Quinta da Mota II is a detached cottage part of an old farm implanted in the middle of the Portuguese Silver Coast. Its generous 80m2 are distributed between a wide and light open space kitchen/dinner and living room, two bedrooms (sleeps 5 people) and 1 bathroom. The property has been brightly decorated with a touch of 'Mediterranean'.
Despite its rural setting, the location is very convenient, with the nearest beach (Sao Martinho do Porto) only 7 minutes away by car, and Alfeizerao's International Equestrian Center (CEIA) within walking distance where you can find a great restaurant serving a three course meal (lunch) for 7.50 euros! The food is great and it's a 5 minutes walking distance from the property.
The garden, shared with one other 2-bedroom unit (Quinta da Mota I) has a large lawn, well distributed shady and sunny areas, including a hammock under the palm trees, a sand pit for the little ones and a barbecue.
The generously sized outdoor swimming pool (9mx4m) has salty water technology which takes less chlorine and is therefore easier on your skin.
Because of the versatile configuration of Quinta da Mota's setting there is the possibility to rent both units for a bigger group / family of up to 14 guests, so if this is of interest please just send us a message and we can look at availability for the dates required.
Overview of the area
Sao Martinho Do Porto: Retaining its Portuguese charm and character, Sao Martinho do Porto, where the nearest beach is located, is a remarkably picturesque seaside town. The town is built around the sheltered bay that provides for safe bathing away from the strong Atlantic currents. The bay also benefits from warmer waters thanks to its sheltered location which are ideal for practising a variety of water sports available. There are life guards on the beach during the summer and the beach is cleaned most days showing off its beautiful iridescent silver sand which is where the area gets its name from. Surrounding the bay there are numerous cafés and restaurants where the majority of the food on offer is typical Portuguese (superb seafood), though there is also a very good Italian & also a Swiss restaurant along the front of the bay too (with English translation on their menus). We can recommend:
Acasa – Excellent service & fresh fish you can choose.
Carvalho – In Main St – Old Town centre. Level with the back of Hotel Atlantica. Very good value.
O'Farol - located on the beach itself with the best views and good value.
If relaxing on the green is what takes your fancy there are a number of excellent well established golf courses in the surrounding area, and more are planned.
There is a small supermarket within a 5 minute walk (O Lavrador) stocking all the essentials, but for a larger shop we recommend Pingo Doce, a large supermarket 10 minutes away by car on the way to Caldas da Rainha, very well socked with fresh local produce, meat and fish, as well as covering all other shopping needs.
Climate & vicinity
Sao Martinho do Porto enjoys an idyllic climate that tends not to reach oppressive extremes of hot or cold. Daytime temperatures mid-summer tend to range between 26ºC and 34ºC. Mid-winter daytime temperatures typically range between 14ºC and 18ºC.
Within the vicinity of Sao Martinho is the beautiful historic town of Obidos (approximately 10 min drive) which overlooks the Obidos lagoon (the largest lagoon in Europe). Similarly to Sao Martinho, the lagoon provides safe bathing away from the strong Atlantic currents. Sao Martinho's other neighbouring towns include Nazare and Peniche, typical Portuguese seaside towns which offer a good number of cafés, bars and excellent restaurants.
Suggestions for exploratory days out:
You must visit the beautiful medieval castle of Obidos with its quirky little streets, only 10 minutes by car, were you find a range of fine Portuguese restaurants and experience fine dining at its best.
The exquisite Berlangas archipelago is also a must. It is a natural reservation with fantastic opportunities for bird watching and there is also an amazing beach between the cliffs. To get there you must catch the boat from Peniche that is 15 minutes' drive from the property.
Peniche is also fantastic for its fresh fish market and surfing. The beaches of Peniche and Baleal are considered the best in Europe for surfing.
And don't forget that beautiful Lisbon is 50 minutes' drive away. This is an amazing city waiting to be discovered: do include the characteristic Fado (traditional portuguese music) and regional cuisine in a typical Bairro Alto taverna, a visit to Sintra palace (amazing views over the city) and also some time in the Alfama area (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), where most of the old architecture is centred.
How to get here
Lisbon Airport is recommended as it is an easy drive along the A8 taking between 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Use Alfeizerao as your destination on your GPS, leave the A8 motorway at junction 20 and head north on the N8 for 4 Km. You'll find Quinta da Mota on a left turn off the N8, just before the building where CEIA (Centro Equestre Internacional de Alfeizerao) is located.
Finally
We hope you'll have an unforgettable holiday here on Portugal's silver coast. Please get in touch if you would like to receive more information, either about the property or to get suggestions for local information, places to visit and days out. We look forward to welcome you in Quinta da Mota and would love to hear about your experience, comments and recommendations.
