If you've read our article about Folly Beach, you know it's is one of our favorite places. We are continually looking for a European version. We recently found a similar sun and surf oasis in Santa Cruz, Portugal. Of course, we can find joy and appreciation everywhere we go. Cityscapes, such as Porto, offer excitement and intrigue. The mountains in the Douro Valley offer serenity and beauty, and the Portugal countryside offers simplicity and vast space. Yet, without a doubt, we are water people. Maybe there really is something about being a Pisces that always leads us back to the place where the sky and ocean unite over the horizon.

The day we arrived, we were craving the smell of saltwater, the feeling of sand in our toes, and the sun's warmth. But on our arrival to Praia do Pisão and Santa Cruz, we encountered our first "white-out." In California, it's often referred to as "June Gloom," even though it might occur in other months of the year. This is a day on the coast where the clouds roll in, the temperature dramatically drops, and the breeze flows as if it's autumn. It's not just overcast; it indeed looks white and bright outside. We were somewhat worried that our coveted beach and sun time would be limited. Lucky for us, it lasted just 24 hours, and every day afterward was bright, beautiful, and warm!

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Our Spotify ‘Beach Vibes’ Playlist

Good Vibes at Noah Surf House

Av. do Atlântico, 2560-061 A dos Cunhados, Portugal | Website

Portugal has some of the most beautiful coastlines with steep cliffs and gorgeous shores. Though the water is often cold, it's still swimmable in the summertime. The ocean is a variety of crystal blues. On our drive along the coast, we visited several overlooks to capture the sea's beauty from above. The coastline north of Lisbon is a surfer's dream with massive swells, windy days, and a low-key vibe. We were thrilled to kick off our coastal adventures by starting in Santa Cruz and staying at Noah Surf House, a well-known surfer destination. Noah Surf House is a well-balanced mix of modern with driftwood decor and hippie beach vibes that will have you feeling relaxed and chill in no time.

From the moment you arrive, the environment encourages you to act like a kid again and not take life too seriously. There's a mini skate park, surfboards, morning yoga, open bonfires with acoustic music, and an on-site surf shop. Even the piano says "Touch," encouraging little ones to let go and try something new. It's a young kid and the inner kid's delight! From every vantage point, you view the ocean, whether from the main restaurant, pool deck, solar deck, or from your personal bungalow. We loved the décor, which is all things sea-related.

Food Fresh from the Garden

Luckily, once we arrived, we didn't need to go anywhere for three full days because we were right on the water and co-located with the best restaurant in town. We were fortunate to meet Chef Mario, an Argentinian who recently moved from San Paulo to build a new menu and healthy culinary feast. His intent to bring earth, fire, and sea together was very much in line with the surf house elements where people can come together and share food, stories, and culture. A truly global menu, we were able to sample Argentinian, Italian, Peruvian, Portuguese, and even American-style goodies. And because surfers often keep to a healthy, plant-based lifestyle, many vegetable and vegan offerings are all locally sourced on-site from their gardens. Everything from herbs, vegetables, and fruits are available for picking and eating while staying at Noah.

Chef Mario’s goal is to keep true to Mother Nature and let fire accentuate her flavors. We ate every meal over three days at Noah's and were never bored or disappointed. We had smoky baba ganoush with fresh vegetables, one of the most beautiful garden salads, a galette with earthy mushrooms and a butter pastry dough, and Peruvian ceviche. Yucatan potatoes, which smelled like McDonald's French fries but better! We also sampled peri-peri sauce, a perfect balance with citrus hints, fish, and peppers. One of the best items on the menu and a must-try was the tuna skewer with sweet potatoes and grilled pineapple. The tuna slices like butter and is so fresh you barely have to chew as it melts in your mouth. Chef Marco is genuinely passionate about what he does. We enjoyed meeting him and the entire Noah staff, who feel like friends and roommates rather than hotel staff.

If you are in Portugal and anywhere near Santa Cruz, you have to check this place out. It's one of a kind. Also, it's got the best Sangria we've ever had, and if that alone isn't worth a visit, I don't know what is!

*This website, it’s content, text, and images are all the work of Cocktails and Carry-Ons® unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced or copied in any form. All rights reserved.

*This website, it’s content, text, and images are all the work of Cocktails and Carry-Ons® unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced or copied in any form. All rights reserved.