Hotels

Nearby Places -- The most romantic places to stay in and around Viana do Castelo are the antique quintas. In these restored manor houses, you can literally stay with the Portuguese aristocracy. You can make reservations through Turismo de Habitação, Praça da República, 4990-062 Ponte de Lima (tel. 25/874-16-72; fax 25/874-14-44; www.solaresdeportugal.pt). Payment is made by check sent directly to the owners, with 50% prepayment required when your reservation is made. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required, and reservations must be made at least 3 days before arrival.

The Viana do Castelo area has some of the most elaborate and stylized quintas in Portugal. A random sampling follows.