Apulia Studio

Northern Portugal's Ancient Fishing Culture

Located right on the sands of the Atlantic just north of Porto, this vacation home rental in Portugal invites you to switch gears to the slow lane.

Once an old fisherman's shelter, the structure was built over one hundred years ago and has been restored as a simple summer getaway. Originally used for storing seaweeds and the days' catch, the building has been transformed into a charming cottage for two. 

The original curved stone walls, vaulted wood ceilings, and structural features were preserved and restored highlighting the quaint charm of the region's fishing culture.

Designed in an open plan studio layout, the one-room interior comes with a well-equipped kitchen, dining area, and queen-sized bed, and one bath.

The outdoor terrace faces the Atlantic and is protected with stone walls where you can enjoy sunsets over the ocean, grilling the day's catch on the barbecue, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves…

Around

The Apulia region of northern Portugal lies under an hour north of Porto along the shores of the Atlantic. Set within the Litoral Norte National Park area, the windswept coastline is some of the most beautiful and less traveled than the country's southern counterparts. Just under a mile away, Ofir beach is a great spot for surfing and also hosts some of the area's trendy nightlife. The nearby villages of Fão and Barcelos feature local markets and shops where you can try the traditional fare and the historical religious city of Braga and UNESCO city of Guimarães are all within a forty-minute drive. 

Famous for its medieval architecture, the UNESCO city of Porto is also the home to a vibrant modernist movement and the famed School of Architecture that launched Pritzker Prize-winning graduates Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura. 

Stroll old town Santa Catarina street for shopping, traditional Fado music, and the acclaimed Cafe Majestic along with Batalha Square where most of the city’s important cultural events and shows take place. Be sure to visit the old town of Ribeira which overlooks the Doura River and valley. And while in the city that created Port wine, enjoy the many cellar tours offered.

Location

Nearest airport: Porto International (48km)

Best time to visit

The house is open from April through October and closed from November through March.