At the heart of Portugal’s
greenest countryside
Casa do Lento
the Slow House
In the unique Aldeia de Covas, Vila Nova de Cerveira
An ancient ruin turned into an eco-lodge and glamping place
Equipped with lovely kitchen facilities for DIY breakfast and small meals
About Us
A Modern Home with a Story, in the Heart of Leafy Minho County
If you are looking for an immersion in the stunning nature of Alto Minho, Portugal, where you can truly detox, physically and mentally, this is the place.
An ancient, derelict dwelling has been reconverted into a charming and sophisticated lodging unit becoming a place to experience a slower pace, relax and enjoy the rich local culture and breathtaking landscapes.
We live in harmony with Nature and with ourselves, breaking away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Some call this lifestyle Slow Living, resonating with the name of our Casa do Lento = the Slow House, and it consists of living a more balanced and meaningful life, slowing down and enjoying the world around us at the present moment, making more time for awareness, a deep breath of pure air and for self-care.
The simple act of sitting in the sun, watching the clouds pass by and feeling the breeze and rustling of the trees is a truly effective way to connect back to the natural world and our inner, spiritual self, deeply revitalising the body and mind.
Double Room / Ensuite
An ample double room with a king-size bed and direct access to the bathroom. Features a lounge chair with a table, for occasional work or reading, and furniture for hanging clothes and storing luggage.
Living Room with sofa bed
An independent living room with a comfortable sofa bed for two adults, close to the bookshelves and games. With direct access to the kitchenette, to the dining area and to the outdoors. Shares the en-suite bath.
Patios & Pergolas
As a perfect outdoors extension of the cool and serene interiors, we offer a set of shaded areas to have a drink, eat, read or just relax, enjoying a warm breeze and the views.
Organic veggie garden and orchards
Show the kids where food comes from and enjoy a healthy meal, with freshly picked produce from our 100% organic veggies garden – or a wood-fired pizza – on the lawn or in the shade of the vines’ pergola, after a yoga session, listening to the bees buzzing, the chirping of a 1000 birds or the clucking of chickens and cockerels. You may get close to a state of bliss.
Reviews
Guest Testimonials
Lovely and serene all around. Loved the attention to detail and the coherent ecological concept. I strongly recommend meeting Casa do Lento and their hosts.
I had a great time in Covas and Alto Minho – Thank you!
A place where you can truly relax and unplug from the city life. I totally enjoyed the meditation and Yoga sessions, Paulo is an excellent teacher and the property is just the perfect place to relax. Also, the surroundings are stunning. Can’t wait to return to Casa do Lento!
We had a wonderful stay at Casa do Lento. Marta and Paulo are lovely hosts and the place is magical. The accommodation is very clean and well-equipped. We particularly appreciated the ecological approach to which we are especially sensitive. Our hosts always did their best to make us as comfortable as possible. Communication was easy and very friendly from the very first moments. Finally, Paulo’s advice allowed us to discover extraordinary natural places.
Paulo, Marta and Luisa really couldn’t have done more to make our stay as fun, comfortable and relaxing as possible. Paulo was incredibly responsive via whatsapp to help us with recommendations and information about our stay before, during and after our stay. During our stay, Paulo and his family went above and beyond to make our stay as brilliant as possible – some of the highlights included: a yoga lesson, an invite to supper and wine on the first night, daily fruit from the trees and flowers to make it as homely as possible and a local itinerary planned for us via google maps. The garden itself is lovely and my daughter particularly appreciated the chickens, slackline and swings. She also enjoyed playing with Luisa. We would love to return one day.
What you Get
Immersion in a true ecological lifestyle +
Amenities & Services
Free Parking
Yoga sessions, on request
Free Wi-Fi (low radiation)
Organic veggie garden and produce
Solar-powered system and hot water
Fruit and Oak trees orchards and pergolas
Slackline, books, games and crafts workshops
30 mins away from stunning river and oceanic beaches
Bio-Pond (in construction, for summer 2025)
A stone throw away from the Portuguese Caminho de Santiago (15 min.)
Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking & SUP and car tranfers, on request
We offer our guests handmade soap and use eco-friendly detergents and biodegradable products
Typical Restaurants & local/seasonal produce
Covas benefits of 3 restaurants that serve the good traditional portuguese cuisine at very affordable prices, the closest being just 200m from the property and the farthest 3 minutes by car. They also provide take-away service.
Stunning landscapes
The beauty of leafy Alto Minho is breathtaking.
Casa do Lento has the amazing Serra d’Arga as backdrop landscape, and a 10 minutes drive will give you stunning views towards the Minho River and its encounter with the Atlantic Ocean. Mountain and sea in a single package!
Arts & Culture
Vila Nova de Cerveira is also known as Vila das Artes, the Arts Village, due to hosting the Bienal de Arte de Cerveira and for being a magnet for many national and foreigner artists for many years. Also, the Alto Minho region is loaded with centuries old traditions and folklore that will fascinate you for sure.
Tradition and Gastro trips
The gastronomy of the Minho region is rich and diverse. Within a 30min drive you´ll have a myriad of offer from the most traditional dishes to more innovative approaches. Local seasonal produce or seafood, also in Galicia, Spain, are a must.
Outdoor & Adventure
From hiking to kayaking, mountain bike or climbing, Covas has plenty to offer in superb conditions. The Pagade rapids are stage for regular international kayaking/canoeing competitions and a 30 minute drive will allow you to surf the powerful Atlantic waves, which swell never ceasses to function.
Day Trips
Casa do Lento is just 30 minutes away from stunning river and oceanic beaches and 60km from the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a smaller Yosemite. Galicia, in Spain lies just 20 mins. away and has plenty to offer, including Santiago de Compostela (1,5 hour drive). We´ll be more than happy to suggest you the best options for you and your party.
Enjoy the beauty of northern portugal while staying in a truly ecological household
Now open !
Please contact us for early bird booking or any enquiries !