Portugal's south-west coast with kids || Costa Vicentina com crianças
Family Trip to Aljezur: A Perfect Destination for Young Kids
We traveled to Aljezur, Costa Vicentina, with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. Between the countryside, beaches, historic villages, and beautiful landscapes, I found myself saying it is one of the best places to visit with young children.
Our Stay: A Comfortable Home with All the Essentials
We stayed in a spacious house with easy access to Arrifana beach. It was a wonderful surprise - large, comfortable, and equipped with all the amenities we need, including a complete kitchen for preparing meals. The house was stocked with puzzles, beach toys and other fun games for the kids, and it had an incredible outdoor space for everyone, including our dog. Additionally, the square behind the house was quiet, perfect for the kids to play outside.
Travel Essentials: Minimal Luggage and the Right Gear
We brought frozen soups and homemade meals (thanks to Let’s go baby’s service) and packed very lightly (see my previous post on "How to Travel Light with Kids"). What we really needed to bring were security gates for the stairs in the house. However, we discovered that there were no baby-friendly dishes or glasses for the kids, so we ended up breaking a few.
Choosing the Right Accommodation for Family Travel
Choosing a good house is crucial. We needed a place that offered everything we needed to feel at home. The accommodation became even more essential as we were in lockdown due to COVID-19, and spending time in the house was a priority.
Exploring Costa Vicentina: Nearby Activities and Stunning Landscapes
Between teleworking, lunch breaks, and the end of the day, we took the opportunity to explore:
- Enjoy the sunset
- Walks through Arrifana
- Visit Arrifana Fortress
- Explore Aljezur and its castle
- Head to Monte Clérigo village and beach
- Visit Aldeia da Pedralva (known as "slow village")
- Explore Bordeira beach (known as Carrapateira)
- Visit the village in Bordeira
- Discover Odeceixe beach
- Relax at Amoreira beach
- Wander through Carrapateira
- Explore Sagres and Vila do Bispo
Everything is within close distance, allowing us to visit many amazing places. The drive along the national road is scenic, especially as you head toward Sagres. Expect beautiful ruins, picturesque villages, cows and sheep, and lush greenery everywhere. It’s a journey you can take at your own pace and enjoy without rush.
Costa Vicentina vs. Costa Alentejana: Know the Difference
It’s important to note the difference between Costa Alentejana and Costa Vicentina. Costa Alentejana begins in Tróia and goes all the way to Odeceixe. Costa Vicentina, on the west coast, starts in Odeceixe and ends in Burgau, on the south coast. Both coasts lie within the Algarve region, including municipalities like Aljezur, Bordeira, Odeceixe, Rogil and Vila do Bispo, covering locations such as Sagres and Budens.
The Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
These two coasts are sometimes confused because of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which stretches from São Torpes (Sines) to Burgau (Vila do Bispo). Knowing the distinctions between these areas is key to understanding the beauty and geography of this unique region.
Love,
Vera
Let’s go baby: Your Trusted Family Concierge in Portugal
Looking for baby gear, transportation or a personal travel assistant during your family vacation in Portugal? Let’s go baby is here to help. We provide family concierge services to make your trip smoother and stress-free. From baby equipment rentals to curated local suggestions, we ensure that your family vacation is everything you dreamed of.