Casa Darque Portugal

Just two minutes walk from the glorious Cabadelo Beach, Casa Darque is a very comfortable, modern one bedroom ground floor apartment, ideal for a couple wanting to take early morning strolls along the beach and explore the sensational Minho area of Portugal.
Cabadelo Beach is incredible, renowned among kitesurfers for its thrilling surf and blessed with extensive fine silvery sand. There is a ferry boat just 100 metres from the apartment that takes you over to the fabulous historic city of Viana do Castelo. The entire northwestern province of Portugal is known as the Minho. The Minho boasts sensational picture postcard landscapes with heavenly river scenes, high mountains, rolling vineyards, stunning historic towns, dramatic Atlantic beaches, mysterious archaeological sites and ancient religious monuments. The Minho hosts many fabulous events including Viana do Castelo’s carnival and Barcelos’ bustling weekly market which is a cross between a medieval fair and a farmer’s market. In central Minho, the Lima River idles through a succession of pretty towns with glorious scenery starting at Viana do Castelo. The lush, picturesque Lima valley is waiting to be explored. It gives way to the mountains of Portugal’s only national park, the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres. Viana do Castelo is a fabulous gateway to all of this, sitting beautifully next to the Lima River. This enchanting city is north of Porto and close to the border with Spain’s Galicia. It is blessed with an appealing medieval centre, an attractive riverfront and gorgeous beaches. Its old quarter showcases narrow lanes and leafy boulevards brimming with Manueline manors and Rococo palaces. Guests staying at Casa Darque enjoy fabulous days on the beach, trips to beautiful towns and cities, river adventures on the Rio Lima estuary and countryside jaunts in the lower Lima valley.
Casa Darque is located in a small complex in Cabadelo that offers access to a communal swimming pool, tennis court, gym and spa for an additional fee. There are good restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and other shops close by. The apartment comes with a terrace where you can enjoy breakfast or a late night glass of wine while watching the stars. The beach is just 100 metres from the apartment so you can easily enjoy Cabadelo’s glorious sunsets.  
The apartment enjoys contemporary interior design throughout. The living area is open plan with a smart black kitchen offering all the appliances you could want for a self-catering stay including a Nespresso coffee maker. It also offers a breakfast bar and a living area. Here you will find a modern, comfy corner sofa which you could use to sleep an extra guest if needed and a television and DVD player on a trendy unit. There is a super surround system to enjoy home cinema or your favourite soundtracks should you decide on a cosy night in. Double doors open to the terrace which then feels like part of the room. The terrace is partly decked and partly covered in astro turf. There is a table for alfresco dining. The minimalist bedroom offers a comfy double bed and the bathroom is beautifully tiled and boasts modern fittings. The complex is very peaceful, well-maintained and in a wonderful location for the beach, river walks and catching the ferry over to Viana. If you have hired a car, there is a reserved parking space outside. Casa Darque enjoys a wonderful location, just minutes for the fabulous Cabadelo Beach. The beach is fantastic for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding. Lying just to the south of the Lima River, the beach is very popular with the residents of Viano do Castelo as well as tourists. The beach is surrounded by dunes and a pine forest and boasts the most amazing sunsets when the sky changes to wonderful shades of orange, pink and purple. The beach is brilliant for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding but is also loved for its sand. There are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants surrounding the beach and in the town.
The beautiful city of Viana do Castelo is on the opposite side of the river. Its pearly white, magnificent Santa Luzia Church sits high on the hilltop overlooking the city. It is very appealing to those who appreciate Romanesque-Byzantine architecture. Entrance is free and you can visit using the city’s funicular transport. The sanctuary was completed in 1943 and is one of the most visited places in the city. The city offers a unique cultural and historical diversity. With the sea in sight and bathed in gold, Viana do Castelo never disappoints. Viana do Castelo’s compact historic centre boasts extravagant religious buildings, delightful cafes, elegant plazas and narrow shopping streets which open onto the banks of the Rio Lima. Many of the bars and restaurants are found in the Praca da Republica along with many regional handicrafts. The architecture of the surrounding buildings looks like a castle. In August, the city hosts The Pilgrimage of Nossa Senhora da Agonia which celebrates the religious devotion of the residents of the city. The festival dates back to 1772 and in 2013 received the Declaration of Interest for Tourism. The highlight is the Desfile da Mordomia where more than five hundred women parade while wearing the traditional costume of the city and several pieces of family gold. The parade is a moment of union, enthusiasm and joy.
Spectacular landscapes surround Viana do Castelo and Cabadelo, brimming with waterfalls, pine forests, slow flowing rivers, wild beaches and nature trails. It is a farming region where the famous ‘vinho verde’ is produced. In Serra d’Arga you will find the Pincho Waterfall, bathed by the Ancora River. It is a very popular spot. Also in Serra d’Arga is Poco Negro where the sun only shines between 11am and 2.30pm. At the end of the 2km walk, visitors can take a dip in the natural pool.
Braga is regarded as one the main religious centres of Portugal, with the oldest cathedral and many Gothic churches. Every hour you will hear a cocophony of different church bells ringing out! It is the third largest city of Portugal and is a joy to explore. Braga is an enthralling university city and the setting for Bom Jesus do Monte, a fine monument. The historic centre is fully pedestrianised. There are pretty city gardens, charming plazas and busy shopping streets.
Ponte de Lima is one of the most characterful and picturesque towns of Northern Portugal, on the southern banks of the Lima River. The location has been the main river crossing since the Romans constructed a bridge in 1AD. There is a delightful mix of ancient houses, grand religious buildings and pretty plazas. There are a number of interesting museums as well as colourful flower gardens and stunning natural scenery all around. The Ponte do Lima is an excellent centre for adventure activities such as the Ecovia cycling route, kayaking along the Lima River, mountain biking or hiking in the Serra D’Arga or birdwatching in the Lagoas de Bertiandos. You can river bathe in Labruja.
You may also feel like heading north to the Minho River. On the north side of the river, Tui, in Galicia, is wonderful. It boasts a beautiful historic centre and an excellent range of gourmet dining as well as excellent shops. Tui is located south of the Pontevedra province and sits opposite the Portuguese town of Valenca. The towns are connected by a nineteenth century bridge. Valenca do Minho is located on the hillside overlooking the left bank of the Minho and on the main road that links the Spanish Santiago de Compostela with Porto. Tourists flock to the town to buy embroidered tablecloths and sheets, the speciality of the town. It is definitely worth the trip!At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!