A few kilometres to the south is the popular seaside resort of Ericeira. The nearest large town is Mafra, a few kilometres north of Lisbon.

In Mafra is the Convent and Palace of Mafra, built in the 18th century by order of King Joao V, which cost most of the realm's money during its 13 years of building.

The first plans for the Convent were quite modest. Then, the German architect, Ludovice, made many changes and built a convent for 300 priests, a basilica and a royal palace with 666 rooms. Today the library has nearly 38,000 books.

A visit should also be made to Sintra, one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal.  Its gardens, buildings and atmosphere have been the inspiration for many. The most notable being Byron and the Portuguese novelist Eca de Queiroz

Tras da Moita is a modern three storey house in extensive gardens. The house overlooks the surrounding countryside and the beach, which is an easy 10 minute stroll.

The house has five bedrooms with either double or twin beds. Three of these bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and two have ensuite shower rooms.

Four of the bedrooms have a balcony with a seaview.

On the first floor is a delightful large lounge and breakfast room, although breakfast in the summer can be taken on the large balcony off this room.

On the ground floor there is a games room with table tennis, chess, dartboard and some exercise equipment.

In the mature garden is a large swimming pool.

There are 14 restaurants nearby offering a wide selection of dishes with fish and shellfish being the specialities. Ericeira offers a further 40 restaurants.

In addition this western coast has many beautiful sandy beaches and bays. Many will prefer the calm seas in the morning when the wind is light and blowing off the coast.

For those interested in golf please click here.

The cool Portuguese Trade Wind blows most afternoons and transforms the water into a paradise for surfers and wind surfers. Most of these beaches have been awarded the European blue flag for quality.

Smoking is not allowed in this house.