Located thirty minutes away from the Arrábida Natural Park, this home is not only within close proximity to the protected area that covers the southernmost margin of the Setúbal Peninsula of Portugal, but also the beach that lies within it. Consecutively voted one of the best beaches in Europe, the Galapos is an inviting sandy strip, adjacent to the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, protected by rocky cliffs. Spend the day here sunbathing or splashing in the salty surf before returning home to find your own little oasis waiting for you.

A garden brimming with trees and shrubs will be hard to ignore, but even harder still is the private pool set in the centre of it. When you’re not at the beach, this will be your prime defence against the sun’s warming gaze. Grab a cold drink as you lounge poolside, or escape to the porch where you can choose between the swing chair, hammock, or very plush garden chair to recline in. Bring out snacks when you refill your drink and stay out even as the day gives way to a balmy evening.

Inside you’ll find more comfort awaiting and if you’re anything like us, the rustic aesthetic of this home will ease away every last bit of tension you've been holding onto. The rooms are generous, so when evening turns to night, you can all escape to your own nooks, and the loft upstairs makes a pretty cool hideaway for whoever wants that extra bit of privacy.

The kitchen is definitely set up in a way to encourage you to try out seafood recipes at home, but no pressure at all – there’s a couple of restaurants not too far away. Lisbon is also a forty-minute drive away if you’re up for a day trip.

Home truths:
*Due to the location of this home, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay
*There’s free parking here
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for free upon request
*One loveable dog usually lives at this home
*For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here
*You'll have your own private entrance here
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace