Odeceixe – Memorable Stay at Casas do Moinho
There’s a special place on the west coast of Portugal. It combines the bucolic countryside with an impressive coastline and its characterized by astonishing beaches. Moreover, is separated by dramatic cliffs, untouched landscapes, and a strong raw Atlantic essence hard to find elsewhere in the world.
Being Portuguese, I might sound suspicious talking about it but for me, it’s one of my favorite places in Portugal.
The tiny village of Odeceixe, a name whose pronunciation will make you suffer and laugh at the same time. It has a slow-paced atmosphere, and a unique charm all of its own. Definitely, a place to visit if you ever decide to spend your holidays in Portugal or even if you are in Lisbon for a few days.
Odeceixe is extremely calm out of season, however, its spirit changes in summer. Because attracts a lot of water sports enthusiasts, campers and families seduced by an amazing beach and a relaxed atmosphere. Which we felted very attracted to and even thought on living there for a while.
All the action is focused on a single main street and a small square, Largo 1 de Maio. Where there are not only a few cafés and restaurants but a couple of lively bars and mini-markets, and several craft shops.
The streets are narrow and the houses whitewashed with red tile roofs. Upon a hilltop with panoramic views over the valley below, sits a blue and white windmill. Very near the place where we were going to spend our first night, Casas do Moinho.
As soon as we arrived at Casas do Moinho. The sun was disappearing behind the hill from our private terrace and we could appreciate all the surroundings. It was the perfect set to recharge some batteries before going to eat a traditional pork dish called Carne de Porco à Alentejana.
Wonderfully located in a natural park, Casas Do Moinho is close to several beaches. It offers 5-star accommodation with free WiFi and includes an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views. Which is the hottest days is a blessing for anyone who wants to refresh and chill in the countryside. The room where we stayed was kind a little cute apartment with a kitchen and dining area. If you happen to visit the small town of Odeceixe and you are searching for a exquisite stay, we totally recommend this place.
Early in the morning, there was a yummy breakfast by the pool waiting for us. After having a wonderful meal and our bellies satisfied, we hit the road in direction of the beach, Praia de Odeceixe. Located only around 3km west of the village.
Driving down the broad valley keeping parallel to the River Seixe, we could see farmlands and swirls across a huge belt of sand into the ocean. The road climbs up out of the valley floor through a hillside offering a wonderful view over the valley and river below. Be sure you have your photo camera ready for some epic pictures.
Aljezur is only 17 min away by car from Odeceixe. A village with remote origins and marked by various archeological remnants. Over there, we only spent a few hours visiting the castle located on the top of the village. The views are impressive, due to its location.
The nearest beach, Arrifana is known as a popular surfing destination to many who travel to the Algarve. Characterised by a long slip of pale sand sheltered by a crescent bay and accessed by a hilly path. If you ever travel to Odeceixe, it’s definitely a place worth visit.
In the end of the day, we head back to Odeceixe, where we were about to experience something new.
Together with Paulina, we were about to spend our first night in a Mongolian yurt at an eco-friendly retreat center in Odeceixe.
Love, Pedro.
42 comments
Chrysoula
|I have never heard of this place before but it looks fantastic and especially the beach. It really makes me want to go to Portugal even more.
Moments of Yugen
|Thank you for your comment Chrysoula, we totally recommend to visit Portugal 😉
Drew
|What a spectacular destination. I’ve only ever been to Lisbon, but I love the rustic coastline of Portugal. Certainly worthy of a return trip, that’s for sure!
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks for your comment Drew! That’s for sure 😉 the rustic coastline of Portugal is beautiful.
Jasmin N
|That place looks amazing! Oh I’d love to visit Portugal one day. I’ve only been to Madeira & even tho it belongs to Portugal I don’t count it as I’ve been to Portugal haha
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks for your comment Jasmin 😀 We know exactly what you mean :)))
Kanishka Acharya
|Oh, I love love love beaches! The pictures are so beautiful, admirable and most of all satisfying to the eyes. Great post!
Moments of Yugen
|Thank you so much 🙂
Prerna Garg
|Never heard of the place before but your pictures are beautiful and make me think that the place is worth a visit! xoxoxo
Moments of Yugen
|Ye it is 😉 you would love it for sure! Thanks for your comment 🙂
Maikel
|What a beautiful location! That beach looks so wonderful
Moments of Yugen
|Thank you for your comment. Odeceixe is really beautiful but nearby you also can find other awesome places as well 😉
Bhusha
|That kinda reminds me of Greece! The view and the hammock in your private terrace looks just perfect. The sea and beach makes me wanna gake a break!
Moments of Yugen
|Actually, we are planning a trip to Greece 😉 Soon or later we will publish an article about it on our blog 😉
Monika
|Omg i always wanted to go to portugal.. and this place looks like paradise !! Another reason to add it to my bucket
Moments of Yugen
|Great Monika 😀 After going let us know how was your experience in Portuguese lands 😉
Heidi
|Such a beautiful photos! I have never heard of this place before but now I want to go there
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks Heidi 🙂
David Elliott
|I love all of the beautiful pictures of Portugal. Looks like you had an amazing time. I dated someone who said it was gorgeous there and she was right from what you have shown me here.
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks David! What a good coincidence then 😉
Perla
|What a beautiful view, you definitely took some amazing photos. Never been to Portugal, though is not that far from my country.
Moments of Yugen
|Thank you Perla! Is time to go ;-P and fi you need any hint about it let us know 🙂
Sabine
|Portugal was one of the countries that stole my heart! I loved lissabon and st Rafael beach!
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks for your comment Sabine 🙂
Tamshuk
|This is a special place indeed. The spectacular views of the sea with the stunning backdrop of the mountains is truly amazing. Beautiful pictures. Definitely worth a visit among other places in Portugal.
Moments of Yugen
|Thank you for your comment Tamshuk 🙂
Suruchi
|The name of the place Odeceixe actually made me suffer while pronouncing it. The beach looks so calm, clean and pristine. I loved the hammock on your terrace and guess it will be offering you awesome views too.
Moments of Yugen
|Indeed, not an easy thing to do 😀 Thank you so much for your comment Saruchi
quirkywanderer
|Had never heard of this place before (I looked up the pronunciation :D)
Such stunning landscapes. Loved the pictures. The town looks so idyllic!
Ana Ojha
|Never heard of this place before but your pictures speak for itself how beautiful this place is! The landscape looks quite surreal!
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks Ana 🙂
authenticfoodquest
|Cannot wait to visit Portugal. Everything I read about the country, I discover a new region or area. The village of Odeceixe looks like a well-kept secret. So quiet and pristine. Adding it to the list of places to visit in Portugal
Buddy The Traveling Monkey
|I can’t wait to visit Portugal one day. Odeceixe looks bright and colorful, perfect for a weekend holiday. I’d love to visit the castle in Aljezur too, the views look pretty awesome!
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks for your comment!
Carmen's Luxury Trvl (@carmensluxtrvl)
|e Portugal so any excuse to go back, right? Stunning photos. Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂
Moments of Yugen
|You are welcome Carmen. Thanks for passing by and leave your comment 😀
mappingmegan
|I would love to visit Odeceixe! Your favorite place in Portugal being Portuguese is a pretty good recommendation as far as I’m concerned!
Moments of Yugen
|Thanks for your comment Megan 😉
Lindsay | Carpe Diem OUR Way
|What a beautiful place. I am a beach junkie and spending come time in the village of Odeceixe sounds like a great getaway to me!
Moments of Yugen
|We are sure you would love it Lindsay 😀 thank you for your comment 😉
Veronica
|Big compliments to your blog and style! This is the first time I am visiting your blog and it is beautiful.
I will be traveling to Portugal next month and now I am putting this place on my itinerary
Moments of Yugen
|Thank you very much Veronica, are comments like yours that inspire us to continue with our work 😀 If you need any more hints for your Portugal trip let us know. Happy travels