Casa Azul & Casa Branca do Olival

No sooner has this gentle word passed your lips than the wanderlust sets in. Alentejo. Aaah! For many, this region in the south of Portugal is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Europe. So much untouched nature, such diversity! In the interior, the vast plain, cork oak forests, olive trees and bright green rice fields. On the coast white dunes and endless Atlantic beaches with powdered sand so fine that it squeaks underfoot. On the banks of the Sado lies the small town of Alcácer do Sal, with its whitewashed houses, colorful laundry fluttering in the wind between them, winding alleyways, and friendly residents. Two individual and stylish apartments right in the center are great spots to imagine being part of authentic Portuguese small-town life. The hosts are Maria Antónia and her family, who also run the Monte do Olival farm hotel seven kilometers outside the town. The façades of the historic townhouses around them, with their ornately painted tiles and ancient wooden doors, give you an idea of what you will find inside. As many original features as possible were preserved during renovation. In a nod to the sea, the Casa Azul features shutters, sofas, chairs and a modern kitchen in exactly all in the same shade of turquoise. Earthy elements that reflect the fields and beach provide contrast: a woven hanging chair, oversized wicker lampshades and a dining table made of untreated wood. The whitewashed, exposed ceiling beams and raw brick walls in – you guessed it – white create an airy atmosphere in Casa Branca. It exudes a wonderful vacation atmosphere, although you could certainly get used to the idea of becoming a permanent resident here. 

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• That you can vacation here all year round. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, the region is almost always a good destination. The ocean can be enjoyed well into October. In winter, long walks on the sands, horse riding on the beach, and hiking are the order of the day.
• The unobtrusive decoration: dried flowers, antique treasures, and selected black-and-white photographs
• The pretty Portuguese ceramics that adorn the walls and tables.
• The fact that the entire renovation team, from the architect to the carpenter, is local. 
• The many natural materials used in the decoration: reclaimed wood, raffia, sisal and organic textiles
• Alcácer do Sal, with its town houses and small fishermen's cottages, can be explored on foot from the apartments. Narrow paths and stairways lead up to a huge medieval castle complex.
• From the walls of the castle above the town, you can gaze in all directions. The view of the river and fields at sunset is particularly beautiful!
• You are only half an hour away from the Atlantic Ocean with its soft dunes, picture-book beaches and laid-back beach bars. And the chances of spotting a few storks on the way there aren't bad either.
• Let's do something! The village of Comporta has become a hipster spot in recent years. There are small cafés, nice stores and a rice museum here – perfect for strolling around and people-watching. Also great: stroll through the enchanting town of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the multifaceted architecture. Or explore the landscape of the Serra da Arrábida with its wooded hills, hidden coves and rugged cliffs.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• One apartment can accommodate up to four people plus a baby.
• Casa Branca has two double bedrooms, Casa Azul has a bedroom with a double bed and a pull-out sofa bed in the living room, which is suitable for 1 adult or 2 children up to 12.
• Babies and small children (or the bigger ones, of course!) are welcome guests here. Cribs and high chairs are provided free of charge. Parental peace of mind is ensured by the gate at the top of the rather steep stairs.
• Great for families who are traveling together but also like to do their own thing: the city apartments are close together.
• It can get very hot here in summer, so you'll be glad of the air conditioning in both apartments. And there is heating for the cooler days.
• There are authentic and inexpensive fish restaurants along the river with delicious dishes such as river fish stew or mussels with rice.
• Both accommodations have bathrooms with rain showers, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, free WiFi, toiletries, bed linen and towels.
• The nearest airport is Lisbon and can be reached in about 50 minutes.
• The apartments are located in the center of town with old and narrow streets, so parking directly at the house is not possible. There are free parking spaces nearby.
• Not that you’ll need the car – restaurants and supermarkets are within walking distance.