Hotel Casa da Calcada overlooks the south bank of the Tamega River and is near the old bridge which crosses the river to the town on the north bank.

On the river below there are pedal boats and rowing boats for hire. A fine museum houses many works of local painter Sousa Cardoso who achieved international renown about 100 years ago.

Just the other side of the bridge is a beautiful Church which houses the tomb of St Goncalo. It is said anyone who touches the tomb will have a quick marriage.

A festival takes place in the first weekend of June and the tradition, thought to pre-date Christianity, is for the local unmarried young persons to exchange phallus shaped cakes as a token of their love.

The accommodation comprises a Presidential Suite, 3 Executive Suites and 26 bedrooms.

The bedrooms are individually furnished with the emphasis on comfort and elegance.

The accommodation features private bathroom, air conditioning, double glazed windows, Satellite television, direct dial telephone, mini bar and hairdryer.

There is also a room for disabled persons.
Facilties include air conditioning, elevator, reception, restaurant, bar, games room and parking.

The games room can also be used to host meetings for upto 25 persons.

On the ground floor there are elegant lounges with very comfortable seating. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine of the region as well as international dishes all accompanied by excellent wine from this world famous wine producing region.

There is a charming outdoor terrace, where drinks are served, which overlooks the town and river and is ideal for watching the sun go down whilst enjoying a pre dinner cocktail or a glass of Port.

The swimming pool is set in lawned gardens, near the private vineyards. The pool bar is open for drinks and snacks during the summer months.

There is much to see in this beautiful and unspoilt region of Portugal. An interesting day's journey is to take the narrow gauge train down to the Douro Line and then go along the river to Regua. Change there to another narrow gauge line that follows the River Corga to Vila Real - one of the Great Train Journeys of Europe.

In Vila Real find time to visit the Palace of Mateus whose picture is well known to those who enjoy wine. Take a bus or taxi back to the neighbouring town of Amarante.

Another must to visit is the beautiful town of Guimaraes, originally known as the 'cradle of the nation', it has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Also in the area and in Porto (Oporto) you can spend a very pleasant couple of hours tasting the wine and port at one of the famous Port Wine Lodges.

The unspoilt wild beauty of the Natural Park of Alvao is also a must for country lovers.

Amarante Golf Course is about 10 minutes away by car and guests staying at Casa da Calcada have a discount of up to 25% on the green fees.

Porto (Oporto) international airport is about 45 minutes away, with almost the whole journey being by modern motorway.