CASA DAS ANDORINHAS

Moledo is a very discreet family seaside village, long regarded as one of the jewels of the Costa Verde. Nestling between a long stretch of sand dunes and an extensive protected pine forest, it has a beautiful sandy beach, with views towards the uninhabited island of Fort Ínsua (accessible by boatman from Caminha) and the imposing Santa Tecla mountain (with its Bronze Age archaeological sites) marking the border with Spain. Here, there are no high rise modern developments, just a quiet unspoilt village, though it's a popular lively spot at the height of the summer, a handful of excellent restaurants, and the clean, safe beach. Nearby, Caminha and Vila Praia de Âncora (each 4km in either direction) offer supermarkets and other amenities, accessible by train or walking along the beach paths. From the quaint village station, trains also go regularly to Porto and to Vigo in Spain, so it's not even really necessary to have a car. Beyond, though, is another world, of mountains and historic towns, old forgotten traditional villages and the rugged National Park. And the cities of Porto and Braga, and Santiago in Spain, are easily reached by a new motorway network. All perfect for a family holiday, or a romantic getaway with quiet afternoons on the beach, or for touring a region that modern 'progress' has yet to reach. The cottages are only 300 metres from the beach and centre of the village, yet almost completely hidden in a 2,500 square metre walled garden of pine trees and flowering shrubs, which guarantees a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.