Sandra Madeira is the heart of the Madeira Rocha family. An engineer by profession and deeply passionate about nature, she has always believed in the strength of family and in the beauty of simple, genuine moments.
Family unity was essential in bringing the Canhoto Douro project to life. Along the way, the family faced many adventures, challenges and unforgettable moments before reaching their dream.
When you visit us, you will find tranquillity, serenity and a warm, cheerful atmosphere — all complemented by an excellent homemade breakfast, prepared with care and local products.



Homemade breakfasts, prepared with care and served at Canhoto Douro, in São Lourenço, Marco de Canaveses.

Because every morning deserves a special flavor.

Our Story



A few years ago, we were two software engineers with three kids and a decision to make: move to Denmark, or follow a place we had fallen hopelessly in love with.


We chose the farm. An abandoned place, above our budget, with nothing ready. We sold what we had, packed our life into two shipping containers, and moved house five times during the pandemic before Casa da Eira was finally ready. We went from a six-bedroom house to two bedrooms and one bathroom.


Then came the real work: rebuilding everything else — the vineyard, the houses, a life around the animals.



Today, we welcome the people who are looking for exactly what we went looking for: time, silence, and the certainty that slow places still exist.


This isn’t a guesthouse. It’s our home, door open, for you, your family and your friends.


— Sandra & Nuno, Canhoto Douro, since 2019



We are a family united by our love for the land, traditions and hospitality. Canhoto Douro was born from our dream of sharing the tranquillity, comfort and beauty of Marco de Canaveses with everyone who visits us.
Every detail of this project reflects our dedication to creating unique moments in a warm, authentic setting surrounded by nature. Here, every guest is welcomed as if they were at home — with genuine smiles and a heartfelt desire to become part of their memories.
Come and discover what makes this place so special.
We look forward to welcoming you to Canhoto Douro.



Each stay begins with a gesture of welcome.

At Canhoto Douro, we are ready to welcome you with friendliness, attention, and everything you need to feel comfortable.

Your experience begins here.



At Canhoto Douro, each stay is an invitation to well-being. Here there are no plans — only good, simple, and authentic moments.

Because true luxury is to pause. And to allow yourself simply... to be.

Book your getaway.



Have you ever imagined a place where time slows down and everything around you invites you to rest?

At Canhoto Douro, every corner was designed to offer you an experience of tranquility and comfort. From the small details that welcome the eye to the serene atmosphere that surrounds every moment — here, what is essential gains space.



A half-open door and a world of comfort waiting for the little ones (or the more adventurous!).

At Canhoto Douro, there is also space designed for families.

This room, simple and bright, is perfect for the younger ones to rest after a day full of discoveries.



This is the perfect setting to disconnect from routine, recharge your energy, and simply… live the present.

Wake up to the soft light coming through the window, enjoy a lazy morning in a comfortable bed, read a book without hurry, feel the silence, listen to nature.

Alone, as a couple, or with family, this is a place where memories are created. And where time becomes a pause — one of those good ones that nourish the soul.

Step inside and feel at home.



At Canhoto Douro, nature welcomes you with simplicity and authenticity.

These unique inhabitants are part of our daily life and reflect the peaceful spirit that is lived here.

More than accommodation, we offer a genuine experience, where contact with the countryside and the animals is natural and enriching.



Sandra Madeira is the heart of the Madeira Rocha family. An engineer by profession and passionate about nature, she has always believed that family unity is the foundation of every great project — and it was essential in bringing Canhoto Douro to life.

2019 – The Canhoto Douro adventure begins.

Pandemic – Five house moves, living out of two containers, until Casa da Eira was ready.

2024 – Casa da Eira opens its doors to the first guests.

Tranquillity, serenity and good cheer are what you will find when you visit us, along with an excellent breakfast made with homemade products.



Every detail matters.

More than accommodation, we are a refuge designed for those seeking pause, silence, and connection with what is essential.

Every detail of the space reflects our dedication to simplicity, well-being, and the natural beauty that surrounds us.



Set within a wine-growing landscape marked by the authenticity of the Douro, Canhoto Douro is much more than accommodation. It is a space designed for those who value what is essential, tranquility, and natural beauty.

The vineyards that surround the property give it a unique identity and a direct connection to the land and to the cycle of the seasons.

We are waiting for you!



A refuge where time slows down and light meets silence.

With the pool illuminated, the nights at Canhoto Douro offer a setting of rare tranquility. Between the shimmer of the water and the welcoming architecture, you will find the ideal space to end the day in complete balance.

A discreet experience, designed for those seeking authenticity, comfort, and connection with nature, without excess.



Around the fire, in the heights of Douro Verde.

At Canhoto Douro, even nightfall invites contemplation.

This corner overlooking the river is more than a space for a fire pit — it is an invitation to long conversations, simple sharing, and the warmth of authentic moments.



Here, even the simplest encounters are special.

A handful of grass, an attentive gaze, and the magic happens.

At Canhoto Douro, each visit is an opportunity to connect — with nature, with the animals, and with the tranquility that only the countryside knows how to offer.



Breakfasts with the taste of the landscape.

The sound of nature, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the flavor of calm.

Here, each morning is an invitation to stay a little longer.

Free guide

Discover the Douro like someone who lives here

A free guide from the Canhoto Douro family: our itineraries, experiences and quiet corners, on and off the estate.

Get the guide in your inbox

Guia do Douro, e-book da Canhoto Douro
9.9/10 from our guests on Booking.com

What you'll find inside

Itineraries to follow to the letter

Days planned from start to finish, so you can enjoy the Douro without wasting time deciding.

What to do on and off the estate

Experiences and quiet corners, at Canhoto Douro and around it.

Tips from the people who live here

Our suggestions, chosen by people who know every bend in the road.

17 pages · PDF · read it on your phone or print it.

Páginas do Guia do Douro

Written by the family who lives here

This guide grew out of the questions our guests ask us every day. We've gathered what we love to share with the people who visit us, so you can enjoy the Douro the way we live it.

Sandra and Nuno, Canhoto Douro

What our guests say

A wonderful place to relax

“We had an incredible stay at Canhoto Douro, with exceptional hosts.”

Andrea, Ireland

A peaceful place in the middle of a vineyard

“Canhoto is a peaceful place in the middle of a vineyard.”

Nicola, United Kingdom

Ready to plan your days in the Douro?

Get the guide in your inbox in one minute.

Guia do Douro no telemóvel

Guia gratuito

Descobre o Douro como quem vive cá

Um guia gratuito da família da Canhoto Douro: os nossos roteiros, experiências e recantos tranquilos, dentro e fora da propriedade.

Recebe o guia no teu e-mail

Guia do Douro, e-book da Canhoto Douro
9,9/10 dos nossos hóspedes no Booking.com

O que vais encontrar

Roteiros para seguir à risca

Dias planeados do princípio ao fim, para aproveitares o Douro sem perderes tempo a decidir.

O que fazer dentro e fora da propriedade

Experiências e recantos tranquilos, na Canhoto Douro e arredores.

Dicas de quem vive aqui

As nossas sugestões, escolhidas por quem conhece cada curva da estrada.

17 páginas · PDF · lê no telemóvel ou imprime.

Páginas do Guia do Douro

Escrito pela família que vive aqui

Este guia nasceu das perguntas que os nossos hóspedes nos fazem todos os dias. Reunimos aqui o que gostamos de partilhar com quem nos visita, para que aproveites o Douro como nós o vivemos.

Sandra e Nuno, Canhoto Douro

O que dizem os nossos hóspedes

Um lugar maravilhoso para relaxar

“Tivemos uma estadia incrível na Canhoto Douro, com anfitriões excecionais.”

Andrea, Irlanda

Um lugar tranquilo no meio de uma vinha

“A Canhoto é um lugar tranquilo, no meio de uma vinha.”

Nicola, Reino Unido

Pronto para planear os teus dias no Douro?

Recebe o guia no teu e-mail em um minuto.

Guia do Douro no telemóvel