Quinta da Praia das Fontes

Dona Leticia was so welcoming and made sure we were comfortable. We had morning appointments and would miss breakfast, so she left us some breakfast treats. That’s Portuguese kindness and hospitality. For the price, this felt like a great spot right by the beach. It’s a cute, enclosed place with rooms in several buildings. An area that looks as if it may have been a barn has been converted into a game room. There’s also a tennis court, bicycles for €5 a day, I think, and a section with farm animals. I saw goats but didn’t go all the way in. I believe there was a pool too.

We only stayed one night because of our schedule, which was our one regret. The place is scenic and quiet, a good choice if you want to be near a large city but away from traffic and noise. It’s about a 30 minute drive from Lisbon airport, across Ponte Vasco da Gama in Alochete. There’s plenty of free street parking around, and the neighborhood felt very quiet and safe. Our rooms, numbers 7 and 8, were large and well appointed, with garden views. One had a wood burning fireplace. They also had safes and mini refrigerators stocked with wines, Chocolate, and other things. Breakfast was extensive and delicious, served in a characterful converted wine seller. The waterfront setting includes extensive gardens, a pool, and a central courtyard. You can rent bicycles there, and there’s an always open table tennis and pool room. The staff were professional and helpful. We’d definitely choose it again when we’re next in Lisbon, Portugal.

The rooms are gorgeous and spacious, with beautiful antique furniture. The garden and pool are lovely too.

We spotted plenty of wading birds along the shore in the early morning, when the tide was out. The quinta sits by the Tagus estuary, across from Jardim da Primer on Av. Dom Manuel I and the statue of Estatua Dom Manuel I. Street parking is available outside. Our ornate room opened onto a large cobbled courtyard, with mature gardens at the back. Breakfast was an excellent continental spread, served in a vaulted room with access from the road.