Casa das Palmeiras

I loved the garden, with its huge palms, cacti and all the succulents. The place itself is clean and cozy, and the friendly owner is happy to help with whatever you need. For surfing, there’s a rack for your board and somewhere to rinse and hang your wetsuit. The rooms have everything handy. The beds could be more comfortable, and the cooking equipment could use an upgrade, but it’s a welcoming place with lovely people and a real home away from home feel.

The mosquitoes were the one real nuisance for me. They kept coming despite the net and repellent. Otherwise, it’s a peaceful, lovely place with a bit of a bohemian feel. The owner is wonderful and happy to help with anything you need to know, and the dogs are cute too.

You get a much closer feel for everyday Portugal here than you would in a hotel complex, and having a car helps when you want to explore the area. We felt as if we were visiting a friend. The local owner has a big heart, is always ready to help, shares great tips, and makes time for a chat. Everything we needed was there.

The area around the place is spectacular, and Alfama beach is about a 10-minute drive away. We spent a week here with family and felt at home the whole time. Having barbecues in the garden in the evenings was a real treat. It was an unbeatable stay, and I’ll definitely come back.