Arrival at Ílhavo
We arrived in Porto around 3.50pm local time. After having recovered our bags we took the shuttle bus to Avis to pick up the car. The queue was not very long but it still took a long time for getting the keys. After the paper work had been finalised, we had to wait because they had to wash the car first. OK, no stress, so we waited patiently. We got a black Volvo V40 automatic sports model. Yihaaa ! We also have a Volvo at home and are now definitely considering automatic transmission for our next car…
It was an hour’s drive to the hotel. On our way we encountered two accidents. Luckily it was Saturday and there were only few people on the road. Therefore the traffic jam that was building up further to the accidents was not too bad.
We stayed at the Montebello Vista Alegre hotel, which was located on an old porcelain factory site. There was also a chapel, a museum and an outlet store. We checked in, while respecting the corona measures (disinfecting hands, facemask) and started our stay with enjoying the view from the balcony of our room. All was perfectly fine so we were happy.
Visit of Costa Nova
Then we set course for Costa Nova, which was a short 20 minute drive. We felt like we wanted to have fish as dinner so we looked for a seafood restaurant. The first one that we came across and that inspired us was already full. Then we found a family restaurant “Marisqueira Costa Nova”. It was not a fancy affair at all, but the seafood dishes looked so great! And yes, there was still still room but they had to prepare the tables on the roof terrace, so we had to be patient. But patience was by now our middle name :-).
We ordered arroz de marisco, basically some kind of lobster and seafood soup with rice. Very tasty! For dessert we tried a kind of créme brulée, the specialty of the house and it was super delicioussssss.
Then we walked along the colourful striped houses for which the Costa Nova was so famous. After a few photo stops, we called it a day but we were certainly coming back tomorrow! Around 9.30pm we set course for the hotel.
Now a good night’s sleep so that we would look fresh and cheerful in the morning.
