Rustic Village House available for holiday let close to Fratel, central Portugal

Sample the carefree lifestyle of "Portugal's Provence", in a beautifully restored rustic village house, which used to be a barn, above the River Tejo, enjoying spectacular views across Alentejo.

Enjoy life at the pace of the local people - eating and drinking in the small restaurants and bars (no inflated tourist prices). Shop at the friendly family run supermarket and eat petiscos (tapas) at the well-run swimming pool in Fratel. All other facilities and larger supermarkets in surrounding towns. The area is perfect for artists, walkers, bird watching and fishing. Paragliding and parachuting 20 minutes away and beautiful natural, but man enhanced, river beaches can be found in every direction. Other water paradises such as cascades and water falls are just a few kilometres away. The Atlantic coast is about one and a hours' pleasant drive.

Silveira's proximity to Spain makes it a good base for exploring the many picturesque villages and fascinating towns on both sides. The beautiful year round climate also makes this an ideal winter destination with the chance to watch the olive harvesting and oil production. Festas all summer long (if you are in the mood) or picnic by the river.

Travel
1 hour 15 minutes from Lisbon airport by dual carriageway or 2 hours scenic route via Mora. Porto is two and a half hours. If you wish to fly to Faro, the journey is longer but with some beautiful towns on the way. Please ask for information, also on Madrid airport. Car hire - Available at airports (best to book at same time as flight). Most guests use Europcar.

Further details
Alternative Travel - Ferry to Bilbao, then drive via Vila Formosa. Ferry to Calais then drive via Bordeaux and Vila Formosa. (Please ask for more information). Should you require a really relaxing holiday without a car it is possible to travel by train or bus from Lisbon to Fratel and make use of Fratel's friendly and cheap taxi service to Silveira. Airport pickups by taxi are also possible. A unique chance to enjoy authentic rural life amongst the friendly inhabitants of inland Portugal.

A place where little has changed in the way of traditions and fiestas for hundreds of years. Bread and cakes are often baked in the 3 village ovens; delicious cheeses are produced with the help of the goats who graze on the surrounding land which is still worked in the original way using donkeys and wooden ploughs by the present inhabitants who are descended from the original families.

We are the first non-Portuguese residents and ready, if required, to provide any further information on both accommodation and the area in order to make your holiday special. Area information files at the house. The local store will arrange for shopping to be delivered if required. Speak to me for information on this service.

Notes on prices
Above prices per week per property. Please check availability direct with the owner by phone (due to popularity of "instant" long weekend bookings).

Long term rentals by arrangement.