Quinta da Geia more than only sun

HOTEL QUINTA DA GEIA is located in the middle of Portugal against the mountain slopes of the Serra da Estrela. Situated on the outskirts of the ancient village of Aldeia das Dez, this atmospheric country house hotel has spectacular views over forests, mountains, rivers and valleys.

QUINTA DA GEIA IS the ancient Portuguese name for a farm 'with so much land that it cannot be ploughed with an ox in one day'. Our hotel Quinta da Geia is an eighteenth century, predominantly granite-built collection of buildings around a courtyard amidst 7 hectares of terraced land, teeming with fruit trees and grapevines. Whilst maintaining its historical character, this quinta was renovated using authentic materials and restored as a cosy hotel featuring all mod-cons. A fully equipped holiday home for four people is situated at a distance of 300 metres from the hotel.

THE HOTEL BOASTS 15 luxury double rooms; all with a complete bathroom, central heating, television, telephone and room service. The rooms - a number of which have their own terrace/balcony - are tastefully laid out and furnished with many farm antiquities completely in harmony with the old rural ambience. Some rooms even have a four-poster bed. There is also a room that is suitable for people with disabilities.

In august this year we put into use two new apartments, a suite and a meeting room for 25 persons. One of the apartments is for six persons and has a living with a big veranda and an open fire, a kitchen, tree bedrooms and two bathrooms. The other apartment is for four persons and has a big outsite terrace.

In total we do have now four apartments, all with central haeting and a beautiful view. The apartments are fully equiped with, among other things, sheets and towels

FOR THE HOTEL GUESTS there is a cosy lounge in which they can enjoy a nice glass of Portuguese wine around the fire in the granite hearth. Delicious meals are served in our restaurant 'João Brandão'. Our chef is renowned for his ability to combine the best of Portuguese cuisine with a touch of Italian and a French refinement. Besides the seasonal menu there is also an alternating daily menu. Weather permitting, it is possible to enjoy your meal in the sheltered and partially covered courtyard, perhaps breathing in the aroma of freshly cooked bread from the original bread oven. QUINTA DA GEIA HAS a large luxury swimming pool with a separate children's pool situated on one of the terraces surrounding the hotel. The Quinta also has special areas for training, presentations and courses. ALDEIA DAS DEZ, ALSO known as 'the village of flowers', is a historical monument with an authentic Portuguese atmosphere. It is built against the mountain slopes, so that there are many steps and little alleyways. Our own grounds and the surrounding area are a true paradise for those who enjoy a good walk. Not only along the routes we have laid out, but also along the original Roman paths through the Serra da Estrela, an impressive mountain range with the Torre as its highest peak (1991 metres). The entire region is a national park, and therefore teems with unspoilt nature. Imposing, bare mountains alternate with forests and charming valleys with green meadows full of wild flowers. All seasons have their own charm here. THERE ARE COUNTLESS PLACES of cultural-historical interest both in the immediate vicinity and in the region at large. There are many traces of the invasions of Romans, Moors, Spaniards and the French. The large towns of Coimbra and Viseu are certainly worth visiting. These towns reflect the region's rich history in their houses, churches and squares. A past to which the Portuguese. look back with melancholy nostalgia. That feeling, 'Sausade', is found in the Fado, the sadly sung folk songs accompanied by guitar. On a one-hour drive is a splendid 18-holes golf-course. The Portuguese are proud of their history, but will also surprise you with their hospitality and helpfulness. The very same hospitality that defines our approach. Hotel Quinta da Geia is a unique place where everybody can feel at home. Present and past come together in a breathtaking area of natural beauty. We cordially invite you to come and enjoy this Portuguese splendour and friendliness. Fir Tiebout Frenkel de Greeuw