“If you visit Praia das Maçãs (and stay at Vila Arcos), you’ll be in for a treat… not just the great hospitality afforded by Ralph, but the lovely cottage, wonderful beach and local cuisine! After a lot of research and many questions to Ralph (which I must say were always answered, without leaving you feeling you were being a pain – which of course, I was!) – we chose this location and cottage, very simply because it felt like too good to be true on, price, plus all the extras – and it didn’t fail to live up to the feeling of having bagged a really good deal! The cottage is very simple, but contemporary. It has all you need, although a family of 4 might struggle on the size of living communal living space – but this can be overcome if most of the time was spent out and about or sitting in the patio area outside (weather permitting.) It would benefit from a washing machine, but that is a minor issue and personal preference. We visited (in May out of season, which begins in earnest 1 June), and it was very quiet (which is what we wanted), but the bus services, local Lido, tennis courts (all of which looked great) and beach facilities (such as showers) were closed! The beach whilst lovely was not safe for swimming as there was no lifeguard until the season opened. The bus services were also a bit hit and miss, and so a car might be a good idea if you want to get around (even to nearby Sintra.) That said, we would recommend both the location and the cottage. The restaurants and local people are great, the climate perfect, location and surrounding areas are really lovely. We do a lot of travelling and love to try out new places, but on this occasion will make an exception and make this a regular location for our holiday, particularly as my son has made great friends with local children, met through taking lessons at the local surf school! We have recommended Lisbon Coast Cottages, and friends and family are already showing real interest (Ralph watch out…)”

Jaz Sargeant, UK – April 2009 – Vila Arcos