A summer getaway between Porto and Aveiro: Santa Maria da Feira in fine weather

Located between Porto and Aveiro, Santa Maria da Feira is a unique destination for a summer getaway. It is close to major cities, yet retains its own distinct character: a castle, historic centre, museums, thermal spas, natural beauty, fine dining and events that form part of the region’s cultural calendar.

For those looking for a short break without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities, the Fair offers a peaceful retreat. In Zen & Art - Charming Accommodation, the stay adds a house, garden, swimming pool, hot tub and rooms each with their own unique character to the itinerary.

Summer calls for longer days and activities that won’t leave you exhausted. Santa Maria da Feira offers just that. You can visit the castle in the morning, have lunch in the town centre, and pop into Convento dos Lóios Museum or via the Municipal Market and head home for an afternoon by the pool.

You could also swap the historic centre for a spa experience in Caldas de São Jorge, for a visit to the Paper Museum, for a trip to Lourosa Zoo or a stroll along the Uíma Riverbanks Park. There is plenty of variety, but that doesn’t mean you have to rush.

That’s the beauty of a well-planned getaway: choosing less, living better, and leaving room for the home you’re staying in.

On your first day, start with the historic centre. The Santa Maria da Feira Castle It is the city’s most prominent landmark and helps to illustrate the strategic importance of the former Terra de Santa Maria. Next, head down to the centre, take a leisurely stroll and make time for the Convento dos Lóios Museum, housed in the former convent which now houses archaeological finds, local history, ethnography and art.

In the late afternoon, return to Zen & Art. The pool and garden are perfect at this time of day. The house allows you to wind down quietly, whether outdoors, in the reading room or in your bedroom.

On the second day, choose a direction. For a bit of relaxation, head to the São Jorge Thermal Spa. For industrial heritage, visit the Terras de Santa Maria Paper Museum in Paços de Brandão. For a nature experience, head to the Ribeiras do Uíma Park or the Mâmoa River Beach during the summer season.

Your choice of accommodation can make all the difference to a getaway. When a place has its own character, your trip isn’t solely defined by the sights you visit. Zen & Art is designed for longer stays: nine rooms, art, a garden, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a terrace, a fireplace, a reading room and private parking.

The rooms each have their own names and distinct atmospheres. There are five signature rooms linked to figures from the Portuguese arts scene, two Japanese-inspired rooms, the Blue Room and the Caban Suite. For those who appreciate design, tranquillity and the finer details, choosing a room is part of the experience.

In summer, the outdoors takes centre stage. The swimming pool, the hot tub and the garden make it possible to spend a whole morning without going out, or to return early from an outing just to enjoy the peace and quiet of home.

A short break between Porto and Aveiro doesn’t mean you have to choose between culture and relaxation. In Santa Maria da Feira, the two go hand in hand. The castle and museums provide the historical backdrop, whilst the thermal baths and green spaces offer a chance to unwind. The house brings all of this together in a more intimate setting.

It’s a great choice for couples with children, for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city in summer, or for anyone seeking a weekend getaway close to home that still feels like a real change of scene.

The best way to experience Santa Maria da Feira in the summer is to leave some time free in your day. Choose one main attraction, a long break and a good base. The rest will fall into place naturally.

See the Zen & Art rooms and plan a short break between Porto and Aveiro, featuring art, a swimming pool, peace and quiet, and time to simply relax.