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We love Sao Pedro de Moel. It is a small and not so busy coastal village less than 1h:30m drive North of Lisbon. It's a beautiful place that has been well protected against large property developments and the village still keep its charm at it did more than 50 years ago.

 

My family has been spending holidays in Sao Pedro de Moel for generations. One of my great grand uncles, the famous poet Afonso Lopes Vieira, has left an important legacy in the village. The main square is named after him and his house is now a  museum and it has a chapel. The house is also used for summer camp activities. The house is well worth a look when you're visitng the village.

 

"Pinhal de heróicas árvores tão belas,
foi do teu corpo e da tua alma também
que nasceram as nossas caravelas
ansiosas de todo o Além;
foste tu que lhes deste a tua carne em flor
e sobre os mares andaste navegando,
rodeando a Terra e olhando os novos astros,
oh gótico Pinhal navegador,
em naus erguida levando
tua alma em flor na ponta alta dos mastros!…"
Afonso Lopes Vieira, Ilhas de Bruma.

 

One of the prettiest and oldest houses in the village used to belong to my uncle "Luisinho". The house is made of wood and painted in a typical local green. I have spent many nights on his varanda chatting and glaring at the amazing sea views. When my uncle past away the house was sold and restored to its former glory. This house is well worth a look when you strolling around the village.

 

My parents have a place in Sao Pedro de Moel and I have been going there every August (I haven't missed one!) since I was a child. I truly enjoy spending my holidays in Sao Pedro de Moel. To me one of the prettiest places in Portugal!

 

We have many friends from childhood and it's great to see their kids playing and growing with our kids.

 

One of the things I most like about Sao Pedro de Moel is the peace and calm that one achieves. It's a small village, surrounded by miles and miles of wild sandy beaches and of course the beautiful Pine Forest known as "Pinhal de Leiria".

 

I love going for runs, walks or bicycle rides along the coast and in the forest. I also love going to the beach for a swim, chill out or long walks.

 

Surf is also big and it's a great place to learn or develop this hobby. There is a surf school in Sao Pedro de Moel. Nazare, famous for having the largest waves in the world, is just a short drive.

 

 The weather can sometimes be unpredictable. It's usually not too hot (no more than 30°C in the Summer) during the day and there is the "Sao Pedro" breeze at night requiring a light coat. The sea can often have big waves and being the Atlantic it can feel sometimes a bit cold.

 

If you decide to spend your holidays in Sao Pedro de Moel I truly hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

Kind Regards.

 

Anabela & Joao Vieira Filipe

 

August 2014