From Cape to Castle

The walks were beautiful and the weather was wonderful. The hotel venues were great!

We totally enjoyed this trip. The hotels were well situated and comfortable. The taxi transfers worked very well. The walking, especially in the cool mornings was wonderful. This was our first trip with Inntravel and we would use them again.

Tips: I photocopied the sections of the Arrabida map for each day's walk and highlighted the route. We carried this and the pages for that day's walk in plastic binder sleeves so that we didn't have to carry the entire binder. The plastic sleeves kept the pages from getting wet or crumpled and we could roll them up and keep handy in a pack pocket.

Lovely holiday again with Inntravel - second time of using. Slick transfer arrangements with taxis collecting and transporting luggaeg (or us). Great variety of walks - the "challenging" optional walk to Portinho was the highlight. Last section was tricky. GPS routes downloaded to Komoot were very useful in combination with the written instructions.

Hotel highlight was Pousada Castelo de Palmela - a lovely hotel with great food. We had a day in Lisbon - would recomend a Tuk Tuk tour to see lots of sights if time limited.

Another thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended Inntravel holiday. We preceded Cape to Castle with a Lisbon City add on for three nights staying at the excellent Britania Art Deco Hotel which is very well situated for all the sights and has lovely modern rooms against the Art Deco backdrop. We highly recommend a trip to the Monastery at Belem and exploring the Alfama area beneath the Castle. We found a great small plates restaurant called Sr Lisboa in Rua Sao Jose (the road parallel to the hotel) which is dotted with other equally non-touristy dining spots. Public transport is excellent in Lisbon. From there we travelled to Sesimbra by local bus. The SANA Sesimbra is a bustling seaside hotel with big rooms and balconies overlooking the glorious golden beach. There is a splendid rooftop pool, jacuzzi and cafe on the 6th floor of the hotel. Sesimbra is full of seafood restaurants, you are spoilt for choice. While staying here we walked up to the Castle which provided amazing views. The transfer walk from Sesimbra was not overly challenging  to reach Hotel Club D'Azeitao, an establishment which has seen better days. Rooms are small, and everywhere is in need of modernisation especially the bathrooms and corridors. However we had an excellent (included) dinner and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We arrived on Sunday when the restaurant was closed so we walked down the (very busy) road to dine at the Casa Nobre d'Azeitao which is an upscale place with excellent food and service. We can also highly recommend the local artisan tile making workshop (Azulejos de Azeitao) which has a fascinating owner who gives guided tours and a very tempting shop. We greatly enjoyed the ridge walk from Azeitao to Palmela which provides stupendous panoramic views of Arrabida National Park and Lisbon. Because the Pousada at the Castle was full we had been billetted to Casa d'Atalaia  in Palmela and we could not have been more delighted with this hidden gem. It resembles a Moroccan riad, with a small door on the street opening into a converted winery which spectacularly combines traditional and modern architecture and design. We were upgraded to a superior room here with magnificent bathroom including freestanding bath. The proprietor Rita is delightful and cannot do enough to help her guests. There is a little rooftop pool and many lovely communal spaces. At Palmela we ate at Culto Cafe in the lea of the Castle, food is adequate but the draw here are the breathtaking sunset views from the terrace. We also had good value pizzas on the second night at Pizzaria de Vila.

Throughout the holiday everything was Covid secure, the Portuguese are strict and compliant about face mask wearing indoors (exemption does not seem to be a thing). During these times, it is well worth carrying printed documentary proof of negative test and vaccination status as we were asked for this at every hotel.

This was a lovely holiday.  Varied scenery, interesting places to stay, opportunities to take time out to visit beaches or local towns.  Inntravel's walking notes were superb, their restuarant recommendations excellent and their service and attention to detail exemplary.  The walks were not arduous though there was one option for people who wanted a real challenge (not us though!). This was the first time we have used Inn Travel and we will use them again.

This was another wonderful Inntravel holiday.  We really enjoyed the chance to explore this less touristy part of Portugal and the beautiful national park.  We were there in early September and it was very hot in the middle of the day, so would recommend starting walking early, and taking lots of water.  The walk along the ridge from Azeitão to Palmela, and the circular walk around Palmela were particularly spectacular.

In Sesimbra, which was busy with Portuguese visitors over the weekend, we booked in advance for Portofino restaurant, which had great fish, and Casa Mateus, which was outstanding.

In Azeitão, we had a lovely lunch at Casa Nobra d’ Azeitão and in Palmela we enjoyed some great fish at Terceira Geração.  We stayed at Casa Atalaia in Palmela and enjoyed a wine tasting in the old winery.

We really enjoyed the diversity of the hiking routes, and local fare. Once in a while we were challenged by the hiking directions but ultimately appreciated the occasional challenge of following the guided directions. We really appreciated the binder you provided with thorough reading and supplemental reading. The towns and accommodations we stayed at were excellent and the attention to detail was also terrific.

The quest for the one true Pastel de Nata passes through Casa Negrito in Azeitao.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: Pastel de Nata is a traditional Portuguese custard tart, about which they are extremely passionate.

Your note about the mud after rain was absolutely spot on, even after some light rain the adhesive qualities of the mud was quite astounding! For the nights in Sesimbra we would heartily endorse the Portofino Restaurant - far better than the other we tried locally. 

Hotel in Azeitao is a tough ask for 3 nights. Somewhere between Fawlty Towers and bankruptcy.

Highlights: Location of first hotel - wonderful seaside views, sandy beach and lovely restaurants. A busy, bustling but unspoiled place. Walks were lovely and the ridge walk a particular treat.

Loved the diversity of all the places where we stayed and the contrasting landscapes. Sesimbra was a great start and the location of the hotel directly opposite the beach a real bonus. The rooftop swimming pool was very welcome after the circular walk to the castle. We would have loved an extra day here. The grounds of Club d'Azeitao were a real oasis to return to at the end of the afternoon, have a dip in the pool and relax on a lounger. Stand out walk for us was the ridge top route to Palmela. Fabulous, long reaching views and iconic windmills. The Pousada provided a stunning location at the end of a very enjoyable holiday and we chose to eat here on the last night as well. Food was excellent in a beautiful setting. Another great Inntravel holiday.

One of the highlights was Portinho, by the time we had walked there we were tired and dirty(!) so didn’t explore it. An afternoon there would have been lovely, a stay would be ideal.

Excellent family run traditional restaurant in Palmela— very good value and excellent food- 3a Geracao restaurant - Rua Serpa Pinto - near the church tel 212350152

Lovely walks, completed quicker than estimated time so easy to replace picnic with later lunch. Go to Sabores e Enchantos de Azeitao and cool off by the laundry pool while eating local cheese and cold meats with a lager. Do not be put of by description of walk to the coast, there is a short steep bit but very manageable - maybe more tricky if wet. Lunch and a swim when you get there is so worth it. Book supper at Casa Mateus in Sesimbra, no need to taxi for supper in Azeitao when you can walk 5 minutes to O Manel. Raspberry and processo ice well worth walk back down the hill to the square in Palmela.Great fish at Geracao and good lunch at taverna at castle. Notes a bit variable, do not forget your map.

The taxi company were excellent and reliable. Helpful drivers providing lots of local knowledge. At all hotels we were made very welcome.

The hotels had real character and position, especially the hill top Pousada. And walking in brilliant sun everyday (too hot for anything but shorts), with great company, truly a very memorable holiday.

A very well designed walk which lived up to expectations. Other people doing the walk at the same time were very friendly and good company when walking and during the stay. Portugese were also all very helpful and friendly. The accommodation at Hotel Club d'Azeitao was a bit basic, compared to the other hotels on the walk, which were all very good. We got lost on the Option B walk from Azeitao (Parque de Merendas da Comenda Circuit) and by the time we had worked out where we were, it was quicker to follow the map to return to the hotel. The mistake was to miss a vital left turn which was admittedly difficult to spot on the trail, but perhaps a more careful study of the walking instructions the night before might have avoided this error!

It is defintely worth including a couple of night's stay in Lisbon either before or after the walk, especially if this is a city which you have not seen before. 

Inntravel were very helpful throughout, particularly in making a late change to the travel arrangements and the timing of the return trip to the airport.

We enjoyed the mix of activities available on this holiday.  This was especially true for those of us who didn't want to walk long distances in temperatures of 30 degrees plus.

Walking through the peaceful cork oak groves, visiting the local vineyard and walking along the ridge past the Roman ruins and the old windmills, made this both an interesting and relaxing holiday.

Very enjoyable walks with splendid views also excellent opportunities to sample the local wines. Visits to the wineries were good fun and interesting.

Very much enjoyed this holiday despite temperatures in the 30's, which made for some challenging walking at times. We also enjoyed good meals at Casa Mateus in Sesimbra and Casa das Tortas in Azeitao. The only restaurant open in Portinho after 6pm was O Farol which was nice if basic. 

We also had a very good simple lunch at the Bom Petisco on the Portinho walk.

We had a fabulous week again - this time walking from 'Cape to Castle'. Previous reviews were helpful especially regarding the walking conditions. We enjoyed marvellous views from our rooms in Sesimbra and Palmela as well as relaxing comfort. The final long walk along the windmill studded ridge to Palmela was exhilarating. We relished all the delicious meals. Covas taxis were very reliable and their drivers friendly. Both hotels at the start (Britania, Lisbon) and the end (Pousada, Palmela) are delightful. Thanks again to Inntravel.

INNTRAVEL NOTE: These customers enjoyed our Lisbon city add-on before our From Cape to Castle self-guided walking holiday.

Lovely hike ... great hotels on this route ... great literature ... all in all really great holiday.

In Sesimbra we ate at your recommendations - Portofino was excellent, great fresh Bass and helpful service - O Velho e O Mar was fine but not outstanding. Not on your list but nearby is Mateus which was also excellent - tasty food and again friendly service. In Vila Nogueira de Azeitao we aimed for Casa de Tortas for lunch on Sunday but it was fully booked - might be worth suggesting that walkers book in advance, but may be fine on a weekday. Casa Nobra D'Azeitao was great for dinner, lovely fish and veal - the owner even ran us back to the hotel after dinner as taxis seemed very hard to come by. In Portinho we went to Galeao and had a delicious whole grilled fish - service was fine and very friendly. 

Highlight was meeting other interesting Inntravel walkers. Wine tasting experience was interesting, although the arrangements for engaging with the tour were rather bizarre, requiring a number of Uber transfers. Both Sesimbra (sea view) and Palmela hotels (second floor corner room) were excellent.

 What a little gem! really super holiday through varied rural terrain with outstanding views with lots of things of interest along the way. It was a hidden, gentle and unspoilt area with most friendly and helpful people in the villages. Having the choice of options of walks and activtities eg. winetasting and tile factory added to the experience. Stand out walks- coast walk, circular walk to river estuary and windmill ridge walk to Palmela. The pastel de nata should be enjoyed at every stop! Loved your choice of restaurants particularly for fish -fish restaurant nearest to hotel in Sesimbra, O Manel in Azeitao, and Chapito near castle in Lisbon. We highly recommend day or two in Lisbon at end of holiday.

Excellent holiday in an area that we didn’t know at all. Worth adding on some days in Lisbon.

A really good holiday. The excellent walking notes led us through remarkable and picturesque terrain with some breathtaking views.

One real highlight was our visit to the Bacalhoa winery, where the owner's art collection was as stunning as it was unexpected - and the subsequent visit to Bacalhoa Palace was also really interesting, not least because of the Guide's comprehensive knowledge of relevant history. The "windmill ridge" walk was another highlight. A tip based on our own and others' experience: double check bus timetables - especially those to and from Sesimbra. We feel that if you are able to extend this walk to include a spell in Lisbon you will not be disappointed - an attractive city with loads of things to do.

The walks to Portinho and the ridge walk to Palmela were outstanding.  The Sana Sesimbra hotel and location was stunning

The peace and quiet and the scenery on the walks was wonderful. The coastline is beautiful and unspoilt in many places. The little towns are charming and the people are friendly and welcoming. 

Day 1 Option B. Despite high of 37 degrees, as we climbed up to the castle, hundreds of runners of all ages were going up and down as part of a croos country run, 40 and 20 kilometres!! We felt quite cool compared to them!