Casa Bica do Cais - By the Sea

Abel, the individual running the place is friendly and accommodating. Any questions, just ask! Location was great, easy to get to. The locals were very warm and welcoming and the local restaurants had decent food! It was a family friendly place to stay. I was provided with a cot, safety gates and a baby bath. The place also had a washing machine, although not the easiest to use, it was really helpful as the children were always getting dirty and messy. Also, meant I brought a little less luggage than usual with me, especially with children which was a bonus. Despite the kitchen being on a separate section of the house, it was a convenient place for us a family to sit in the mornings before heading out and evenings and grab a bite to eat before heading to bed. Had all the cooking necessities.

Stairs were not the safest to the upstairs bedroom, they were very steep and narrow so the kids slept downstairs while me and my partner slept upstairs. I am pregnant and still had to be very cautious of the stairs. Beds were not the comfiest, could have done with more pillows due to my back problems and being pregnant. My partner slept a fair bit on the sofa as it was a bit comfier than the bed. It was quite stuffy at night and no air con. We opened windows but for short period as mosquitos and other bugs would get in. Parking was a struggle as during the day that specific road can get really busy as a lot of tourists come to the port side there for a tan and a dip in the sea as it can get quite hot in the day from June onwards. If you go out in the day during this period, I would suggest you avoid being back till 7/8pm to get parking without problems.

Perfect location in a historic town, close to a number of restaurants and hiking trails, spacious deck from the bedroom on a first floor

Amazing location by the sea, free street parking, close to restaurants and bars, quiet area. Communication with host, Abel is great. Comfortable if you plan to spend most of your time outside and not much place for 4 people to sit comfortably unless in the separate kitchen. It's a small, cute space and I would stay again. Upstairs has a balcony.

Kitchen was separate to the sleeping area, so it was a bit of an effort to go in and out carrying tea etc. Especially if it was raining. You have to access through a separate door on the main road. Beds are on the smaller side if sharing and water pressure in upstairs bathroom is very low. Keep windows open for ventilation when possible.

The property is literally just a few steps from the sea. A nice hiking route starts just outside the door. The host, Abel, is very friendly.

Water pressure a bit low, especially in the shower. Kitchen is not accessible from the living/sleeping rooms. One needs to go out and use a separate entrance to the kitchen.