Activities & Excursions
Discover everything the region has to offer
Nearby Activities
Sport, nature and gastronomy just minutes from Casa São Bento
Buggy Off-Road
Ride mountain trails in an all-terrain buggy. Thrilling adventures through the spectacular Minho landscapes.
📍 Cabana Maior — 15min
Horse Riding
Explore trails and forests on horseback. Guided rides for all levels in an exceptional natural setting.
📍 Local quinta — 10min
Mountain Biking
Dozens of trails and forest paths for mountain biking, from beginner to advanced. Varied terrain and breathtaking scenery.
📍 Starting from Arcos
Tennis
Well-maintained municipal tennis courts, perfect for a family or friendly match.
📍 Municipal court — 5min
Padel
The trendiest sport around! Padel courts available nearby for fun, social matches.
📍 Arcos de Valdevez — 5min
Municipal Pools
Municipal swimming complex with an outdoor pool and an indoor Olympic-size pool. Perfect for cooling off in summer or swimming year-round.
📍 Arcos de Valdevez — 5min
Stand Up Paddle
Paddle along the Rio Vez on a SUP board. A fun, family-friendly activity suitable for all ages in a stunning natural setting.
📍 Rio Vez — 5min
River Beach
The river beach of Arcos de Valdevez on the Rio Vez: fine sand, calm waters and lush green surroundings. Perfect for families in summer.
📍 Rio Vez — 5min
Natural Pools
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of granite rock pools and cascades. A wild, pristine setting in the heart of the mountains.
📍 Peneda-Gerês — 30min
Hiking
Peneda-Gerês National Park offers dozens of marked trails, spectacular waterfalls and preserved granite villages.
📍 Peneda-Gerês — 30min
Gastronomy & Market
Vinho verde, vitela barrosã, bacalhau, pastéis… The weekly Wednesday market is a must for discovering local produce.
📍 Arcos market — Wednesdays
Destinations in Portugal
Beaches, mountains and villages less than an hour away
Viana do Castelo Beaches
🚗 45 minLong sandy beaches, surfing and the historic town of Viana with its Santa Luzia sanctuary offering exceptional ocean views.
Moledo Beach
🚗 50 minOne of the most beautiful beaches in northern Portugal, facing Ínsua Island. A renowned kitesurf spot with unforgettable sunsets.
Sistelo
🚗 20 minNicknamed the 'little Portuguese Tibet' for its green terraced hillsides. A timeless village, listed among Portugal's 7 Wonders.
Peneda-Gerês
🚗 30 minPortugal's only national park. Waterfalls, ancient forests, granite villages and wild garranos horses in a pristine natural setting.
Excursions to Spain
Galicia is right next door — make the most of it!
Vigo
🚗 1h30Galicia's largest city. Exceptional seafood on Oyster Street, a lively old town and views over the Cíes Islands.
Baiona
🚗 1h30Charming Galician seaside resort with its medieval fortress, fine sandy beaches and picturesque marina.
Santiago de Compostela
🚗 2hThe holy city of the Camino de Santiago. Majestic cathedral, UNESCO-listed old town and a unique student atmosphere.
Upcoming events in the region
# Upcoming Events in Minho, Northern Portugal The Minho region is buzzing with exciting festivals and cultural events this late summer and fall! Don't miss the **Absurd Art Fest 2026** (August 28-29) right in Arcos de Valdevez, a vibrant celebration of creative and unconventional art, or the charming **Arredas Folk Fest 2026** nearby in Tregosa (August 27-29) showcasing traditional music and folklore. For a more spiritual experience, the **Romaria da Nossa Senhora da Peneda** (September 8) offers a beautiful pilgrimage tradition. With traditional fairs, street theater festivals, and cultural exhibitions happening throughout the region, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
