The Casa, Nature, and Villages
BBQ on your own terrace off the Cottage, stroll the grounds, swim in the 8-meter pool above the house. Walk up into the hills behind the Casa into the World Heritage Nature preserve. Picnic, paint, relax, or hike across the Serra. Walk downhill through fields and farm paths to the little village of Almoçageme to visit the market, local shops and cafes. This lovely town is still very non-touristy! Continue down the hill to the beach, with crashing waves, and a lovely local restaurant serving fresh fish, including the local specialty, sardines. Mountain bikes are available, but it is not for the faint at heart! Steep hills and narrow roads are only for the very experienced!
Above, left to right: Casa grounds with BBQ terrace, the pool, path in the hills, view from mid-way up.
Above, left to right: Almoçageme wall, Almoçageme street, cliffs on the Atlantic, walking on the cliffs in spring.
Above, left to right: Main street in Colares, Farmhouse - art exhibition, beach below Almoçageme, village of Obidos
Sintra and Cascais
Casa do Celeiro is located midway between Cascais and Sintra, about a 20-minute drive to either town. Cascais, and neighboring Estoril, are both beautiful seaside ports, with lively art scenes, concerts, festivals, markets, cinemas, and plenty of great restaurants. Sintra is full of historic buildings and gardens as well as sumptuous private farms called ‘quintas’. Lord Bryon wrote about the unique beauty of Sintra. The Portuguese kings spent their summers in Pena Palace high above Sintra Vila which is also the site of the 10th c. Moorish Castle. Besides its rich history there are many beaches, golf courses and stunning walks along the coast or in the mountains.
Above, left to right: Cascais harbor, Cascais from the pier.
Above, left to right: Cascais street scene, Cascais harbor scene, Sintra.
Lisbon
The Casa is about a 1-hour drive from Lisbon, or 1/2 hour by train from Cascais. It is therefore easily possible to make day-trips into town to enjoy the wealth of cultural offerings and amazing scenery of the Portuguese capital city.
