Apartment in the heart of the Douro

This one bedroom apartment is on the top floor of a pretty house in the attractive village of Provesende, in the heart of the port-producing area of the Douro. Surrounded by vineyards, Provesende is just off the road between Pinhao and Sabrosa. The apartment has a sitting room with a dining table plus small kitchen with a fridge, oven and four-ring hob. There is a separate bedroom with a double bed and an ensuite shower room. It is self-catering and the owners do not live in the village but can be reached at any time by phone. Provesende is a special place and is ideal for people who would like to get away from it all and to experience life in a traditional Portuguese village. There are plenty of walks both up into the hills and down to Pinhao where there are opportunities for wine-tasting and river trips. In the village of Provesende there is a small, inexpensive restaurant serving local food and a wonderful bakery which produces hot, fresh bread every morning at about 10.00. By the studio is a small gift shop selling baskets, pottery, rag roll mats etc from all over Portugal. The village also has a beautiful 18th century church and some fine, large country houses. To reach Provesende by car you would take the A4 from Porto to Vila Real and then follow signs for Sabrosa. Detailed instructions can be sent on request. It is roughly an hour and a half drive from Porto. By train you would get out at Pinhao and take a taxi from outside the station up the hill to the village. Provesende is just off the road (N323) between Pinhao and Sabrosa and is roughly ten minutes by car from both towns where there are small shops, a supermarket and a chemist.