One of the most valuable assets of the Costa Azul (or Blue Coast) lies in nature. The 60,000 hectares of protected areas governed by regulations and special protection measures constitute the very best that nature has to offer and mankind has been able to preserve.

Tagus, the Caparica Fossil Cliffs, Arrabida, Sado; Santo Andre, and Sancha Lagoons and Southwest Alentejan Coast are names that reflect the best of our landscape and the best preserved areas of our environment.

The Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve with it Setubal estuarine waters, mud-flats and fens, salterns, islets and farm land has a population of 80,000 birds in Winter and is truly a sanctuary for the rarer species of Europe.

Close by the 13 kilometres of beaches is an area of huge environ mental value, which is, at one and the same time, a leisure and entertainment area.

The Caparica Fossil Cliffs Protected Landscape is a geological formation of great beauty surrounded by characteristic flora and fauna.

The Arrabida Natural Park is the natural link between Sesimbra, Palmela and Setubal, and it constitutes the meeting point of the green and majestic hills and the ocean, blue and indented, that lies beyond the cliffs, the small inaccessible beaches and the modest stretches of dunes.

The Sado Estuary is an area abundant in life and it is a point of encounter of river and ocean that has allowed channels, creeks and mud-flats to Costa de Caparica fossil cliffs, become home both to mammals such as the otter; the badger and the fox; and to about a hundred species of birds including the white stork, the marsh harrier and the heron.

The Santo Andre and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve embraces two coastal lagoons and a system of small freshwater lakes formed in depressions among the dunes. The Reserve also covers a marine strip with a sandy substrate.

The Southwest Alentejan and St Vincent Coast Nature Park is ideal for a journey along the western coastline of southern Portugal. Beaches, cliffs, well-preserved villages, Roman traces, a chapel dating from the fifteen-hundreds and an Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see.

The dolphin, the symbol of the Costa Azul; is an illustrious species often seen in the Sado and the perfect host of a world in which nature constitutes both a surprise and a discovery.

In the Costa Azul, a time for beach and coast. Costa da Caparica, Melides, Carvalhal and Troia affirm boundless space, sand stretching out beyond the horizon.

Portinho da Arrabida and Porto Covo reveal the intimist scale of the small beach. Sesimbra bears witness to the Portuguese way of living the sea and shows the traditional fishing.

In Costa Azul the Atlantic is the maker of beaches. Huge beaches where the dunes meet the sea. Discrete beaches at the meeting of hill and ocean. In the South the sun.

The sea, blue and vast, and the peaceful virgin sand. These qualities lead us to extend an invitation: dream of a summer on the Costa Azul. On the Costa Azul, the sea and the river.

The Atlantic Ocean, the river of typical craft and discrete distances. Inland, the dams form their plains of water. Yachting, windsurf, water-ski, canoeing, rowing, surf, bodyboard, motor-boating, diving and angling fill the Costa Azul with activity and colour. Boat clubs, underwater activity centres and marine tourism companies provide the ever necessary support.

Typical craft of the river Tagus and the Galeoes (old salt wherries) of the river Sado provide trips through tradition and history. Boat trips invariably provide a promise of surprises, bedazzlement and dolphins. Dolphins that are the symbol of sea and nature in the Costa Azul. A year of adventure and discovery in the seas of the Costa Azul.

Museums, archaeology and monuments take you on a trip though the rich past of the Costa Azul. At the very bottom of history traces of the Neolithic, of the Chalcolithic and of the Iron Age reveal the very beginnings of the human adventure, mankind’s initial gestures and the challenge of survival.

Roman presence has left throughout the entire geography of the Costa Azul important remains that include activities and facilities of an industrial nature, spas, shrines and a hippodrome.

History and the passage of time have left the Costa Azul with a remarkable trail or mediaeval castles, renaissance palaces, manor houses, churches, chapels, convents and shrines that invite you to make an appointment with a representation of the world of those days.

Our museums also provide another vision of our way of life down the centuries.

In every municipality, museums, reflecting complementary ways and realities, reveal our collective memories and display visions of art, traditional crafts, ethnography, habits, celebrations and moments that history has kept and the future wants to preserve.

In the Costa Azul, history and heritage are a constant feature. The possibilities and encounters with the heritage are to be found in every city, in every village, in each comer of the region. In the Costa Azul, a place with a history and a time with memory.

The culture of a people is the memory that every day is built up and experienced at festivals, fairs and feasts, at displays of culture and handicrafts, at the bull-fight.

The Costa Azul is rich and diverse in events that are organised yearly, a calendar of encounters with tradition, religious sentiment, a liking for festivity and celebration, the display of that which makes us unique, the construction of our identity.

Whatever the month or the time of year in the Costa Azul some event is always taking place, some celebration will be a cause for festivity. In every municipality, from the South where the coast and the plains come together to the Tagus, a world of happenings is waiting for you, the culture of our people still and forever to be remembered and continued.

In addition to the sea the Costa Azul has a rural, inland world where everything is softness, peace and. tranquillity .The relief is itself an invitation to the horizon where cork oaks and evergreen oaks rise up towards an intense blue and to a light of permanent Summer.

The typical houses of the Alentejo mark the presence of mankind and are gendy revealed as though glued to the landscape. The towns and villages are white, the houses gathered together in exemplary harmony, the casdes vigilant and haughty.

Tradition is not just a memory but is alive and is a part of today’s world. Food that tastes of the land and handicrafts that maintain techniques and transform materials are a constant feature that is not to be lost. On the Costa Azul, the plain travels along vine-covered ground that flows to the sea.

The Costa Azul with its southness, its plains, its blue lagoons, its historic centres that constitute a heritage of great wealth. Traditions, savours, arts and crafts recalling pleasures of old.

I’m surprised that, if they fly to tiny places like Malta, they don’t fly to big cities in the Iberian Peninsula such as Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon.

I heard some time ago that they were planning to start scheduled flights to Madrid and Barcelona at least. Any updates on this?

I’m from portugal and I’d like to know what people know of my country, please tell where you are from and some thing you associate with portugal

The beautiful beach of Praia da Dona Ana is blessed with crystal clear waters and during the summertime you can take a beach bus here from Lagos every hour. A walk to Praia da Dona Ana will take about half-an-hour from Lagos’ centre. The beach is 200 m long and accessible via a stairway. Outside the tourist season, Praia Dona Ana is a real gem among the beaches of Algarve – the summer months and influx of tourists does not allow this beautiful beach to be witnessed at its best.

In Tavira Praia da Ilha de Tavira (often locally referred to as Praia das Cascas) is a magnet for watersports enthusiasts. A short boat trip (taking 10 minutes) from Tavira, departing from the jetty at Quatro Aguas -just by the old market in the centre of Tavira, this elongated sandbar beach is a popular attraction and has a reserved section for naturists.

In Albufeira, Praia dos Barcos is a very popular beach renowned for the array of fishermen’s colourful boats that line the one end of this rock-protected beach. The beach is reached through a tunnel next to the tourist information office.

Carrapateira is home to Praia do Armado beach – one of Portugal’s premier surfing venues and its surf school enjoys international patronage. This west coast beach is also popular with families whose children are attracted to the many rock pools that become visible at low tide.

Travel to Portimao to experience Praia da Rocha (Rock Beach). Known internationally as one of the most impressive beaches in the Algarve, the sweeping bay of golden sand can get extremely busy in the summer months due to its excellent conditions for water sports and boat-rides. A tunnel at the western end gives access to narrower stretches of sand.

Back in Albufeira you can find the family-friendly shallow waters and soft white sand on Praia da Sao Rafael. With beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue seas, this pretty bay is ideal for snorkelling or investigating the surrounding caves.

One of the Algarve’s best kept secrets, Praia de Odeceixe is a crescent-shaped beach is just a short distance from the quaint village of Odeceixe. This excellent beach is sheltered by high cliffs and in a perfect location in northern Algarve. It tends to be one of the less crowded beaches and for that reason alone, it is well worth a visit.

Surrounded by honey coloured cliffs and accessed by steep steps down the sides of the cliff, the golden sands of Praia da Marinha in Benagil has two wonderfully secluded beaches. The turquoise sea is a favourite with snorkellers, and the secluded beaches are popular with families and those seeking the privacy to relax in beautiful surroundings.

Popular with youngsters and windsurfers, Praia de Figueria, Salema is one of the Algarve’s less well known beaches, and as such there are no facilities of any kind here. Lying right in front of the village of Salema, you will need to arrive early to find parking space.

And last, but by no means least the list of top ten beaches in the Algarve would not be complete without mentioning the Meia Praia in Lagos. A 4km curve of sand stretching two miles in length, it is the longest beach in the Algarve. Popular with watersports enthusiasts, jet-skiiers and surfers the contrasting side offers peace and tranquility for those wishing to unwind and watch the world go by. In the Autumn, a walk along this stretch of beach is a recommended experience.

To find your self-catering property in the Algarve

See ourTravel Tips

The Algarve meaning ‘the west’ is the sunny, warm coastal region along the south of Portugal. In the years since the 1960’s tourism has overtaken agriculture and fishing as the main industry and a lot of the Algarve’s charm has gone with the bleak apartment blocks and sprawling villa complexes. Even so, with a little knowledge there are certain areas that remain wild, untouched and oozing with culture and history.

Although most tourists head to the central Algarve to destinations like Albufeira it is in fact the east and the west of the Algarve where you will find the most beautiful and untouched beaches. In the back country only miles from the tourist destinations many villages and towns remain untouched with little known rural walks in the spring flowers and shady woods.

Most notable in the eastern Algarve is the historic city of Tavira with it’s multitude of churches and a central castle. This area is close to the Ria Formosa natural park offering miles of lagoons and barrier islands where flamingos and numerous aquatic birds live and bread. The island of Tavira is easily reached by boat from the centre of town or after a 15 minute walk by the side of the salt pans. This stretch of sand is very popular with the Portuguese but continues for miles allowing for solitude even in the busy summer season.

In the west the city of Lagos is a popular destination and with good reason. The city has an important history as it is was from here that the Portuguese began their expeditions along the coast of Africa in the age of discovery. Lagos now has a completely pedestrianised centre within the old town that is surrounded by the castle walls. There are many shops, excellent restaurants serving fish and in the night Lagos is notorious for its bar scene. On Saturday mornings a trip to the vegetable market is highly recommended to purchase local produce for the kitchen. Walk along the cliffs out to the Ponta da Piedade (Mercy Point) with it’s lighthouse or go swimming on the little known nudist beach at Praia do Carnavial.

The mountains of Monchique are easily reached by car from anywhere in the western Algarve. The Caldes de Monchique are therapeutic thermal baths and the area is ideal for a stroll in the wooded hills or down by the bubbleing stream. Drive out to the village of Marmallate or climb to the top of the mountain where you can take in views of the whole of the Algarve coastline and enjoy the refreshing cool mountain air. Many local shops offer locally produced hams and varieties of ‘Medronho’ (a brandy made from the Arbutus fruit that symbolises frienship) as well as hand made craft items. Restaurants either side of the main road offer up freshly grilled chicken, Piri Piri style.

After Lagos the Algarve coastline continues west towards Sages and the region once called “the end of the world” as little was known of what lay beyond the waves. Resort towns such as Praia da Luz with it’s arced bay and black rock headland give way to the natural park of Costa Vincentina where many more secret beaches can be discovered especially along dirt tracks west of Vila do Bispo. Atlantic rollers meet a wild landscape of immense natural beauty. Popular with surfers the beaches at low tide have waves that collapse on themselves again and again and sitting on the beach on a sunny afternoon undisturbed by the modern world listening to the roar in the background while looking out into the abyss one can see how sailors were captivated to venture forth to discover what lay beyond.

The Algarve, is one of the most beautiful and pleasant areas of the Southern part of Portugal. Close to the sea, their cities live basically of fishing and tourism.

Today, there are contrast cities, with the influence of the modernity, allied to the traditions and the visitors crowd that explore the beauties of that area.

So this is Olhao, one of the most emblematic councils of Algarve. Composed by the freguesias of Olhao, Pechao, Quelfes and Fuseta, the council hides a lot of wonders, as the architectonic and cultural patrimony, without forgetting the privilege of having the sea in front of your feet.

The construction of the recreation port is an example of the importance that the municipal district gives to the quality tourism. The craftmanship is also one of the bets of valorization of the tradition of Olhao.

No other point is so valued by the tourists as the beaches of the islands of Armona and of Fuseta, where the blue of the sea is the protagonist of moments of rare beauty. The Formosa river enchants the visitors, in a paradisiacal place of Portugal.

The historical and the sea area of Olhao is also a point of tourist interest in the council, where the visitors can find a little of the history, of the beauty and of the traditions of that council.

The municipal district of Olhao still has other beauties, as the Caique Good Success, Chapel of the Espirito Santo, Chalet Dr. Joao Lucio, House of the Marine Commitment, Bandstand of Pescador Olhanenses Garden, Joao Lucio museum, Building of the Customs and Museum of the City.

The old Building of the Customs is also one of the monuments of interest, as well as the Small chapel of Mr. Santo Cristo of Moncarapacho, Mother church of Moncarapacho, Church of the Mercy of Moncarapacho, Church of Pechao, Mother church of Nossa Senhora do Rosario, Mother church of Quelfes, Church of Nossa Senhora da Soledade, Garden Boss Joaquim Lopes, Mother church of Olhao and the Municipal Markets.

Other attractions are the Parochial Museum of Moncarapacho, Roman Bridge of Quelfes and the area of Barreta.

Olhao is synonymous of natural wealth and sea. In the place, it is possible to live new experiences, with fascinating landscapes. The modernity lives side by side with the historical and archeological patrimony.

In the council of Olhao, the nature is an incontestable presence, with the harmony of the interior of the fields and mountains with the extensive line of a coast of islands and islets.

For who prefers to take advantage of the night, Olhao has several bars and restaurants, that promise to realize the tourists desires. The gastronomy could not be forgotten in that sea of emotions, since Olhao is the place of the largest Festival of Shellfish of the country.

I hope to meet you soon in Olhao!

Preparation & Planning:-

Although I had visited the North of Portugal many times during my working years, and knew exactly, what I wanted to do, the sheer distance from my home being over 300 km, called for a local fixer.

Surfing the internet I came across the “Portugo.com” site, promoting “MIX & MATCH” tours, which could be adapted to the clients requirement. Soon after e-mailing my programme, i.e. Accommodation, Wine & Dine, River Cruise, Train, Historical & Cultural tours, PortUgo’s Peter Evens called to get the feel of the prospective client, and found that we had connections through our respective golf societies, and my wife had formerly dealt with him on that level. He had analysed my proposal and suggested some itinerary changes to better accommodate for the Boat, Train and Plane schedules.

The yearly gathering is mainly convivial/culinary/cultural, and the average age of this years 15 participants was over 75. Of the 15 participants, 10 arrived by plane from 5 different countries, 4 by car and 1 by motorbike from 3 different cities in 2 different countries. Some continued to travel by rent-a-car, before flying home again.
Peter took it all onboard and went ahead with booking and smoothing out the details.

About a month before the trip my wife and I did a trial run, when we met Peter for the first time in person. We now could appreciate on the spot, how meticulously he had prepared even the smallest details to perfection, fitting in as much as possible in the rather short time available.

Day 1 - Started well with a welcome reception at the Hotel Mercure Batalha Porto, offered by the youngest couple on the occasion of their 40st wedding anniversary, followed by dinner at the charming Guarany Café.

Day 2 – An early rise saw us on the second day cruising from Porto to Pinhão, where we stayed overnight at the Vintage House Hotel (Relais-Châteaux), a former Solar of the Taylor Port wine family.

Day 3 – Next day we visited Quinta de la Rosa for wine tasting and lunch on their pergola overlooking the river Douro. Returning to Porto in the afternoon was planned by train, but an unforeseen, countrywide railway workers strike might have left us stranded in Pinhão, were it not for Peter who managed to get a coach, coming up from Porto, to pick us up. The driver told me he had arrived at noon with a load from Lisbon, when he was told to go and rescue us in Pinhão. We checked in to Pestana Porto Hotel for the next two nights and then went for dinner at the nearby D.Tonho restaurant.

Day 4 – The morning of the fourth day we spent on a guided panoramic city tour and after lunch at Praia da Luz on the Atlantic shores, we were free to do our own exploring. The evening saw us visiting Graham’s Port wine cellars including tasting of course. This was followed by the apéro on the terrace overlooking the city of Porto and dinner in the Board Room of Graham’s Lodge, when another highlight were two fado singers and two guitar players, which Peter had specially arranged to come the 100 km from distant Coimbra, to entertain us.

Day 5 – Reading the feedback from my colleagues, it was one of the outstanding gatherings long to be remembered.

They all enjoyed every bit of it.

Max Zimmerli
June 2008

The coast of the council of Tavira is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches of Algarve and of Portugal, all of them included in the Natural Park of the Formosa river. The beaches of the council are Lacem, Cabanas de Tavira, Ilha de Tavira e Praia do Barril. Lacem and Cabanas de Tavira belong to the island of Cabanas. The beaches of Ilha de Tavira and of Barril are integrated at the island of Tavira.

But the council has also a great historical side.

One of the points with larger tourist interest in Tavira is the Castle of the Moors, besides the Walls, Medieval Bridge and the Palace of the Gallery. The municipal district invite their visitors to visit the House of Irene Rolo, as well as the old Municipal Market, Viewpoint of Alto de Santa Maria, Monument to the Deads of the First World War and the busts of Antonio Cabreira, Isidoro Pires and Augusto da Silva Carvalho.

Other monuments as the Tombstone of Eduardo Pavia of Magalhaes, Statue to Bishop D. Marcelino Franco and Monument of the Antonio Padinha are also a very good place to visit in Tavira.

Tavira has a vast religious patrimony. In the council you can see the Church of Santa Maria of the Castle, Church of Sao Tiago, Church of the Mercy, Convent of Carmo, Church of Nossa Senhora das Ondas, Church of Sao Jose of the Hospital, Church of San Francisco, Church of Sao Paulo, Church of Carmo, Church of Santo Antonio, Church of Santa Ana, Church of Nossa Senhora do Livramento and the old Convent of Bernardas.

The House of the Craft is one of the most original places in Tavira. The space offers live ateliers, with the intention of demonstrating the techniques used in the execution of the manual weaving, the ceramic and the artistic glaze tile, the production in leather, incomes and painting on woven, the work of the wood, the croche by hand, the art of the palm, the traditional bread, the honey, the medicinal and aromatic plants and the full figs.

The objective of that House is to publish the artisans’ of the council, in an initiative of the Association of Arts and Flavours of Tavira.

The freguesias Cabanas de Tavira, Cachopo, Conceicao, Luz de Tavira, Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, Santa Luzia, Santa Maria, Santiago e Santo Estevao are part of the municipal district of Tavira.

Cabanas de Tavira and the blue of the sea

Nowadays, the freguesia of Cabanas de Tavira continues to dedicate to the fishing, contributing to the enrichment of the local gastronomy, with products as the tuna, lingueirao, the conquilhas and ameijoas. Strongly linked to the fishing art, the freguesia has an area of 3.480 hectares and a population of 1.106 inhabitants.

However, Cabanas also live of tourism, being one of the freguesias of the council of Tavira that more visitors attract along the year. The importance of the tourism grew starting from 1973, when Cabanas saw to be born its first hotel unit: Aldeamento Pedras da Rainha. The construction of this infrastructure allowed the tourists’ arrival to that town, also making possible the creation of a high number of workstations.

But it is in the marginal one that we can find one of the most worked points of Cabanas, the beach.

By boat we go through Ria Formosa to the Cabanas-Mar beach. The long sand dune provides beautiful walks and an unbelievable perception of the beauty of the sun.

If you prefer to appreciate more about the town, Ria Formosa is a destiny of natural excellence, accompanied of the crystalline blue of their waters.

The lovers of the golf can relax. In Cabanas de Tavira we have one of the best golf courses of Algarve. The golf course Quinta da Ria is located in a scenery where the green of the fields is mixed with the blue of the sky and of the sea, in a beautiful encounter with the nature.

Nossa Senhora do Mar is the patron of the freguesia. The church is evidence of the people’s of Cabanas devotion.

But if the past attracts your attention, it is obligatory to walk for the fortress of Sao Joao of Barra that today is private property. The fortress was built in 1556 by Val de Reis count and rebuilt in 1793.

To take advantage of the gastronomy of the area, some clues are to visit the restaurants Principe, Cabanas Park, Ideal and Monteiro, among others of a lot of quality in Cabanas.

Hope to meet you soon in Tavira and its beautiful islands!

What’s famous in Portugal, maybe some landmarks and great sight-seeing stuff, and most importantly, your CULTURE!!! I’d like to know all about you!

Lisbon, 23rd of September 2006

Can there be a more romantic destination than a place called “Mount Moon”? The Sintra mountain range was so called, due to the sun and moon cults that were practiced there during past eras. On an exuberant strong green mountain, peeking over the Atlantic ocean, lays the village of Sintra, named Cynthia by the Romans and a poet and writer’s preferred destination, like Lord Byron who even dedicated a couple of verses.

Sintra is a distinctive tourism region, one of the most notable in Portugal. The strong green landscapes, the mountains and the ocean, the Castle, the Palaces, the Houses and local gastronomy make of Sintra one of the most pleasurable locations of the country.

Named world patrimony by UNESCO due to the cultural landscape of the mountain range and the village, Sintra is a locality where you can easily confuse the symbiosis between Man and Nature, in a romantic environment of great mysticism.

Sintra has been favored by elitists for many eras, and all cultural attitudes have marked the region. Full of interesting houses, surrounded by luxurious gardens, its isolation attracted monks and hermits, who gave Sintra its religious and cultural dimension. It was also the elected place, for a number dynasties to set up their houses (permanent or for leisure), which have been conserves over the years. At the top of the mountain range we can observe the Castle of the Mouros, conquered from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques in 1147.

Sintra has some of the most beautiful and romantic constructions of the country that coexist perfectly with nature. Perhaps the maximum exponent is the Palacio da Pena, built 500 meters up the mountain range, by King D. Fernando in 1839. The rooms are decorated according to the time, there are mysterious hiding place, all decorative details are beautifully put together and the view is indescribably breath taking. This is what you can expect from this architectural jewel.

Another place to visit is Quinta da Regaleira, an eccentric building, constructed at the beginning of the 20th Century Inspired by Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles, it emanates an impressive and mysterious atmosphere. The Iniciatico Well, an intimidating spiral stair case inside the house, invokes esoteric rituals that were repeatedly practiced in the place. Sintra’s Paco Real, with its long and conic emblematic white chimneys, marks the beginning of the Old Village of Sintra and is an un-missable monument of the patrimonial wealth, as well as the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Monserrate.

But strolls around Sintra don’t only include the Old Village and the beautiful mansions. Not far you will find beaches that are very popular. Such as Praia das Macas (Apple Beach) and Praia Grande (the Great Beach), preferred destinations of elitists of the region. Close by, Cabo da Roca marks the western most point of Europe. Also worth discovering are other villages such as Colares, where famous wines are produced, and Azenhas do Mar built on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

The visit to Sintra will not be complete without tasting and taking home some of its typical pastry, like the Travesseiros and Queijadas de Sintra, that promise to leave a sweet memory in your mouth of one of the most charming destinations in Portugal.

To complete the experience and extend sensations in an unforgettable manner, choose one of the best charming hotels of the region for an accommodation that is guaranteed to prolong the emotions.

Villa Albatroz

As you open the window, feel the sea breeze and appreciate the fascinating life of Cascais Bay.

Encrusted in the centre of Cascais, directly over its attractive bay is the relaxing Villa Albatroz. The perfect and sophisticated setting is the guarantee of a memorable stay.

Luxury and taste are omnipresent throughout the Villa. The rooms display distinct and personalised natures inspired in the D. Maria style that creates a pleasant period atmosphere, both comfortable and charming.

Senhora da Guia

Sip a drink at the panoramic bar, enjoy nature, silence and the glorious ocean view.

Located between Cascais and Guincho Beach, between the sea and the golf course, Senhora da Guia offers the perfect combination of sophisticated atmosphere and quality service.

The rooms and sitting areas, distributed throughout three buildings, are surprising due to their attractive design, the taste of the decor, and the refinement and comfort of the furniture. A number of the rooms provide direct access to the ample gardens and to the salt water pools, while the others offer snug terraces and a superb ocean view.

Quinta do Rio Touro

Rest, read, and dream, nestled in a valley between the mountain and the sea.

Close to a small creek, curiously named Rio Touro (Bull River), along a sheltered and luxuriant valley facing the ocean and in the depths of the Sintra-Cascais natural park, lays the distinguished Quinta do Rio Touro.

The interior design is personalised, the common living areas are replete with genuine antiques and classical and modern paintings, the rooms are spacey and offer superb views of the gardens and the valley with the sea in the horizon.

Hotel Albatroz

Dive into a salt water pool and relax to the sound of waves lapping on the rocks.

“Tiny Almond Box” the pet name of the ancient Palace of the Dukes of Loule, is today, the prestigious Hotel Albatroz, a luxury hotel situated by the sea in the village of Cascais.

The sumptuous and elegant decor in soft colours effuses the charm of a private residence and reveals itself to be both comfortable and warm. The rooms and ample suits benefit from the calming view of the sea, also present at the restaurant and perfectly in harmony with the unique menu of fish and seafood.

Farol Design Hotel

Settle into your designer chair and touch the sea.

The old Farol Guest House, once a XIX century mansion owned by the Count of Cabral, was carefully refurbished, becoming the current Farol Design Hotel, adjacent to the marina in the historical centre of Cascais.

The attention to design is a concern also present on the inside, starting with a balanced comfortable design of the interior space, created by renowned architects, and carries on through to the sober yet cosy rooms, some of which were designed by leading Portuguese designers.

Tags: ARTEH, Discover, lives, Portugal, Romance, Sintra
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