The wider area:
The invigorating coast of western Portugal is a dramatic and exhilarating destination where the Portuguese and Spanish go for their holidays – now you can enjoy it too. The region offers a refreshing change of pace – huge open skies, culturally vibrant towns with fine art treasures from porcelain to crystal, and Atlantic rollers breaking onto wide empty beaches. This is the real Portugal experience where you can enjoy great food - strongly influenced by the sea, great Bairrada wines and real Portuguese hospitality. This region of Estremadura is made up of rolling hills tumbling down through the long coastal medieval pine forest of Pinhal de leiria to rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. Its many castles, charming old towns and the finest medieval monasteries still bear witness to the region’s important role in history. There is just SO much to see and do!
Pedra do Ouro:
Pedra do Ouro is a small secluded beach resort, nestling between the pine forests and the sea, only 3 km south of the breathtakingly quaint and charming São Pedro do Moel and 12 km north of the traditional coastal town of Nazaré. It has just three restaurants, two bars/cafes, one shop and one beach cafe/shop! - Yet it is only 3 km from the many cafes, bars and restaurants in both the beach resort of Vale de Paredes to the south and and the established São Pedro do Moel to the north.
The many kilometres of unspoilt, uninterrupted sandy beach make it easy to be alone even in the height of summer, yet it is within easy reach of all amenities - a perfect base for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings of the medieval pine forests. With historic sight-seeing opportunities only short drives away - there are no less than 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites in this area of Portugal.
The local area:
São Pedro de Moel is the best preserved ‘little village by the sea’ in central Portugal - a small holiday village with quaint architecture nestling between the pine forests and the sea, only 3km north of Pedra do Ouro. This charming little resort dates back to Victorian times and boasts a pretty town-beach overlooked by a sea-water lido, and even a lighthouse.
It enjoys an elegant cosmopolitan ambience with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, some with terraces where you can sit and enjoy the magnificent sunset while you dine.
Vale de Paredes is another small beach resort only 3km south of Pedra do Ouro where you can enjoy many more cafe/restaurants.
Pataias is a village 10km south of Pedra do Ouro. It has a municipal indoor swimming pool which is also the site for the busy Sunday market. 10 minutes drive from the apartment, it is also the venue of the nearest large supermarket, an Intermarche.
