Family Adventure on Portugal's Costa Vicentina

A Day of Discovery Along the Vicentina Coast

Today was a day of exploration and indulgence along the stunning Costa Vicentina. It's amazing how quickly a week can fly by when you're surrounded by such natural beauty. As we approach the end of our family adventure, I'm trying to soak in every last bit of this picturesque coastline. Today’s itinerary promised hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and, of course, more delicious Portuguese cuisine.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ti Vitoria in Zambujeira do Mar. It's always a treat to start the day with a good meal, and this place came highly recommended. Ti Vitoria is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. We opted for some local pastries and strong coffee to fuel up for the day’s adventures. Mateo, of course, went straight for the *pastel de nata*, his favorite! Klara and I enjoyed some bread with local jam. It was a simple, satisfying start to what promised to be a memorable day.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Ti Vitoria, Beja's beloved restaurant offering traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

With our bellies full, we set off to Praia da Foz dos Ouriços. Getting there required a bit of a walk, about 15 minutes from Almograve beach, but the anticipation of discovering a hidden gem kept us motivated. The path was surrounded by lush vegetation, and the sound of the nearby stream added to the tranquility. This beach is known for being a bit more secluded, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. It’s a small paradise, tucked away from the busier spots. The beach itself is framed by rugged cliffs, creating a dramatic and intimate setting. Mateo loved exploring the little rock pools, searching for tiny crabs and other sea creatures. Klara and I just sat back, enjoying the peace and quiet, and soaking up the sun. It was the perfect spot to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the Costa Vicentina.


Experience breathtaking views and pristine beaches at Praia da Foz dos Ouriços, a hidden gem along the Rota Vicentina in Portugal.

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found off the beaten path.

After a relaxing morning at the beach, we were ready for our next adventure: Passadiços do Cabo Sardão. These boardwalks are located in the westernmost area of Portugal and Europe, offering stunning views of the coastline. The drive there was scenic, with rolling hills and quaint villages dotting the landscape. As we arrived, the dramatic cliffs and the iconic lighthouse immediately caught our attention. The Passadiços are well-maintained and easy to walk, making them accessible for families. As we strolled along the boardwalks, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. Cabo Sardão is also known for its unique colony of white storks nesting on the sea cliffs, a rare sight in Europe. We spent a good hour or so wandering along the Passadiços, taking photos and simply enjoying the stunning scenery. Mateo was particularly fascinated by the lighthouse, asking endless questions about how it worked and how far its light could reach. It was a great opportunity to teach him a bit about navigation and the importance of lighthouses in maritime history.


Experience the natural wonders of Passadiços do Cabo Sardão, a stunning hiking trail along Portugal's breathtaking Atlantic coastline.

By lunchtime, we had worked up quite an appetite. We headed to Odemira to Restaurante Tasca o Bernardo, a place recommended for its traditional Alentejo cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, rustic atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. We started with some local cheese and olives, followed by grilled fish and *carne de porco à alentejana* (pork with clams), a regional specialty. The food was hearty and flavorful, and it was clear that the ingredients were fresh and locally sourced. Mateo surprised us all by devouring a plate of grilled sardines, a testament to how much his tastes have expanded during this trip!


Experience authentic Alentejan flavors at Tasca o Bernardo – where tradition meets taste in every dish.

After lunch, we decided to do some shopping at Ceramica Paraiso, also in Odemira. I had been wanting to pick up some authentic Portuguese ceramics as souvenirs, and this place seemed like the perfect spot. The shop was filled with colorful pottery, from plates and bowls to decorative tiles and figurines. We spent a good hour browsing the selection, admiring the intricate designs and vibrant colors. Klara, with her architect's eye, was particularly drawn to the geometric patterns and the craftsmanship of the pieces. Mateo, of course, was more interested in the animal figurines, especially the roosters, which seem to be a popular symbol in Portugal. I finally settled on a set of hand-painted bowls and a few decorative tiles, which I carefully packed away in my suitcase, already dreaming of displaying them in our home in Potsdam.


Explore exquisite handcrafted ceramics at Ceramica Paraiso in Raposeira, a charming pottery store that embodies Portuguese artistic tradition.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to Zambujeira do Mar for dinner at A Choupana. This restaurant is known for its seafood and its stunning location overlooking the ocean. We arrived just in time to catch the sunset, which painted the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple. The view was simply breathtaking, and it set the perfect mood for our final meal of the day. We ordered a selection of fresh seafood, including grilled prawns, clams, and sea bass. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were incredibly fresh and vibrant. Mateo, who had initially been hesitant about trying the seafood, ended up loving the grilled prawns, declaring them even better than chicken nuggets! Klara and I savored every bite, knowing that this would be one of the culinary highlights of our trip.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at A Choupana near Praia do Farol – where delicious food meets stunning coastal views.

After dinner, as we walked back to our eco-friendly accommodations, we reflected on the day’s adventures. From the hidden beach of Praia da Foz dos Ouriços to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Sardão and the delicious food we enjoyed along the way, it had been a day filled with unforgettable experiences. It’s moments like these, shared with my family, that make traveling so rewarding. As I look ahead to tomorrow, our final day on the Costa Vicentina, I’m filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. We plan to explore the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina [Tomorrow's itinerary], hoping to discover even more of this region’s natural beauty, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Pessegueiro Island [Tomorrow's itinerary]. We'll have breakfast at Ao Largo Odeceixe, lunch at Bar da Praia do Almograve, and a final dinner at O Zé [Tomorrow's itinerary]. And who knows, maybe we’ll even squeeze in a visit to Boa Vida Social Club for a nightcap [Tomorrow's itinerary]. Until then, it’s time to rest and recharge for one last day of adventure on the Costa Vicentina.

This trip has been a wonderful reminder of the simple joys in life: spending time with family, exploring new places, and savoring delicious food. As a mobile app developer, I often get caught up in the world of technology, but it’s important to disconnect and reconnect with nature and the people I love. And as we prepare to return to Potsdam, I know that the memories we’ve made on this trip will stay with us for a long time to come.

Costa Vicentina, you’ve captured our hearts. Until next time!