Best Things Nearby:
The ocean, friendly, helpful people, terrific food, extremely easy access to large modern supermarket that stocks local wines and reasonably priced groceries, including specialty cheeses, veggies, fruits. Try the vinho verde, fresh goat cheese and the breads.
Best Things About the Resort:
Our apartment had living room with TV and pull-out couch for two; full kitchen, two baths (one with bidet and tub, one with shower), bedroom and living room opened onto south-facing furnished patio. There was a working fireplace in the living room.
Resort Experience:
The spectacular cliffs surrounding the beaches, about 230 feet high, offer shelter from the wind and wonderful views. Fishermen dot the high cliffs, casting from the heights in search of small fish. There are citrus trees everywhere.
Places to visit off-season:
1. Silveres. In this seaside town, the castle is remarkable! The area is built up, but lovely. Plenty of parking and terrific food.
2. Alavore. Drive down to this scenic village and search out the delightfully painted fishing boats: when we were here, the fishermen posed with their catch. While you are there, walk to the south along the waterfront, and choose one of the many seafood restaurants that specialize in the local catch. Their prices are high by my Cape Cod, Massachusetts standards (about 45 euros a kilo for whiting, bream, sole--this cleans up into about 8 oz. of fish), but the fish is pristine and just out of the water. Sardines are plentiful and quite inexpensive--served with salad and potatoes, these grilled fish are between 5 and 7 euros a serving.
3. Lagos. A fairly large whitewashed town that boasts many stores, a seaside walk, and a weekly market that sells everything one could imagine. These prices are reasonable, but the market is several miles out of town--we walked uphill to the location, but rode the city bus back. The castle in the town is another beauty.
4. Alte. A rural town away from the coast, and as the name suggests, is nestled high in the mountains that are just several miles north form the ocean. We ate at a cafe that was covered with notes written by patrons from all over the world. The walk to the castle ruins just out of town really prepared our appetites.
5. Sagres. John the Navigator had his school for seamen here, and the site is quite large, and in good repair.
6. Cabo de Sao Vicente--One of the several "Ends of the World." Windy and remote.
7. Moncheque. Beautiful mountains, high views down to the ocean.
Always bring along ziplock plastic bags, if you have any interest in keeping leftovers. There is always too much food at most restaurants.
- Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
- Activities: Excellent
- Amenities: Excellent
- Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
- Family Friendliness: Excellent
- Service: Excellent