The Best Holiday Homes in Arcos de Valdevez: The Perfect Refuge for Peace and Quiet
Finding the perfect refuge in the North of Portugal requires discernment. For those seeking to escape mass tourism and who value an unrivalled combination of untouched nature, absolute silence and authenticity, the answer lies in carefully choosing among the holiday…
Your nature refuge in the Alto Minho: River, Mountain and Serenity
Carvalha House — Your nature refuge in the Alto Minho There is a side of Portugal that escapes most conventional tourist itineraries. Far from the bustle of the big cities and the crowded beaches of the south, there is a region of granite mountains, emerald-coloured…
The Vez River Guide
The Complete Guide to Exploring the Vez River: Nature and Silence in the Alto Minho City routine has a constant sound. But in the heart of the Alto Minho, the soundtrack changes. The noise of traffic gives way to the sound of crystal-clear water running over the…
Spring in the Alto Minho: The Awakening of the Private Refuge in the Vez Valley
With the arrival of spring, the Northwest of Portugal transforms into a landscape of an almost unreal green. It is in this season that Carvalha House, a boutique rural retreat in Arcos de Valdevez, reveals its most vibrant and regenerating side. For those seeking to…
Winter Guide: The Magical Silence of Christmas in the Vez Valley
This guide was created for Carvalha House’s preferred audience — couples and adults seeking a refuge of silence, authenticity and tranquillity, even during the festive season. The idea is to turn Christmas in the Alto Minho into a slow experience, where the cosiness…
Sons de Vez 2026 – A Glimpse of Spring in Arcos de Valdevez
Sons de Vez is one of the most emblematic festivals dedicated exclusively to Portuguese music. It takes place in Arcos de Valdevez, at the Casa das Artes, and is traditionally the first festival of the year in Portugal. In 2026, it celebrates almost a quarter of a…
Snow as a Tourist Attraction in Arcos de Valdevez and the Alto Minho
The municipality of Arcos de Valdevez and the Alto Minho region have, in recent years, stood out as leading destinations for snow watching in Portugal. Thanks to their location right in the mountainous area of the Peneda‑Gerês National Park (PNPG), snowfall events are…
Christmas in Arcos de Valdevez: Minho Traditions, Nature and Accommodation at Carvalha House
Nowadays, Christmas is light, music and spectacle, gifts, and a great deal of emotion in the relationships between people, in companies and families. This frenzy lasts throughout the whole Christmas season, with a special holiday period established to celebrate this…
Authentic Alto Minho: Vinho Verde, Tradition and Refuge at Carvalha House
The Vinho Verde Region is the largest demarcated wine region in Portugal, located in the north-west of the country, in the area known as Entre-Douro-e-Minho. The name “Vinho Verde” (green wine) refers to the region of origin and to the young, fresh style of…
Arcos Fado Fest and Festivinhão: A Celebration of Music and Wine in Arcos de Valdevez
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of the Alto Minho! From 5 to 7 June, the charming town of Arcos de Valdevez will host the eagerly awaited Arcos Fado Fest, which this year takes place in perfect harmony with the Festivinhão (Arcos de Valdevez Wine…
