The little village São Luís is located in the province Baixo Alentejo between Cercal and Odemira on the N120-road Lisbon-Algarve, about a 2 hours drive from the airport of Lisbon as well as the airport of Faro and only 15 min. away from the coast and beaches. Our house 'Quinta As duas Oliveiras' is located at the edge of the town and is very easy to reach.
Between São Luís and the coast lies the beautiful nature reserve Parque Natural Sudoest Alentejano Costa Vicentina, a perfect place for quiet nature-walks. São Luís (as well as our cottage) is actually located directly on one of the beautiful walkingtrails 'Historical Way' of the Rota Vicentina, going from Cercal to Odemira.
The nearest beach-town is Vila Nova de Milfontes (15km), mainly occupied with portuguese tourists, where you can find lots of lovely restaurants and shops. It has only some hotels and campsites. Here the river Mira, the cleanest river of Europe, ends in the Atlantic Ocean. Here you'll find beautiful beaches, on the river-shore as well as on the Ocean-shore.
Perfect environment for who likes hiking, horsebackriding, surfing, etc.
At the end of 2004 we emigrated with our family from The Netherlands to Portugal and bought a 0,8ha plot of land in São Luís and built, ourself, our beautiful house here, to which we moved in 2006. We named our house "As duas Oliveiras" because of the two olive trees at our entrance.
In 2022 we were lucky enough to expand with our neighboring land, 2.4ha, and we feel completely at home here and would like to let others enjoy this beautiful part of Portugal in our holiday cottage; Casita Oliva.
Read more about this location and come here to relax during a stress-free vacation. You are very welcome!
Fam. van Zwol..., the owners
A lovely and cosy cottage for 2p. (max. 4) with the use of our pool and just a 5min walk from downtown São Luis. It consists of a living room with a sleeping sofa and a small kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom with toilet, sink, shower and washing machine and in front of the cottage a large terrace, partly covered.
Read more and look at prices
The traditional food of the Alentejo is simple but inventive, mixing available seasonal ingredients in dishes whose origins can be easily identified. Tasting them is one of the great experiences in the Alentejo. You can also find many traditional restaurants here in São Luis, but certainly in Milfontes, where you can enjoy a delicious meal complete with wine and coffee for just a few euros per person.
Here you can enjoy nature to the fullest by taking beautiful (beach) walks or cycling in the mountains, for example by exploring the Rota Vicentina hiking or biking routes. Of course, you can also explore nature on horseback. For more adrenaline, you can ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean on a surfboard or, if you prefer things a bit more relaxed, go down the Mira River in a canoe. Discover the many possibilities!
The Rota Vicentina footpath network has gradually evolved, spreading today all over this magnificent region of the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast. If the coastal trails are truly breathtaking, many paths extend through countryside and mountainous areas further inland, areas ignored by tourism for a long time, but that today deserve to be appreciated at walking pace.
The two major routes (Historical Trail and Fishermen's Trail), with the Circular Routes, offer an increasingly complete mesh of routes, with greater variety and flexibility, to be adjusted to the needs and expectations of anyone.
The experienced hiker who goes from north to south without hesitation, the family who adjusts to the pace of the children, the curious and even the non-believers will find multiple possibilities to combine these trails for a few days of walking as varied as possible.
Note: The Historical Trail passes by our house!
And also in the village: the Circular Trail (no.6) 'Hortas de São Luis' 3,8km, duration 60min
Walking Trails - Free of Charge - Various distances
Website: Rota Vicentina
These are possibly the most fun surf lessons, especially for those who are just starting out in the sport!
They are designed both for students who want to venture into a surf lesson for the first time and for those who are already familiar with the sport. The elements of the group are always distributed by the instructors according to their level of experience.
These are classes where the students learn together, challenge each other, and exchange countless laughs. It is also an excellent opportunity for them to test what they consider to be their own limits and to exceed their own abilities and expectations.
All are exhausted by the end of the class (there's no denying that part), but with a strong sense of self-fulfillment.
Lessons from 50€/1 lesson - 200€/5 lessons (1 lesson = 120min.)
For everybody of the age of 5+.
Website: Surf Milfontes
Guided Horseback Riding Tour
Ideal for beginners, the horse is led by a rope. The participant can relax and enjoy the experience.
Mounted Tour
If you are experienced in horseback riding and feel at ease, you can take a riding tour accompanied by a guide in the beautiful scenery.
Beginner's Class in the Riding Arena
If you want to find out a little more about the horse and riding, this is a good place for a first learning experience.
Lessons/Tours from 20€ (group) - 30€ (private) / 15min.
Website: Natura Horses
Kayak Tours
Areias do Mar provides the best Kayak equipment and the best information with guides that have years of experience both locally and abroad, to ensure a great time on the water.
Kayak Rentals
We make it easy for you to customize your own paddling adventure by making our range of Kayaks available for rent. Allowing you the freedom to explore the Mira River and its surroundings at your own pace.
Tours from 20€ per person / 2,5h.
Rentals from 10€ / 30min.
Website: Areias do Mar
Biking Tours
Nature exploration Tours along off-road trails in Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar, accessible to families and small groups, using an off-road bike.
Bike rental
Hybrid touring and mountain bikes for rent in Vila Nova de Milfontes. Need to book in advance to ensure availability. 
Tours from 16€ / 7km
Rentals from 8€ / 60min.
Also Kayak tours and rental
Website: AventurActiva
Rua BoaVista s/n
Apt. Garatuja 5372
7630-458 São Luis
Odemira - PT
