There's plenty to do during a stay at the windmill, and we thought it would be helpful to list a few of our favourites (just relaxing is another good option, of course!)...
Portugal may be famous for its long stretches of sandy beaches and big waves, but did you know thre are plenty of beaches in central Portugal, a long way from the coast! Praias fluviais or river beaches are man-made stretches along rivers that allow people to swim safely, and to enjoy a drink or two in a bar on site. There are a number of river beaches just a short drive from the the windmill (Alamal, Ortiga, Carvoeiro) and our guests love the opportunity of cooling down with a cold dip and a cold beer!
A Portuguese Wine Tasting at the Moinho
Simon is a wine expert and co-owner of a wine business in Brighton, UK (tengreenbottles.com). If you are interested in learning about Portuguese wine, and of course drinking it, we offer an ‘Introduction to Portuguese Wine’ tasting at the windmill for 20 euros per person. We'll taste and talk through a range of wines from around the country, and discuss Portuguese wine in general. Included in the price are the table wines that we open, so you'll have plenty left over to enjoy during the rest of your stay.
Within a few minutes walk of the windmill, there are several secluded swimming spots on the river to explore. Try an invigorating early morning dip with nothing but the birdsong for company, or just spend the day relaxing and enjoying the shade of the riverbank.
Casa Anadia - secret castle and olive estate
Driving through the industrial estate in nearby Abrantes, we had no idea we were so close to the grand old estate of Casa Anadia. Olive oil production here dates back to the 18th century and the estate itself goes back even further to the 14th century. The Casa only opened for tourism in Spring 2022 and it is a fantastic place to take a tour, to step back in time and understand how the rich and poor lived together on this mighty estate. The gardens are beautiful, the house is palatial, and the museum and chapel are very interesting and steeped in social history. At the end of the tour you can do an olive oil tasting and learn more about the varieties and their subtleties of flavour. A tour and tasting costs 12.50 euros and must be booked in advance.
There is no better way to discover the landscape than by walking it. We walk with the dog every morning and evening, and each time there is something different to see, hear or smell. Walking connects us all with nature in a way that is both simple and profound, and we love it! The Rotas de Mação helps people discover nature. When all the trails are completed, there will be 14 mapped walking routes around the concelho. One of the trails, PR7, passes close to the windmill and takes in some fantastic sights and swimming spots along its 15 km circular route. Download the app by searching for Rotas de Macao, or go to the website to find out more and to follow the trails.