Have a relaxing massage or go for something a little different, like a Hawaiian Massage. With continuous movements encompassing the whole body in one go, it can be given by one or two masseurs working perfectly on either side of your body.

In the summer months, you can swim in the main pool, while you watch your small children at theirs. In the winter months, the main pool is covered and the water heated. Pool towels and robes are available in all seasons, so you can enjoy this sport all year round.

From Art to Geometry, Travelling and Adventure to Cooking, you can lose yourself in our Library. Books have come down from generation to generation and are together now in what used to be the old barn. You can sit just outside on the patio away from the crowd.

If you’re looking for adrenaline on your vacation Karting might be just the thing. In nearby village São Miguel de Poiares, our local track has been going for 25 years, and it’s only a 5 minute drive from 9Arches. It also has a restaurant overlooking the track.

Nature loving travellers! Take a kayak trip downstream both on the Mondego or Alva rivers, just a 15 minute drive from 9Arches. You can choose to travel alone or take the whole family. The rivers are calm, surrounded by lush green forests. .

From 9Arches, it only takes you 5 minutes to get to the peak of Serra da Velha, ranked the second BEST spot in Portugal for landing! From here, climb into your paraglider and fly over our historic village and valley. There is a picnic area viewpoint too.

The Palace is set in a National Park. A forest created in the 6th century by the Benedictine monks, within a 5 km long perimeter wall, which now houses one of the finest tree collections in Europe. The Palace, in a neo-Manueline style, was built as a retreat for the last King of Portugal.

The route runs along the Poiares stream, past willows, oaks, poplars and elders, and you might spot a badger or a weasel and if you’re lucky, an Iberian emerald lizard or water frog. You’ll cross over a Roman bridge and see a river mill, on your way to the River Mondego.

There are windmills on high ground close to 9Arches and they are excellent spots for picnics. You can see the Alva and the Mondego rivers from here. There are sweeping views of the Serra do Caramulo and the Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in Portugal.

Medas has been serving meals for more than half a century and its owners live in the village. It’s a family run business, and its top dish is barbecue chicken. Medas is famous beyond our borders: travellers and friends from all over the world delight in coming here! https://www.facebook.com/restauranteasmedas.

Grelha offers a varied menu, in which Chanfana is a well-known dish. We often find fresh fish and vegan meals available on request. The staff is fast on its feet but, as all popular restaurants, if you deviate from the daily available suggestion of the chef, you might wait a bit longer for your reward. https://www.facebook.com/agrelhavnpoiares

Known as “Tina do Bitoque”, a Portuguese speciality consisting of steak with a fried egg on top, chips, white rice and salad, Tina , who comes from the village. also cooks other local food, such as sardines. What we appreciate most though, is that she delivers late meals, if you are tired from your travels.
https://www.facebook.com/aTinadoBitoque