Portugal - Zambujeira do Mar

Zambujeira do Mar is located along the breathtaking coastline of the Alentejo region. This picturesque village, with its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon. We discovered Vinho Verde (green wine) produced in the territory between the Douro and Minho Rivers. This region is known for the Alvarinho grape variety that produces unique wines. The wine isn't actually 'green'. Although white wine is the most popular, there is also red and rose.  

What did we do?

Praia de Zambujeira do Mar: Nice beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach provide breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Coastal Hiking Trails: The Rota Vicentina, a renowned long-distance hiking trail, passes through the village where we stayed. We enjoyed two days of picturesque hikes along the rugged coastline (Fisherman's Trail) and enjoyed panoramic views and hidden coves along the way.

Happy Sharon

She thought she was
going to be taking a... 

...nice leisurely 
boardwalk stroll.

We found a fountain 
Is it a magical fountain?

I don't think 🤔 we will drink
from this fountain 

She's floating on air!

We skipped going down -- just
means we have to come
back up

I can't believe she agreed to another hike. I said this one will be easy.

I didn't even realize she wasn't 
behind me 😄 

The sand was the hardest to walk in

Which way do we go?

Various terrain 

A boardwalk

She's still moving

Don't look down Sharon!

Sunrises and Sunsets

Sunrise

Sunsets

Where did we eat?

Costa Alentejana was recommended to us by our host and it did not disappoint. We enjoyed it so much we went back another night. Both times we ate here, we ordered 'for two people' meals. They turned out to be for four people and we enjoyed leftovers twice.

Mmm what could this be?

Monkfish with
shrimp, clams and rice

A white wine from Portugal's
Vinho Verde region

It was that good

Fish & Pasta Stew with
Shrimps & Clams

Salad

A white wine from Portugal's
Vinho Verde region

We made a dent

There is nothing like local fresh bread 🍞 Padaria Augusto Ferreira & Filhos. The bread came in two sizes -- large and small. The "young lady" taught Sharon how to say small (pequena) in Portuguese.

Pequena por favor
Small please

Cocktails and a snack on our rooftop terrace

You must have a cold beer on a sunny afternoon at Sunset Cafe after hiking 🚶‍♂️ 🚶‍♀️.

Yes, even Sharon had a beer

Where did we stay? AirBnB, Apt on the Beach with sun roof hosted by Susana. Nice apartment with parking and a rooftop terrace. We ended up parking on the street since it was closer to the entrance.

Susana's information book is 
the first one that had information
on what to do during an
Earthquake 🤔😯😳😬

Our rooftop terrace

When did we visit? 13 - 16 October 2023

How did we get here? Drove about three hours from Lisbon.

Zambujeira do Mar is a coastal paradise with natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere. This is one of those small villages where we could have stayed a lot longer.

"Smell the sea, feel the breeze, hear the ocean, feel at ease!"