A Mountain Lake Retreat Hides Nature Lovers North of Portugal's Algarve

This south-facing hotel's stunning views overlook one of Europe’s largest and cleanest lakes. In some of Portugal's most remote and unspoiled countryside, this small oasis lies on the shores of a vast freshwater lake, Barragem de Santa Clara, to the south of Ourique. It nestles in the wild hills of Portugal's lower Alentejo, a sparsely populated region of exceptional beauty.

Plants flourish in the fruit and flower gardens, offering peace and privacy to visitors, many who are happy just lazing at the waters edge. The lake, with an average summer temperature of 82 degrees F, is a refreshing hange from the sea. The Algarve's unspoiled western coastal beaches are only an hour away.

Buffet lunch is served under the shade of the pergola. Much of the excellent homemade food is fresh from the Barrango's organic garden. Honey is gathered from hillside hives, eggs from the free-range chickens on the island, and brown bread is baked daily with flour from the local mill. In the evening, after the bee eaters have returned to roost in the eucalyptus, an informal late dinner is served under a starry sky. Fish from the lake makes fabulous dining fare.

Guests are often tempted back after their meal to catch crayfish, swim, or to take a stroll.

For active guests, water skiing, sailing, canoeing, and fishing are available for beginners on up. Mountain bikes, badminton, and table tennis are also offered. On bike or by foot, explore this manor's colorful countryside with spectacular views over the lake, home to a fascinating variety of birds and animals. Hoopoes and herons, tree frogs and mongooses – each season brings its own delights. Owner Frank McClintock offers a number of specialized courses, most notably bird-watching.

 

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