Magnificent and authentic country villa located in Douro Valley

We were two branches of the same family visiting Portugal for the first time and it turned out that we chose the perfect base to explore what is a spectacular region.

Communication with Joao, the owner, before the holiday was excellent, as were his directions to the house, and the welcome he gave us couldn't have been better,. We had a detailed tour of the property and some brilliant tips on where to go and what to visit, finished off with a glass of Joao's own port.

The house is a perfect balance of traditional Portugese decorations/furnishing and modern comforts - it's been in the family for three generations. Add in a wonderful swimming pool area, (pool towels provided) and the breakfast service (bread,ham, cheese delivered regularly to the house in the morning and a large supply of juice coffee tea and milk), and we wanted for nothing.

The house is also conveniently located close to the shops and restaurants of Alijo.

We could have spent the whole week relaxing in the house, but the spectacular scenery of the Douro valley, boat trip on the river, visit to the port makers and so many lovely villages to see made for what was a perfect week. So many small things too like the lady in the village who gave us fresh figs to eat and the unforgettable visit to the bakery in Provesende.

We'd love to return, and would highly recommend this property to anyone.

We spent two restful weeks at Casa Castedo do Douro. Joào was great in providing all required information; prior to booking, directions to the property, information on the local area and restaurant recommendations such as Restaurante Pizzeria Margherita and Cepa Torta in Alijo. Restaurante Veladouro in Pinhaò was also very good but gets busy.

We spent a lot of our time relaxing at the house, making use of the cool basement and refreshing pool but also visited the local areas and further afield to Oporto by train from Tua nearby and took the children to Natur Water Park, Vila Real followed by a visit on our return to Castedo to Quinta do Portal.

Joào kindly provided us with eggs, butter, milk and fruit juice for our stay and had arranged the daily delivery of fresh bread to the property.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this rural retreat. Thank you Joào for letting us stay in your lovely house and for sharing some of your port.

Gostei, aliás gostamos, da estadia em Castedo do Douro. Desde a simpatia do Sr. João Carvalho às condições da casa com uma bela piscina e tudo extremamente limpo, com o necessário à disposição, foi muito bom. Experiência a repetir.

Amandio Passos Silva