Activities
To explore with calm and purpose
Invitations to nature, culture and reconnection with yourself.
Picnics
Choose a spot in nature and make it your own with a delicious picnic. A basket filled with local flavours and the company of those you love can turn a perfect day into a cherished memory.
Cycling Tours
Those who prefer pedalling to walking may use the hotel’s bicycles to embark on an adventure. For families, there are accessible routes suitable for children — ask at reception for recommendations.
Hiking
Whether wandering without a destination or walking a defined route, hiking is essential when the landscape is this stunning. Alone or in good company, tranquillity grows with each step. For families, it’s also an opportunity to teach children to recognise trees and navigate nature while enjoying the journey.
Playground and Sports Field
Silence is also made to be joyfully interrupted. For younger guests, we offer a playground and sports field where they can play freely. The playground includes a slide, seesaw and swings. You may reserve the sports field for private use at reception (one hour in advance).
Wine Tastings and Winery Visits
A wine tasting in a local winery is always a special experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit regional wineries and learn what makes these wines unique. We recommend a visit to the cooperative winery of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
Culinary Workshops
Cooking soothes the mind and sharpens the senses. The textures and colours of ingredients, the aroma of freshly chopped produce — cooking is an art of detail. Explore this art calmly in the professional kitchen of the Colmeal Restaurant. More information and registrations available at reception.
Tourist Hunting
The Colmeal estate includes a tourist hunting zone of about 750 hectares available to guests. Please ask at reception for maps and access information.
Recreational Fishing
True lovers of silence can enjoy birdwatching throughout the region. At the Santa Maria de Aguiar Dam, observe water birds such as Mallards, Great Crested Grebes, Coots and Great Cormorants. Along the Águeda hillside, the skies are home to vultures and eagles. The Faia Brava Nature Reserve proudly holds the title of Important Bird Area (IBA), recognised by BirdLife International.
Birdwatching
Guests who truly appreciate silence can explore the region’s remarkable birdlife. At the Santa Maria de Aguiar Dam, observe aquatic birds such as Mallards, Grebes, Coots and White-faced Cormorants. Along the Águeda escarpment, the skies belong to griffon vultures, eagles and other majestic birds. The Faia Brava Nature Reserve honours its Important Bird Area (IBA) status, certified by BirdLife International.
Castelo Rodrigo Village
Built atop a hill, this medieval village offers splendid views over the surrounding fields and mountains. As you wander through its walls, ruins, parish church and medieval cistern, you feel the echo of its historic Jewish-Christian community.
Almeida
This historic town is encircled by an extraordinary star-shaped fortress. Legend says its name derives from ‘al mêda’, meaning ‘table’, in memory of a precious gem-encrusted table once kept here.
Almeida Military Museum
The Historical-Military Museum of Almeida is located inside the 18th-century underground casemates built for defence, composed of twenty chambers and corridors.
Alto da Marofa
The highest Christ the King statue in Portugal stands here, overlooking the vast landscape from a viewpoint at 975 metres above sea level.
Santa Maria de Aguiar Convent
A National Monument since 1932, it was first Benedictine and later Cistercian. Dating back to the 12th century, it reflects the religious austerity of its time, with Gothic and Romanesque elements.
Igreja do Escalhão
Dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, the interior features a richly carved Baroque and Mannerist altarpiece, a testament to 17th-century splendour.
Barca d’Alva
A riverside village along the Douro, on the route of scenic river cruises. Located within the Douro International Natural Park, it offers magnificent landscapes, especially during almond blossom season.
Boat Trips on the Douro
The best way to contemplate the Douro is to sail along it. Savour its grandeur across a unique landscape. Human ingenuity and the force of nature have carved into the Douro one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. But the Douro is not defined by beauty alone — it is also defined by truth. The excellence of its wines is well established, particularly Port Wine, awaiting you in a winery for a special tasting.
Santa Maria de Aguiar Dam
In this mirror-like body of water, where flora and fauna meet in harmony, you may have the privilege of observing aquatic birds such as Mallards, Great Crested Grebes, Coots and Great Cormorants. Shhhh… remember to keep silent.
Águeda Hillside
These impressive cliffs offer long, quiet walks in nature. Begin near the Parish Church of Almofala and make your way to the Church of Saint Andrew, perched high with a stunning view over the Águeda River. Descend to the river and follow the slopes, where you may spot griffon vultures, eagles and other majestic birds.
Faia Brava Nature Reserve
Across 800 hectares, nature takes priority — this is the country’s first privately protected reserve. Many endangered species live here. Recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, this reserve allows you to watch birds while listening to the silence.
Almond Blossoms
They announce the arrival of spring with captivating delicacy. This remarkable natural phenomenon can be admired during February and March, when the region celebrates the almond blossoms with gastronomic and cultural festivities.
Traditional Cuisine in Malpartida
Several welcoming restaurants represent the mountain gastronomy with pride. The people of the region dedicate heart and soul to their kitchens, welcoming guests as though they were part of the family.
Winery in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
In the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, tasting the renowned mountain wines is essential. At around 700 metres of altitude, between granite and schist soils along the Douro, quartz veins give rise to a terroir that lends these wines a unique personality.
Almeida Fonte Santa Thermal Baths
Therapeutic mineral waters from the mountain slopes offer a unique sense of well-being in a lush and harmonious landscape.
Historic Village of Marialva
One of Portugal’s designated historic villages, it tells the story of the country in an exemplary way. Surrounded by ancient ruins, time seems to stand still. Just minutes from the town of Mêda, it is an unmissable visit.
Belmonte
The birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, with wide views over the eastern slopes of Serra da Estrela. Known for its landscape and history, Belmonte is a key symbol of Jewish heritage in Portugal.
Castelo Mendo
Situated atop an 800-metre hill, this granite fortress-village feels frozen in medieval time. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries during the Christian reconquest, it is a true open-air museum of Portuguese history.
Côa Valley Archaeological Park
Between the Côa and Douro rivers rises an open-air archaeological monument. Its rock art spans several eras, particularly the Upper Palaeolithic. Do not miss the opportunity to join a night-time 4×4 visit.
Historic Village of Castelo Bom
This castle was not originally Portuguese — built in the former Kingdom of León, it was reclaimed by King Dinis in 1296. Towers, viewpoints, chapels and churches make this village a remarkable historical landmark.
Historic Centre of Moncorvo
The town of Torre de Moncorvo has an admirable historic centre, reflecting its political and economic importance since at least the late Middle Ages. Here you can see remains of the medieval walls of King Dinis, and later adaptations from King Ferdinand and the Avis dynasty.
Douro International Natural Park
Along walking trails through oak trees, chestnut trees and vineyards, the landscape reveals itself in grand viewpoints and valleys. This protected area extends along the border between Portugal and Spain, where dramatic granite cliffs create a breathtaking natural stage.
Serra da Estrela
Historic villages, winter sports, traditional cuisine and a cheese that truly deserves its fame. Serra da Estrela seems to offer everything needed for a perfect day. Portugal’s highest mountain range has options for every taste.
Refined Traditional Cuisine in Valhelhas
In this charming and ancient village in the municipality of Belmonte, some of the region’s most cherished Beira dishes and traditional recipes are prepared, expressing the richness of Portuguese mountain cuisine.
Port Wine Estates
In the neighbouring municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, you will find some of the most iconic Port Wine estates. Learn their stories, visit their museum spaces and, of course, taste the nectar that honours their legacy.
Cró Thermal Baths
Located between the villages of Rapoula do Côa and Seixo do Côa, 15 km from Sabugal, this modern thermal complex has used medicinal waters since 1935, known since Roman times for their healing properties.
Longroiva Thermal Baths
This peaceful spa retreat is ideal for a well-deserved break and energy recovery. Its waters are used to treat musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions.