Looking for a rural accommodation with pool in northern Portugal? If you want to escape the city, sleep in peace and wake up to mountain views — without sacrificing comfort — this article is for you.
We have gathered everything you should look for in a rural holiday home in Minho and explain why Guardizela, between Guimarães and Braga, is one of the best places to stay.
What to look for in a rural accommodation with pool
Not all rural accommodations are equal. For a truly memorable experience, look for:
- Private pool — not shared with other guests. It makes all the difference, especially with children.
- Strategic location — rural but with good access. Being 15-20 minutes from a city allows you to combine tranquillity with activities.
- Complete house — equipped kitchen, washing machine, spacious rooms. For stays of 3+ nights, it is far more practical than a hotel.
- Authenticity — properties with history, integrated into the landscape and local culture.
- Sustainability — increasingly important, look for accommodation with genuine eco-friendly practices.
Why northern Portugal for rural tourism?
Northern Portugal, especially Minho, is the perfect region for rural tourism:
- Green landscapes year-round — unlike the Alentejo or Algarve, Minho stays green even in summer.
- Exceptional gastronomy — rojões, bacalhau à minhota, vinho verde, roast kid. Every village has its signature dish.
- Historic heritage — two UNESCO cities (Guimarães and Porto), baroque sanctuaries, Celtic hill forts and medieval villages.
- Affordable prices — compared to the Algarve or Lisbon, the North offers much more for less.
- Less mass tourism — more authentic experiences and genuine contact with local culture.
Guardizela — The perfect location between Guimarães and Braga
| Destination | By car |
|---|---|
| Historic centre of Guimarães | about 15 min |
| Braga | about 30 min |
| Porto | about 30 min |
| Porto airport (Sá Carneiro) | about 30 min |
| Gerês mountains | about 1 hour |
Guardizela is a peaceful parish offering the best of both worlds: countryside peace and proximity to three of the North’s largest cities.
From Guardizela you can reach:
- Guimarães — 15 minutes (UNESCO historic centre, Castle, Penha cable car)
- Braga — 15 minutes (Cathedral, Bom Jesus, university nightlife)
- Porto — 30 minutes (Ribeira, wine cellars, Lello Bookshop)
- Porto Airport — 30 minutes (no need for a Porto hotel)
- Gerês — 1 hour (waterfalls, hiking trails, river beaches)
- Viana do Castelo — 45 minutes (beach, Santa Luzia)
Casa do Xico — Rural Accommodation with Pool in Guardizela
Casa do Xico is a holiday rental set within an 18th-century vineyard estate in rural Guardizela.
What Casa do Xico includes:
- Outdoor saltwater pool — private, with mountain views
- Complete house for 6 guests — 2 suites with private bathrooms, living room with sofa bed, fully equipped kitchen
- Vineyard access — stroll through an 18th-century vineyard estate
- Organic garden — fresh herbs and vegetables for your meals
- Mountain views — waking up to this view is priceless
- WiFi — because disconnecting should be a choice, not an obligation
- Sustainable practices — LED lighting, recycling, local produce
Ideal for:
- Families with children — spacious grounds, safe pool, garden to play in
- Couples on a getaway — romance, tranquillity and vineyards
- Groups of friends — up to 6 guests with total privacy
- Digital nomads — reliable WiFi, equipped kitchen, inspiring setting
Book your stay
Casa do Xico is the ideal starting point to explore northern Portugal. Book with the best rate guaranteed directly on our website:
Check availability and book here
Registration number: AL 103976/AL