Eat Well. Explore Gently. Discover the Real Central Portugal.
One of the great joys of staying at Quinta do Eco is discovering the simple, authentic pleasures of the surrounding area — good food, welcoming villages, and unspoilt landscapes.
This page is a curated guide, not a tourist checklist. Everything listed here is within easy reach and chosen for quality, atmosphere, and authenticity.
🍽️ Local Places to Eat
Central Portugal is known for honest, home-style cooking, generous portions, and relaxed meals.
The following is a few of our personal favourites:
- Dornes Fonte De Cima In Dornes a lovely Restaurant on the river Zezzere serving super fresh local food
- Ponte Romana In Sertà, by the Roman Bridge.
- Lagar Restaurent also in Sertà serving good range of international dishes
- Central Barbecue Grill Vila De Rei, Excellent Barbecue grilled meats and fish.
Traditional Portuguese Restaurants
Local Tasca (Village Restaurant)
Expect daily menus, grilled meats or fish, soups, and house wine. Simple, affordable, and very Portuguese.
Ask us which tascas are best during your stay — they change with the seasons.
Family-Run Restaurants
Often tucked away in small towns, these places serve regional specialities passed down through generations.
Typical dishes include:
- Açorda & migas
- Grilled river fish
- Slow-cooked pork dishes
- Seasonal vegetable stews
🥖 Cafés, Bakeries & Sweet Stops
- Village cafés for coffee, pastel de nata & people-watching
- Local bakeries for fresh bread each morning
- Small-town pastry shops with regional cakes
Perfect for relaxed mornings or mid-walk stops.
🛒 Local Markets & Produce
If you enjoy local food culture, these are well worth a visit:
- Weekly village markets in Sertà,
- Small farmers’ stalls (seasonal) in Vila De Rei
- Olive oil, honey & cheese producers
- Fresh fruit & vegetables grown locally
We’re always happy to point you towards what’s best right now.
🌄 Places to Visit Nearby
Everything here can be done as a half-day or gentle day trip.
🏘️ Historic Villages
- Schist Villages — stone houses, narrow lanes, timeless atmosphere
- Riverside towns with cafés and shaded squares
- Quiet hill villages with views across forests and valleys
These are perfect for wandering without an agenda.
🌊 Nature & Outdoors
- River beaches with clear water (summer)
- Forest walking trails
- Waterfalls after winter rains
- Scenic picnic spots
- Star-gazing areas with minimal light pollution
Nature here is calm, accessible, and uncrowded.
🚶 Suggested Gentle Experiences
If you’d like ideas without over-planning:
- Morning café stop in a nearby village
- Lunch by a river beach
- Afternoon walk followed by a long dinner
- Market visit + slow drive through the hills
There’s no need to rush — distances are short and days are flexible.
🗺️ Getting Around
- A car is recommended for flexibility
- Roads are quiet and scenic
- Parking is easy in villages and towns
We provide:
- Simple directions
- Parking tips
- Honest advice on what’s worth the drive
💬 Our Local Knowledge
We live here — and that makes all the difference.
Rather than sending you to crowded “must-see” spots, we’ll happily:
- Recommend where locals actually eat
- Suggest places based on the weather
- Tailor ideas to how active (or relaxed) you feel
Just ask.
✨ Slow Travel, Done Well
Whether you’re here for a few days or a longer stay, this area rewards curiosity, patience, and appetite.
Good food, quiet places, and time to enjoy them.
— The Quinta do Eco way
To check availability or ask a question, just get in touch:
👉 Book your stay
👉 Contact us