Art and Birdwatching Holiday - Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Quinta?
The Quinta is a private boutique hotel in central Portugal. Set beside a beautiful lake, the Quinta is surrounded by unspoilt countryside which is home to a wide variety of wildlife and rare birds. It is about 1 and half hours journey north from Faro in southern Portugal. Use the Google map on the printmaking holiday page to zoom in and out to see exactly where it is.

Do I need to be able to draw?
Absolutely not, no experience is necessary. We will have a daily drawing practise involving fun exercises to free you up and help you find confidence in mark making and line work. The gardens are abundant in inspiring colours, plants and creatures.  Cyanotype and collage are easy and fun and the results are always surprising and you will want to do more and more.

What is the accommodation like?
The bedrooms are airy, cool and comfortable, and the ensuite bathrooms are spacious. Decoration is a gentle mix of Portuguese and English and the overall feeling is simple and welcoming. there is no air conditioning.

Where will the workshop sessions take place?
The workshops will take place outside of the entrance and dining room to the Quinta. We will work at tables in the shade under verandas that surround the Quinta giving a cool pleasant place to work. 

Will it be hot when I go to the Quinta?
At the time of the holiday in May - one of the best times to visit, it will be warm. At the end of May the temperatures can be around 20°C going up to as high as 30°C. During may in the Alentejo region there is pretty well zero chance of rain.

Where is the nearest village?
The nearest village is Santa Clara a Velha, which is about 13km away from the Quinta. There is a train station near there and various small shops and cafes. The Quinta is in a remote area, which is accessed along a 4 km track from the nearest road,

you have tea and coffee making facilities in your rooms and the bar is always open if you require something cold.

How much cash will I need to bring? 

Please bring sufficient cash with you to purchase extras on site such as bottled water, gifts and alcohol etc. Note that cash cards can also be accepted. Please leave enough for a tip for the hard working staff who clean the rooms daily.

Is there WiFi?
Yes there is Starlink WiFi at the Quinta. The password for the Wifi will be given out on arrival.

Please feel free to bring ipad's or laptops.

Can I go for walks?
Yes, it is possible to go on walks from the Quinta, and the Quinta loans out its friendly dogs to those who appreciate them. There are a couple of loop walks that give amazing views of the nearby mountains and the lake. Frank will be offering birdwatching walks, and he is extremely knowledgeable about this area of Portugal.

Is there access to the lake?
Yes it is possible to access the lake and this is done by walking down many concrete steps to a wooden pontoon. The water level has dropped hugely since my first visit in 2016 so be prepared for over 150 steps.

During some very warm months the water level of the lake drops dramatically so even more steps will have to be walked up and down. The lake doesn't have a beach but people access the water from the wooden pontoon. The water gets deep

almost immediately as you go in. Please bring flip flops or similar for walking around the edge of the lake.  Use of the lake is advisable for confident swimmers only and not suitable for paddling. 

Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, it is possible to swim in the lake. There are various canoes and paddle boards that can be used in the lake at no extra cost. Please note that these activities are undertaken at your own risk and are under no circumstances the responsibility of the Quinta, or the workshop leader. Life jackets must be worn. (there are different sizes available)

Are all the meals included in the holiday?
Yes. Three meals a day are included in the holiday, beautifully prepared, healthy, home cooked delicious food by Daniella McClintock. A continental breakfast, a light fresh lunch and a 3 course meal every evening, you certainly wont go hungry.

 The accommodation has been developed to provide a holiday retreat particularly specialising in birdwatching holidays. It truly is Paradise in Portugal. Please take a look at this recent review of the Quinta by Alistair Sawday

The Quinta is also featured in The Guardians - 25 Best Places To Stay In Portugal May 2021.

Snacks

There is fruit always available, however if you are like a biscuit or packet of crisps or piece of chocolate, please remember to pack some as there are no snacks available for purchase at The Quinta, it's also so remote that you can't just pop out!

Wine

There is a large selection of wines (Including red, white and rose), beers and spirits available at the Quinta.

Tea 

The teabags available at the Quinta are of good British standard, for those of you that like a nice cuppa! The coffee is lovely but not for those who are real coffee connoisseurs. There is also a large selection of herbal teas available.

Is there vegetarian food available?
Yes, all dietary requirements are catered for including vegetarian and vegan. Gluten free meals are available also on request. Please indicate your requirements when booking.

Are there dogs at the Quinta?
Yes, there are two friendly dogs that live at the Quinta. If anyone has an allergy to dogs, they can be kept away from customers staying at the Quinta and they are not allowed in the house. There is also a very pretty parrot that lives at the Quinta called Harry although only Frank can touch Harry!

Can I relax on my own?

There will be group workshops and other activities planned throughout the week but you can choose to opt in and out as you choose. At the Quinta you will find a myriad of nooks and crannies to relax around the property on your own or with new friends with plenty of choice between sun and shade. there is a yurt and a covered Sharla for those of you who enjoy yoga, meditation or pilates.