Casa Porto

The villa

This modern, three - floor, five - bedroom villa is set in Galicia, Spain, and enjoys a pool with far - reaching views across the water to the Cíes Islands. Just fifteen minutes by car from the coastal town of Baiona, the villa has been newly renovated and blends rustic character with Mediterranean chic. Wood and stone feature throughout, reflecting the region’s traditional architecture, and the property even includes a traditional Galician Hórreo, a distinctive historic structure found across the local countryside. On arrival, the ground floor opens into two comfortable living areas, each with a smart TV and a fireplace, ideal for cooler evenings. During the day, porch doors can be opened to frame garden views and allow warm air to flow through the house. Upstairs, a fully equipped kitchen sits alongside a dining area and leads out to a tiled terrace with space for outdoor dining, offering views over the terracotta rooftops of Baiona towards the Atlantic Ocean at sunset. Four of the bedrooms are arranged on the upper floor, all finished in neutral tones and enjoying views of either the garden or the sea, including a suite with a HydroMassage bathtub. The fifth bedroom is located in a small garden annexe with its own bathroom, fireplace, and living space. Outside, the private garden is enclosed by hedges and centres around the swimming pool, with loungers, surrounding greenery, and a barbecue area creating a peaceful setting for long days spent outdoors.

A fifteen - minute drive from the villa is Baiona, one of Spain’s most memorable coastal towns. A historic medieval city, the town features a beautiful bay surrounded by pretty, cobbled streets steeped in history and is home to Monterreal Fort and its famous Príncipe Tower with three kilometres of defensive walls. Construction on the fort began in the 12th century and was completed in the 16th century. In 1493, Baiona was the first town in Europe to learn of the discovery of the Americas, thanks to the arrival of a fleet of ships bringing the news. A replica of La Pinta, one of the ships from Christopher Columbus’ voyage, is situated in the harbour to visit. If you’re a history buff, the 18th - century Santa María Collegiate Church is also well worth visiting to admire the flourishes of Romanesque architecture.

The town perfectly combines gastronomy and culture. From the castle, gaze at the sunset and then settle down to a seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants serving up delicious tapas. If you feel like letting your hair down, Baiona has a typical "wine area" that gets very lively in the evening. Head to one of the taverns where you can enjoy Galician cuisine in a relaxed and familiar atmosphere, have a drink after dinner and enjoy this authentic Spanish area full of bars, tapas shops and restaurants.

You’ll also be close to some spectacular world heritage areas; The Camino de Santiago is a world - renowned walking pilgrimage, hosting 30,000 hikers every year, and Baiona is on the Portuguese Way path.

If you’re feeling really adventurous (and remembered your passport), you can head south to Portugal's Costa Verde region and take in the endless beaches and pine woods which hug the coastline.

The jewel in the crown of Baiona is undoubtedly the Cíes Islands, an archipelago comprised of three unspoiled islands: Monte Agudo, O Faro and San Martiño, known for their stunning bays, crystal waters, lush flora, and unique wildlife. The islands are a protected environment and there are four walking trails, all boasting spectacular views, and even a bird observatory!