access to diverse trails with breathtaking vistas. The horses are in peak condition and matched expertly to riders, providing a challenging experience for those who desire it. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about local breeds. Anabela's culinary skills provide a gourmet food and wine experience, featuring locally-sourced seasonal produce, and each dish is a unique masterpiece. During my extended stay in Portugal, this was the best everyday food I had the pleasure of enjoying. The accommodations are authentically comfortable and adorned with artistic woodwork crafted by Anabela. With hot water, fast internet, and an attention to detail, this beautifully restored hamlet is a one-of-a-kind experience. The family has expert knowledge of local flora and fauna, coupled with backgrounds in journalism, photography, and conservation. While horseback riding was undoubtedly the highlight, I thoroughly enjoyed the guided walks through nearby areas to observe the native plants and animals (Geres is a must-see!). I extend my gratitude to Anabela, Pedro, and Mariana for everything I learned and experienced during my stay!
Exploring the magnificent scenery of the Penda-Geres National Park was a joy, made even better by the excellent guidance of Pedro, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the park's nature and history. The horses were in excellent condition and well-trained, making riding them a pleasure - I even had the chance to ride two different horses during my week-long stay. Although the terrain could be difficult to navigate, the breathtaking beauty of the landscape made up for it. The farm was located high in the mountains, so it's essential to be prepared for varying weather conditions - during my stay, we experienced rain, wind, and sunshine. The accommodation was comfortable and cozy, with all necessary amenities in the rooms and a lovely living room with a fireplace for peaceful evenings. While there isn't much to do in the surrounding area, it's an ideal place to retreat into nature. I strongly recommend trying out Anabela's yoga and meditation sessions, which are perfect for relaxing sore muscles and calming the mind and soul.
Riding through the stunning scenery of the Penda-Geres National Park was a delightful experience thanks to Pedro, an excellent guide who was incredibly knowledgeable about the park's nature and history. The horses were in great condition, well-trained, and a pleasure to ride - I even had the opportunity to ride two different horses during the week. Although the terrain was challenging at times, the beauty of the landscape made up for it. The farm is located high in the mountains, so be prepared for changing weather conditions - during my stay, we had rain, wind, and sunshine. The accommodation was comfortable and cozy, with everything one could need in the rooms and a lovely living room with a fireplace for quiet evenings. There isn't much to do in the surrounding area, but it's an ideal location for a nature retreat. I highly recommend participating in Anabela's yoga and meditation sessions, which are excellent for soothing sore muscles and relaxing your mind and soul.
