Riding Out the Rain in Central Portugal
Our latest housesitting adventure (TrustedHousesitters) took us to a tranquil hillside retreat just outside Oliveira do Hospital in Central Portugal. Surrounded by green valleys and rolling mountains, the home was beautiful—even in less-than-ideal spring weather.
A Scenic Hideaway with Mountain Views
Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, the house offered a peaceful escape from the hustle of daily life. A hot tub on the terrace looked out over distant wind turbines, occasionally visible when the clouds parted. Citrus trees dotted the landscape—oranges, grapefruits, and kumquats bursting with color—offering cheerful reminders of the season despite the frequent rain.
Caring for Three Dogs… and Practicing Patience
This sit involved looking after three spirited pups. While they were each sweet in their own way, the rain made things more challenging. Cooped up indoors, they barked often and were hard to settle—a test of patience for everyone.
The week reaffirmed something we started to learn during our time in Mexico: two dogs is our ideal, and one might is even better. Three, especially during a rainy week, stretched us—but it also reminded us how well we support each other. Through it all, Joe and I stayed grounded and connected, handling the bumps as a team.
Exploring Central Portugal Between the Rainstorms
When the skies cleared, we took full advantage of the breaks in weather to explore the beauty of Central Portugal:
🌲 Bucaco Forest and the Convento de Santa Cruz do Buçaco
Nestled in the Bucaco Forest, this historic convent felt like something out of a fairy tale, especially shrouded in mist. We couldn’t hike deeply into the woods due to soggy conditions, but the atmosphere alone made it worthwhile.
🔗 Learn more about Bucaco Forest
🔗 Visit the Convent
💧 Açude da Ribeira
We found this lovely riverside dam area on a whim. Though recent rain had flooded parts of the trail, it was a serene and scenic stop worth the visit.
🔗 See the trail on AllTrails
🥾 Trilho dos Gaios Trail
Our favorite hike of the week. This vibrant trail winds along the Mondego River, with colorful bridges, wooden walkways, moss-covered boulders, and sweeping views. We even spotted a herd of goats high on a ridge, perfectly content in their mountain perch.
🔗 Explore the trail
Final Thoughts: Lessons from a Rainy Week in Portugal
While this sit didn’t quite turn out to be the countryside escape we envisioned, it still offered quiet reflection, misty magic, and a deeper understanding of what works best for us on these housesitting adventures. And on the clear days, when the valley stretched out below us in all its green glory, it was easy to remember why we keep saying yes to the journey.
