CASA DO POETA SETABUL PORTUGAL

PERFECT LOCATION, GREAT PRICE POINT, 

LARGE ENOUGH FOR A FAMILY OF 3-4 TO LIVE IN -- NOT JUST VISIT!

Setubal is a gem and Casa do Poeta is in a vibrant location.

You are footsteps from an overlook of the entire waterfront, with a warm, locals bar-restaurants serving local seafood.

There are lots of small, free or low admission museums.

The restaurants are amazing and if you find a locals place, you may get a 5-course fresh seafood meal with wine for under 15 euros including tip.

The architecture is stunning.

This is the real Portugal.

And you are less than an hour's train ride or drive from Lisbon's large airport.

CASA DO POETA SETABUL PORTUGAL

PERFECT LOCATION, GREAT PRICE POINT, 

LARGE ENOUGH FOR A FAMILY OF 3-4 TO LIVE IN -- NOT JUST VISIT!

I could have stayed a week or a month at this Casa do Poeta.

It is footsteps from a grand arch that leads to the main drag into the fascinating old town.

Just below the hill is the region's main boulevard -- Avenida Luisa Todi -- and all of its parks and amenities.

Casa do Poeta Setabul is a 5-minute walk to the famous choco frito restaurants. Maybe 10 to Praca Bocage, the place for visitors.

It's 15 minutes tops to get to Marcado Livramento -- one of the greatest public markets on earth.

The ferry to Troia is very close, as is the entire old town.

CASA DO POETA SETABUL PORTUGAL

PERFECT LOCATION, GREAT PRICE POINT, 

LARGE ENOUGH FOR A FAMILY OF 3-4 TO LIVE IN -- NOT JUST VISIT!

The only demerit in a sea of positives at Casa do Poeta Setabul was the tiny liquid soap dispenser in the bathroom.

Even unique, family-owned properties have figured out it's good hosting to have a large bottle of shampoo/bodywash mounted in the shower and a full bottle of hand soap in the bathroom sink.

On arrival, there was one dispenser, basically out of soap, by the sink.

This may have been an oversight by the cleaning crew -- but it forced me to waste 40 minutes walking to a grocery, waiting in checkout line and walking back...just to have soap and shampoo.

The neighborhood looks a bit dodgy with graffiti. Don't be put off.

The town is transforming and every other building is being renovated.

But I never heard noise from construction during the day or bars and night.

CASA DO POETA SETABUL PORTUGAL

PERFECT LOCATION, GREAT PRICE POINT, 

LARGE ENOUGH FOR A FAMILY OF 3-4 TO LIVE IN -- NOT JUST VISIT!

I was so fortunate to book this property.

The owners were fabulous about keeping in touch before I left the US and while I was in Portugal leading up to this visit and during my stay.

They shared many tips on places to see, things to eat, etc.

I'm a history buff and the apartment shares a wall with the birthplace of legendary Setubal and subversive poet and writer Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage, which serves as a museum to his works and also as an archive of photographer Americo Ribeiro.

The unit even comes with free parking if you can nab a spot at the next door church square.

Bed was comfy, AC worked well, kitchen facilities were top notch and shower had endless hot water.

PONTA DA PIEDADE GROTTO TOUR IN LAGOS BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE AND SAFE AT SEA WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL

ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

As most of you know, Viator works with thousands of subcontractors.

They are up front about telling you what sub is conducting your tour.

When I arrived at the docks, an English speaking person told me I was the only one that booked for my time.

I feared I would be left to fend for myself, despite having a very tight daily schedule.

No, he placed me on another boat with a top notch captain and English speaking guide.

All was well.

No worries with Viator.

PONTA DA PIEDADE GROTTO TOUR IN LAGOS BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE AND SAFE AT SEA WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL

ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

I have been in some of the most exotic parts of the world -- done on my own and without a guide.

So when I swear by Viator -- that means the company is doing something right.

We left right on time, returned right on time and every moment at sea felt safe and sound.

The narration was spot on.

Going out the channel gives a great view of Old Lagos.

Getting out to the rock formations and grottos -- on the way to and at Ponta da Piedade, gives you a picture post card view from the Atlantic up to the amazing cliffs and openings.

BENAGIL CAVES SPEEDBOAT TOUR FROM PORTIMÃO BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE, SAFE AT SEA AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING 

WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

The Viator guided boat stopped at so many hidden coves and sea caves that were as good or better as the famous Benagil.

The guide took photos of each person that wanted one of them at Benagil.

On the speedy return to port, he gave tips on what else to see and where to eat in the area.

This allowed me to visit the amazing network of boardwalks near Carvoeiro to Algar Seco, based on his insights.

The trip was a great value and felt very safe at sea.

BENAGIL CAVES SPEEDBOAT TOUR FROM PORTIMÃO BY VIATOR

GREAT VALUE, SAFE AT SEA AND HIGHLY ENTERTAINING 

WITH SUPER PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE

I am NOT a group tour person.

So when Viator impresses me, it means its tours are the best of the best.

The Benagil Caves by speedboat left right on time.

We saw everything advertised and then some.

The guide had perfect English.

He was the ideal blend of informative about history, culture, etc. -- while also being humorous.

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

Monte Geracoes has 5 units on its rustic site, but I NEVER heard another person.

The property is within 15 minutes walking distance to a commercial strip in Almancil.

There are major discount and gourmet grocery stores a 5 minute drive away.

The town has its share of great restaurants and the owner happily shared his favorites and what they specialize -- in a WhatsApp text before my arrival, so I could plan.

The greatest asset of all was something I really did not book based on. That is a very large, heated pool.

I'm usually on the go, so a pool is not a big deal -- plus, the Atlantic Ocean was 15 minutes away and part of half the towns I toured.

But getting back between 8 and 9 p.m. and doing an hour in the pool at sunset and moonrise -- it was divine.

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

The Monte Geracoes owner fielded my myriad questions about best cities to visit based on what I love (history, architecture, authenticity).

He came by the property to chat and make sure I got in okay (there is a gated entry and you need a clicker to open it) and was set up -- arriving in less than an hour after I did.

The owner checked in throughout my trip.

He suggested an amazing, and fair priced seafood place in a hill town.

I was thinking coastal for fin and shell fish, but he was spot on with his recommendation, even suggesting I go for dinner instead of lunch -- so I saw the lights illuminating the city's dramatic Moorish castle.

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

The only minus against 100 pluses at Monte Geracoes was the thinness and hardness of the mattress.

I realize this is a very personal thing -- as some folks like to sleep on something firm as concreate and others want mushy marshmallows under them.

I have a firm mattress at home, but I woke up with hip pain and was gobbling Tylenol the whole trip.

The overly hard mattress had to be the cause.

Maybe a mattress topper at the ready, would be a solution?

MONTE GERAÇÕES ALMANCIL ALGARVE PORTUGAL

TRANQUIL STAY, LUXURY HEATED POOL, PERFECT LOCATION 

CREATED BY A WARM AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOST

I can't say enough about the property. It's perfectly located in the heart of the Algarve.

I rented a car at the Lisbon Airport and drove down. It was less than a 90 minute drive to the farthest point west -- Sagres and only an hour to Alcoutim at the boarder of Spain to the east.

All of the hill towns, which often are less overdeveloped than the beach and golf course communities, were an hour's drive from the property.

The kitchen was outstanding and clean.

I appreciated the full size fridge, microwave, utensils, plates and more.

The bedroom was large, well lit, etc.

It really is a small house, far larger than a hotel unit.

FATIMA, NAZARE, OBIDOS AND MOSTEIRO DA BATALHA

THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM LISBON PORTUGAL VIA VIATOR

The side stop at Mosteiro da Batalha was a great bonus.

As the only solo adventurer in the group, I sat up front next to the tour guide.

Her English was great.

When not speaking to the group, sharing wonderful insights about the next stop, our guide indulged my storytelling.

She also answered my myriad questions about cost of living, culture, taxes, healthcare, etc. in Portugal -- as I am considering buying a place there.

Bravo Viator.

You have won over the do-it-yourselfer skeptic.

 

FATIMA, NAZARE, OBIDOS AND MOSTEIRO DA BATALHA

THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM LISBON PORTUGAL VIA VIATOR

Spending about two hours in Nazare was ideal.

We saw the upper and lower towns.

The lunch break on our own led to a meal with new friends.

We shared a huge stew of monkfish in tomato rice, washed down with local red wine.

The Fatima pilgrimage city stop was a great way to start the day and focused on history, not just the religious aspect.

FATIMA, NAZARE, OBIDOS AND MOSTEIRO DA BATALHA

THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM LISBON PORTUGAL VIA VIATOR

The Viator Portugal tour took us to four sites.

We parked as close as you could to the attraction and had plenty of free time, so you didn't feel like you were glued to your fellow travelers.

If you wanted to stand in one corner and take photos of the most interesting part of the building or grounds -- you could do so.

I love walled cities and thought I wanted a half or full day in Obidos.

To be honest, it is so small, the 90 or so minutes we spent there was ideal.

FATIMA, NAZARE, OBIDOS AND MOSTEIRO DA BATALHA

THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM LISBON PORTUGAL VIA VIATOR 

The Viator Portugal tour group was fewer than a dozen.

The guide was excellent. 

She was University trained, so there was no memorized narration.

She was interactive, warm, insightful and much more.

The people on the tour were generally my age (pushing 60 and up) and all were well read and well-traveled.

So chatting on the sidelines or while in the van was engaging as well.

FATIMA, NAZARE, OBIDOS AND MOSTEIRO DA BATALHA

THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM LISBON PORTUGAL VIA VIATOR

I am not one to go on group tours.

I travel all the time and have probably booked a guide and van transport with others maybe five times in my life.

So I was not certain about going on a Viator tour.

I worried what was billed as a small tour would end up on a huge bus.

I was pleasantly surprised.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 7

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Essaouira fishermen seem to have a special connection with the port cats, giving them fine cuts of fish, along with the odd chin stroke. 

The leftovers – which a cat might usually be expected to eat – are for the seagulls.

With their bellies full the cats have a siesta on a bed of soft fishing nets, away from the wind.

Anyone want to swap places?

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 6

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

Why? 

Probably because they have certainty in life: a daily supply of more fresh fish than they could ever eat. 

Sardines, barracudas, eels – if it swims, the fishermen will sell it. 

And the cats are taking advantage.

THE HAPPIEST FELINES OF ESSAOUIRA -- 5

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE WRIGHT/WORDS BY:

AKEES VAN UNEN AND SANNE ZURNE – THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

At Essaouira’s port lives possibly the happiest cat colony in Morocco. 

Well fed and completely relaxed, its inhabitants are quite a contrast to their counterparts across the rest of the country.