Quinta Pero Vicente — Hotel in Aljezur

Our stay at Quinta Pero Vicente was the highlight of our travels up the Atlantic coast. ||||Set in the heart of the Alentejano and its coastal National Park and just a few minutes walk from the dramatic coastline; the surrounding countryside, with its mixture of forest, scrub (which in May was blanketed in colour) and agricultural land, was wonderful. ||||The 100 + yr old accommodation was traditional and comfortable, with an interesting library, Portuguese fabrics on the bed and hand-made lace on the shuttered windows. Vitor (who speaks excellent English and German), was an impeccable, well-informed and cultured host; passionate about his country and ready to recommend great places to visit, whether for dramatic scenery, hiking, wildlife, flora & fauna, geology, historical excursions, hidden places or dining. ||On the subject of food, after reading another review of the accommodation that strongly recommended having dinner here (prepared by Vitor and his mother), we did just that and it was without doubt one of the better gastronomic decisions we've ever made. ||||We were served a sumptuous, traditional seven-course banquet of the freshest meat, seafood and vegetables - much of it sourced by Vitor, along with personally selected wines. The Stalked Barnacles, which neither my partner nor I had before tried, were unforgettable and at first, admittedly a little challenging (and the stories told of their capture and the traditions and importance of this dish to the area were fascinating). The instructions on how to consume them were also essential and we learned that the dish is an expensive delicacy in the restaurants of Lisbon and London! The meal was a real treat and great memory to take away with us (and less expensive than most of the restaurants we visited). The breakfast, taken outside on the covered patio was delicious, with local breads, butter, juice, fruit, cold meats, pastries and a different dip, jam or honey each day.||||The location was easy to find and there are a couple of lovely trails from the house, one leading to the ocean that was very beautiful and varied and magical when taken early in the morning before breakfast. The accommodation is within walking distance of the short but stunning Esteveira trail described in Julie Statham's 'Walking in the Algarve' book (second edition - the first was by June Parker and was then revised) published by Cicerone press. Vitor is happy to provide local maps and guides to assist you.||||As you have perhaps gathered, we're really delighted to recommend Quinta Pero Vicente and look forward to returning - just hope it isn't all...

My daughter (21) and I visited Portugal and hiked the Rota Vincentina, alternating between the historical and fisherman ways. We actually hiked beyond Rogil and then had to back track to Quinta Pero Vincente, thanks to our silly map skills! The road into Quinta Pero Vincente is long road, nicely marked, and our anticipation built as friendly dogs ran along with us as we approached the farm home. And then, there it was, our welcome: Vitor, and his most beautiful and friendly dogs! Once we were introduced, we had a quick tour and put our things in our room. It was set up with two twin beds and had a very high slant ceiling, and the room was spacious. A deep set window opens onto Vitor's garden, which is a beautiful view. The curtains on the window are embroidered and so pretty. The bathroom consists of a toilet, sink, and shower. All work well and the water is nice and hot. Once settled, Vitor invited us out to the patio so that he could share some local information. He has great books that highlight, through pictures, some of the local activities and special places. We especially enjoyed learning about the harvesting of Goose Barnacles! Later that evening, Vitor set us up with bikes and lanterns and we rode into Rogil to a local restaurant to try out this treat. They were freshly prepared, delicious, and very fun to eat. The restaurant had a warm, friendly feel, and after a nice drink, we enjoyed our ride under a moonlit sky, back into the country to Pero Vincente. We both slept very well under clean fresh sheets, a duvet, and a warm woolen blanket. In the morning, we awoke ready for breakfast. A small fire gently warmed the dining and living area, and the table was setting was so pretty. Fresh squeezed orange juice, pastry, fresh bread, cheese, meats, and a perfect espresso with warm milk for each of us. We enjoyed more than one! Later, we walked down to the beach about 10 minutes away and enjoyed the solitude, beauty, and waves. We would have loved to be able to spend many more days at Quinta Pero Vincente. Vitor is a well informed, well read man, and extremely interesting to talk to. He has a lot of knowledge about the history of the area, and has a great network of local friends, and businesses. It was a pleasure to accompany him to the fish market (amazing) and then for caffe and a pastry. These two Canadians look forward to another, longer visit as soon as we...

Quinta Pero Vicente was a complete surprise and the only negative point was that at the end of the stay, there was a feeling that we needed more time there to enjoy everything it has to offer.||The house is a typical "quinta" with plenty of space, comfortable rooms (ours had a very big bathroom) and beautiful surroundings.||It is possible to reach the nearest beach by foot walking through the forest that surrounds the house. The pathway, although nicely embedded in the nature, is very easy to do and obviously pleasant to the eyes and senses.||All the beaches around this area are breathtaking so the problem is really to decide which one to visit. Vitor, the owner, informed us right at the start of all the nice activities that we could do there, the best restaurants to visit and the best beaches according to the weather...We followed his advices and we had some of the best holidays ever!||Regarding the home made evening meals...they were amazing!! As someone from a fishing village I really appreciate fresh sea food and I wasn't disappointed...the sea food was incredible fresh and extremely delicious. By the time we were over with the starters we were already full! But more important than quantity (that you will have) it's the quality which is way above many 5* restaurants. The same applies to the very fulfilling and delicious breakfast, that you can enjoy outside surrounded by the lovely house pets.||As I said in the beginning, we only regret that we didn't have more time to try all the activities that are offered at Quinta Pero Vicente and surroundings: hikings through fishermen's trails, kayak tours, the Moonlight Donkey hikes (that takes place in August), or the dolphin/bird sightseeing that can be done from Sagres (41min distance).||I think it's clear we loved this place and we will definitely be coming back.||If you are keen to explore the beautiful Costa Vicentina, a rather windy but beautiful coast, still shielded from the impact of heavy tourism, this is the place to stay.||If you do, just don't forget to sit outside at night to watch...