The original stables have been renovated and converted into four, comfortable self catering cottages.

A new stable block has been built to accommodate the Quinta's horses, and trekking in the surrounding countryside is available to guests.

For those preferring ‘shank’s pony’, the area is equally as enjoyable for exploring on foot.

The abundance of vineyards on terraced slopes was originally the work of Benedictine monks, and the area has many fine Romanesque churches.

Twenty kilometres north of the Quinta, is the picturesque town of Amarante which sits above the Tamega River. Amarante has balconied houses and cafes stepping down to the water.

Many of the magnificent buildings are dedicated to Sao Goncalo, the ‘Match maker’.

There is a beautiful domed Convent which was built in the 16th Century and houses the tomb of the Saint. It is said that anyone touching his tomb is guaranteed a speedy marriage, resulting in much of the decoration being rubbed away!

The cottages are all different and are described as follows :

Cottage A
On the ground floor there is a twin bedroom and a bathroom. Upstairs in the sitting room there is a kitchenette and bunk beds.

Cottage B
Downstairs there is a double bedroom, a bathroom and a rustic kitchen. Upstairs there is a sitting room and, behind a partition, a twin bedroom.

Cottage C
On the ground floor is the sittng room with rustic kitchen and a double bedroom. A flight of stairs leads to an open gallery with a twin bedroom and the bathroom.

Cottage D
Downstairs is the sitting room with a kitchenette.  On the first floor, there is a twin bedroom, a small single bedroom and a separate bathroom.

All the cottages have a wood burning stove, television, fridge and cooker.

Three of the cottages have outdoor dining areas, and there are two barbecues shared between the four properties.

Breakfast ingredients are provided and freshly baked bread is delivered daily.

The Manor House has a bar and a games room with snooker and table tennis table which guests staying at the cottages may use if they wish.

Outside in the grounds there is a swimming pool and terrace with sun loungers, umbrellas, and tables and chairs for relaxing. There is also a tennis court.

All the facilities are shared with guests staying in the Manor House.

Quinta de Gatao is an ideal base for discovering this beautiful region, and is a horse lover's dream.

No trip to Northern Portugal would be complete without visiting its capital, Porto which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also in Porto you can sample the fine Port Wine in the Port Wine houses along the river.
Other famous World Heritage Sites in the area include Guimaraes, which is just 20 minutes away, and the Douro wine growing area.

Porto airport is approximately a one hour drive from the Quinta.