On a cold but sunny February afternoon I visited the wild and majestic Parque da Arrabida in Portugal. It is but a stone's throw from Lisbon but a world apart from the overworked beaches of the Algarve. We went first to the castle which overlooks the town of Sesimbra. Sesimbra was very much a fishing village back in the '50's and some of my relatives hauled ashore fresh fish in those days at the weekends: as a very small child, I remember spending long days toasting on the beach, running in and out of the chilly water and the great fish stews which were cooked on open fires on the beach and savoured at sunset. But no more. The town is accessible, unlike some other pleasant beaches along the coast, such as Arrabida, the sands are white and fine, as they are all over the north Alentejo shore; the sea is relatively calm compared with Caparica, just a little further north. So, it is popular; the seafront is crowded nowadays with restaurants which seem to be completely full everyday, summer and winter. This time we waited 45 minutes for a table outdoors. It was worth it, but I dread to think what happens this coming summer with temperatures touching 30...
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