Casas Do Bosque Valmaior

There’s lots to do in the city of Aveiro (half an hour’s drive), from surfing at its sandy Atlantic beaches to birdwatching among the dunes at the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto, where you might spot woodpeckers, blue tits and lots of types of waders. Also worth a visit are the Salinas de Aveiro salt ponds and museums like Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo e Aquário dos Bacalhaus, exploring the area’s maritime heritage. Deep into the forest, Poço Azul (50 minutes) is a natural pool at the bottom of a small waterfall. You can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters here or hike around the area, keeping an eye out for colourful butterflies and blackbirds. If you’re into classic cars and motorbikes, you might want to visit the Museu do Caramulo (50 minutes) and take a guided tour through its ever-changing display of vintage vehicles, from a Ford Model T to Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis.