We have visited Quinta das Achadas a second time and enjoyed it just as much. Its very relaxed and informal but equally very comfortable, very conveniently situated for all the area with plenty to do - likely to go again...
Another memorable & enjoyable week with Jill & Julio, blessed with fine, but at the start, windy weather. It is a real pleasure to return to the friendliness of the Quinta & share dinner around the table with the other guests. Thank you both once again. Geoff,Eileen & the Terrible Twins.
We had a great time staying at Quinta das Achadas back in March. Jill and Julio are fantastic hosts; they’re really what makes this place special. Convivial, delicious dinners, ‘name that song’ competitions, good advice on local eateries, you name it...we even managed to squeeze in some walking, despite the so-so weather. Make sure you eat at the piri-piri in Odiaxere; highly recommended!
This was a great place to stay, although it was advertised as a B&B the apartment was so well equipped you could cook a 3 course meal in there if you wanted to.
Breakfast was great with a huge choice of cereals, freshly squeezed orange juice from the trees in the garden and egg and bacon if you wanted it.
Our hosts couldn't have been more welcoming and as we were there in spring we came home in the evenings to find the wood burner lit. I felt like a guest at a really good house party rather than a customer. Jill and Julio each cooked us a wonderful evening meal and were great about coping with a food intolerance.
After a day walking a relax in the hot tub was most welcome and the pool was warm enough to swim even at the end of March. The scenery of the west coast was wild and wonderful and the beaches superb, it would appear to be a wonderful place to go if you are a surfer and I would highly recommend a visit in March and April if you love wild flowers, they were stunning.
Even in the rain Quinta das Achadas was beautiful with the leafy gardens starting to come to life. Everything that you could want for a relaxing holiday was provided – even cotton wool balls and a tea cosy! A very efficient wood burner kept us warm and comfortable on the still chilly early March evenings – and we didn’t even have to light it ourselves. The ‘English’ breakfasts were superb; it was all local food including freshly baked bread, eggs from the Quinta’s own hens, and marmalade made by the owner. Julio and Jill were marvellous hosts, welcoming and friendly, and nothing was any trouble to them. Our package included two evening meals but in the end we actually dined in four times and enjoyed some very convivial company and excellent food. For the remainder of our dinners we ventured no further than the village where we had simple but very good meals. We had gone there to walk and despite the showers we had some superb walks focussing mainly on the coastal paths - where the early spring flowers were quite spectacular - but venturing inland on a couple of days, all helped by advice from Julio and Jill, and some good if somewhat outdated walking guide books. A great holiday.
This is a great little find. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Quinta in late February. Jill and Julio could not have been better hosts. From ensuring we were well stocked with logs for our cosy wood burning stove to providing fresh eggs from their chickens for breakfast and providing home cooked meals and fine wine. Julio booked our hire car which we picked up at the airport and used on our excellent daily walks in the mountains and coast. A lovely February escape from the British winter. Must go back in the spring/summer when we can try out the pool, jacuzzi and outdoor lounge. Have no hesitation in recommending.
