2.5 Weeks in Malveira da Serra (near Cascais)
I could definitely get used to this
On Monday, February 6, I rented a car at the Lisbon airport and drove 35 mins west to Outsite Cascais (my first time driving in another country!). This is located in the hillside village of Malveira da Serra, which is about 15 minutes north of Cascais, within the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais. Having skipped lunch, I dropped off my stuff, took a few magnificent photos, and then got back in the car to drive to Cascais-proper for an early dinner and groceries.
I didn’t venture back down the hill for three days. Why the hell would I?! Well, aside from it being my Dream Home, I did have plenty of work to attend to (which I gladly did from that idyllic workspace). For a week, I shared this spectacular hilltop home with just one other person—a delightful French woman who’s been here since December. That Thursday, the two of us drove to nearby Praia do Guincho, where we threw ourselves into the chilly Atlantic waves before drying off beneath the late-Winter sun.
The next day, our Outsite community manager—the sweetest woman you’ll ever meet—took us for a glorious hike around the Sanctuary of Peninha. Afterwards, my housemate and I enjoyed shockingly delicious sushi at Peixarolo.
The next day, I woke up early to explore Mercado da Vila, a massive farmer’s market in the heart of Cascais. The produce was bountiful and I went home with my bags and heart completely full. I also got delicious baked goods from Lêveda (not too sweet and you would never know they’re vegan)—I wish I’d bought a loaf of sourdough!
At the beginning of my second week, a woman from Iceland joined us. We all love astrology and the gentle feminine energy flowing through the house was STRONG. That week, our community manager took us to a nearby organic farm to harvest our own vegetables. While there were very few crops ready for picking due to the fact that it’s February, it was a lovely experience nonetheless and got me excited for my own farm adventure in March.
Although it’s been Carnaval these past few days, it was also a Pisces Full Moon, so I decided to opt out and spend the weekend in full relaxation mode. On the morning of said new moon, the Icelandic gal and I went for a bracing yet rejuvenating swim in the ocean (my third dip of this trip). That night, two new American guests arrived at the house; a couple days later (today), my more-than-a-friend arrived as well. He and I will be here until Friday, February 24 before embarking on a week-long road trip to explore the Alentejo and Algarve regions. Stay tuned!
The Big Questions
Do I want to settle down here? So far, it’s at the top of my very short list. (Can I afford it? TBD…)
It has just about everything I’m looking for:
- ocean view (without being at risk of tsunamis)
- great weather
- walking distance from hiking
- 10-min drive to a quality beach (i.e., trifecta of surfing, swimming, and sunbathing)
- less than an hour from a city and international airport
- space for a garden, sauna, and pool :)
Would I visit again? Obviously!
What a dream experience. Thank you so much for letting us vicariously follow along on your amazing experience.
Just wow.
😊
Wooowww that farmers market