Welcome to Quinta da Boa Viagem!
Conveniently located on the slopes of the Serra de Santa Luzia, Quinta da Boa Viagem offers a magnificent view over the Atlantic and is just 5 km from the medieval town of Viana do Castelo and 3 km from the sandy beaches of Afife.
Kasia and José welcome you to the north of Portugal.
The Quinta
THE 16TH CENTURY MANOR HOUSE AND ITS GARDENS
Boa Viagem is a notable XVI century example of a Portuguese manor house and stands in four hectares (10 acres) of grounds. The terraced gardens were added in the XVIII century and are filled with baroque statues and fountains, as well as exotic trees and shrubs brought back from afar. Just outside the front gate is the Quinta’s chapel, also from the XVI century, built in honor of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem and still visited by seafarers and pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Cottages
Our lodgings: traditional or contemporary-style cottages
The former farm buildings have been converted into 6 attached cottages, attractively furnished, each one with a sitting room and dining area, kitchenette and private facilities. These cottages have one, two or three bedrooms each, with private bathrooms. Each cottage also has an outdoor sitting area. There is a communal building with a terrace where breakfast is served daily. There is also a good-sized guests’ swimming pool in the lower garden, surrounded by lawn.
Our staff speaks English. A daily cleaning service is provided in each cottage. There is free Wi-Fi, a shared barbecue in the courtyard, a washing machine that guests can use, and a covered drying area. Plenty of parking is available.
The Quinta can provide a shuttle service to Oporto Airport, 45 minutes’ drive away. We are an easy taxi-ride away from the Viana do Castelo railway and bus stations.
Extra information
The Quinta, its surroundings and our guests
Michael, a German pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela
“Boa Viagem” means “good journey” and Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem is the patron saint of travelers, much refered during the Portuguese era of maritime exploration by navigators as the Star of the Sea. In addition to the Quinta’s close relationship with the era of discoveries and Portugal’s maritime heritage, our chapel is, even now, a stopover point for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, in northern Spain (Galicia).
Suzanne, a Californian painter inspired at Quinta da Boa Viagem
It was common in the past to see artists in the Quinta, professionals and amateurs alike: they painted, they played music, they took photos and even Chianca de Garcia came here in 1938 to direct a movie called “A Rosa do Adro”. Nowadays it’s a pleasure to see guests staying in the Quinta, contemplating the landscape and feeling inspiration to produce their art!
Mountain Walking, Atlantic Beaches and Historic Towns
Quinta da Boa Viagem stands in an idyllic location, quietly nestling on the hillside and looking directly over to the Atlantic. The Quinta offers that rare combination of a sea view in one direction, and a mountain backdrop in the other. An area of outstanding beauty, the region is ideal for walkers wishing to explore the surrounding pine forests or for those who crave the exhilaration of bathing in natural waterfalls, very close by.
Despite its remote feeling, however, the Quinta is only 5 km from the lovely, historical town of Viana do Castelo – very close by rail, bus or taxi. We are just 3 km from the beautiful white sandy beaches of Afife, ideal for surfers. Guests may also enjoy horseback-riding, biking, windsurfing, kayaking nearby, among many other local activities. Other historic sites of the region, such as Ponte de Lima, Braga, Guimarães and Valença, are easily accessible.
After almost 30 years receiving guests, we have five wonderful guest books full of lovely drawings, paintings and texts
“Our stay at Quinta da Boa Viagem has convinced us that this is an excellent way of preserving, sharing and improving the heritage. We loved the solid, sturdy Quinta, the imaginative gardens, the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, the paintings, the sculptures and… the very good vinho verde”
John, UK
“Quinta da Boa Viagem has been a beautiful beginning to the start of a beautiful life together. If the rest of our life is as wonderful as this week has been, we will be the happiest people alive!”
Catherine, USA
“Nous avons été séduits par ce lieu magique et nous vous félicitons d’avoir réussi à faire de cet endroit un petit «paradis sur terre»”
Philippe et Sylvie, France
“Quinta magic has made me whole again, I will always be here, even if you cannot hear the laughter!”
Patrick, UK
“Why is one year so long? I will count the days until I will be here again. I’m looking urgently forward to our next stay!”
Laura, Germany
Invitation
Our Invitation to you
This is a magical place. I’ve felt it since I was a young boy! Is it because of the powerful presence of the ocean just in front of us? Is it the murmuring of the waters in the river running nearby? Is it the wind brushing the leaves of the centenary oaks? Whatever the reason, before me, many others were drawn in by the mystery and left behind the marks of their religious practices: a Roman altar, a medieval cross, our 16th-century chapel dedicated to the worship of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem.
However, time also leaves its scars and it’s necessary to conserve, restore and improve all the time, not only the Quinta’s buildings, but also its gardens.
My family and I are delighted to invite you here! We look forward to introducing you to the beauty of our historic home, set within its inspirational surroundings. At the same time, your visit makes a significant contribution to our restoration and conservation programs, which are necessary to ensure this estate is preserved for future generations.
Come and join us at Quinta da Boa Viagem!
Kasia and José
Contact
Quinta da Boa Viagem
Rua da Boa Viagem
Areosa
4900-661 Viana do Castelo
Tel/Fax: + (351) 258 835 835
Mobile: + (351) 935 835 835
E-mail: info@quintadaboaviagem.com
GPS:
41º 43’ 20,10’’ N
8º 51’ 04,54’’ W
To see on the map click here
Approching Quinta da Boa Viagem from Viana do Castelo, Oporto or Ponte de Lima (from the south)
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