Quinta do Barranco da Estrada, "Paradise in Portugal"

This was our third visit to the Quinta (October 2019) and it’s always been a great treat. If anything, it was better this time, partly because we’d come with four friends also because, for the first time, we got involved in one of Frank’s birding expeditions - an all-day explore, starting at 5.00am. We were pretty naïve in these matters and still have nearly everything to learn - but it was obvious enough that the trip was superb. The Quinta is an extraordinary place: it’s seriously beautiful, tranquil and relaxing and, above all, an infectiously happy place to be. There’s nothing soppy about this contentment either: it’s a natural reaction to lovely surroundings, comfortable rooms, Daniela’s great food, excellent company – and, not least, an obviously happy and well looked after young staff. You all eat communally – up to about 20 people at the same table – and it works a treat. Summing up, if it’s right for you, it’s wonderful – but it wouldn’t be right for everyone. We wouldn’t think it suitable for very young children, for example – though great fun for older ones. Also the downside of the Quinta’s very strong green credentials and emphasis on self-sufficiency (energy, vegetables) is a degree of isolation that might not be convenient for some. The wi-fi signal is excellent, but you probably shouldn’t go there if you’d miss cinema or TV.

Dog friendly! Highly recommend this place, and will be recommending to friends and family. It’s really peaceful, directly on the lake with paddle boards and boats free to use. It was really easy with my dog and he was able to roam free and paddle in the lake. The room is comfortable, with a nice bathroom (big bathtub) and breakfast is included. Lunch is approx. 15 Euro, and dinner approx. 20 Euro. The last 4km is by gravel road, but was fine for my small car. Directions from google were accurate. Only recommendation would be for a kettle/tea/coffee to be put in the rooms. Staff and guests were friendly.

Lovely and unique place with great biodiversity that was built by Frank and Danielle over the years. Their hospitality made us feel very welcome. Our stay was very comfortable with delicious home cooked meals. Great place to come and unwind.

This was my first visit to Portugal and this was one of the highlights. Frank and Daniela are very gracious hosts; Daniela's food is excellent, the rooms are basic but very nice and the setting is spectacular. My prime reason for coming here was the birds, and I was not disappointed. Both Frank and Tony are very knowledgable and got me onto a lot of good birds and were great company too. The common meals are a pleasure as they are more of a family meal hosted by Frank and Daniel with people from all walks of life sharing their experiences. I can only recommend this place and sincerely hope to be able to come back.

3rd visit. Remote but all the better for this. Frank and Daniela magnificent hosts. Bird watching with Frank amazing. We will be back again soon.

Certainly lived up to its name, paradise in Portugal. The owners made you very welcome and the food is lovely and well presented. You can tell they take a lot of pride in every aspect of their business. We really enjoyed our stay and certainly will visit again. Fantastic setting!

To keep it short... It was amazing. The food, the scenery, the service, the staff, the whole experience felt relaxing and entertaining at all times. The lake is beautiful whether you swim, use the canoe or the stand up paddle board or just sit back and dive in with your eyes. It is a real oasis. The garden surrounding the rooms is something straight out of a book and even if none of that means anything to you the delicious food alone is worth it spending at least a lunch and dinner at this breathtaking place. It seems I couldn't keep it short after all and yet there are even more amazing aspects that I didn't mention but that's for you to find out yourself.

Absolutely phenomenal. Just an incredible experience. As for the hotel: Well outfitted, clean and comfortable rooms. There's very good WiFi (recently upgraded too! If you're thinking about a little home office along the way), and a terrific location with views of the lake. The pricing is excellent too. Daniela's cooking is great! There's a fixed menu each night, but they're more than happy to accommodate whatever dietary restrictions you might have. All and all, a really nice, unpretentious and comfortable place to stay. It's definitely a little bit out of the way, but I'd count that as a pro too. For the birding: Frank is an outstanding guide. Extremely knowledgeable, personable and always willing to go the extra mile to get you that species you've always wanted to see. If you're lucky, you might even get a poem recited for you too. Even half days from the hotel are packed full of new places and new birds. You will not want for experiences along the way. All in all, it's an amazing place. No need to think about restaurants, about snacks or which wine to drink each night. A wonderful place to sit back, see some birds, and enjoy a side of Portugal you probably wouldn't get to see otherwise.