Portugal Expat Forum

craigandmicki
Joined 2010
Posts: 1181

13 years ago

A few days south of Lisboa

13 years ago

Craig and I took another road trip...we thought that Porto was next for us, but instead we headed south of Lisboa to learn more about this rocky Atlantic shoreline noted for its fishing villages and long stretches of sandy beach. We visited Costa da Caprica, Sines, Setubal and Sesimbra as well as Viila Nova de Millfontes. We'd heard so much about this area, surrounded by natural preservation and much less traveled. We were seeking an alternative to the pricier area we're living in, Estoril. The trip not only provided many highlights, it reinforced that Cascais/Estoril is our preference--we adore each day here.

Highlights of this excursion start with being in the forests and preserves. We drove along serpentine roads that followed the backbone of the small mountain ranges, with views to the ocean peaking through at points. Stopping for views, we found hiking trails through dunes and foliage, leading we knew not where, to reach the tip of land and find ourselves perched high above the rocky coastline with waves bursting in a torrent of mist far, far below us. Other times, we found inland lakes separated from the ocean by perhaps 200 feet of dune, and confirmed that the area boasts many long stretches of sandy, pristine beach. Small villages with forts or castles and the kindest people and delicious food were at just the right intervals. Throughout, the air was infused with an unusual aroma--a mix of the aromatic forests and flowers with an acrid undertone, carried on a cool breeze wherever we went. I grew tired of breathing so deeply through my nose to take it all in! Of course the pictures are stunning but there is nothing like being hundreds of feet above the sea, mist and sun on your face, buffeted by the wind and hearing the crash of the surf.

Our stay at our furthest destination, Villa Nova de Millfontes, was in a former mill house. Tucked away in a preservation area and alongside the wide River Mira, we had to traverse the worst possible road, so full of potholes we thought--we hoped--we were in the wrong place. We lurched, we rolled, our heads hit the car roof, even at a crawl. At the end of this sandy roller-coaster ride we were presented with a narrow, single lane path between two fish hatching ponds to the hotel entrance. Ah, beautiful. We barely wanted to leave this place because of the road in and out, and were thankful that our little house was comfortable, our hosts (a couple from Netherlands) were gracious and lovely to their only guests at this time, our breakfast was made fresh just for us and served outside where again we inhaled the sweet and acrid air with deep breaths.

Costa da Capirica was suggested to us for the beaches and proximity to Lisboa...but to us, it felt like the worst of Virginia Beach or an old part of Florida, no matter how deeply we searched for a personality of its own. The "door" into Sines is a wide, curving highway with well-kept green space and palms along the way, flanked by the sea on one side and the towering town walls on the other. Money from its pipeline industry keeps this town prosperous, but the haze of pollution hanging over it diminishes all.

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Portugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.