We had the most amazing week in the Guarda region of Portugal, a mere hour and some from the Spanish border. The hosts were really helpful and enthusiastic about the house and the many antique family heirlooms that adorn the house going back 3 generations.

The villa has everything you would need with a really well equipped kitchen, comfortably furnished lounge and dining area with a generous supply of local wine and spirits, WiFi, Satellite TV, DVD player and lots of board games. The bedrooms and luxury bathrooms were beautifully decorated clean. The beds comfortable and loads of wardrobe space.

We enjoyed our evenings taking in the views of the valley below and dining Al fresco as the weather was still lovely and warm. Long walks after dinner and a really idyllic setting for a thoroughly well earned and relaxing break. We used our week to go visit many of the historic market towns such as Guarda, Belmonte, Gouveia and Covilha; but for me the really gem was the little know towns of Penamacor and Sabugal adjacent to the national park of Serra da Malcata which we also visited the same day.

All in all - it was just what we wanted. Would love to return some day for a fortnight - If you are after something different and away from crowded beaches and are looking for some genuine relaxation, then then is your spot..

Thanks Fernando and Pedro for all you kindness and help.