These windmills were built on a ridge to get the benefit of the 'Portuguese Trade Winds' which blow from the north almost every afternoon in summer. Nowadays these winds no longer power these mills but yachtsmen from northern Europe still use it on their journey to north America.
It is of great benefit to the holiday maker since the cooling breeze prevents temperatures from reaching the high afternoon levels of the rest of Iberia.
The mills are 6 kilometres by car from the long sandy Atlantic beaches at Apulia - also well known for small beach side restaurants where the fresh fish caught by the fishermen is barbecued.
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto is about 30 minutes away by motorway.
The village is part of Barcelos district where the Thursday market is reputed to be the largest in Europe.
Also within easy reach by car are Braga, the religious capital of Portugal, Guimaraes the former capital of the country until Lisbon was conquered by the Moors. To the north is the old sailing city of Viana do Castelo.
To see the unspoilt way of agricultural life a journey should be made into the National Park of Peneda-Geres.
The oval swimming pool is 7 metres by 3.5 metres and the depth is a constant 1.2 metres.
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