Imagine spending precious time with the family away from the world, in an exquisite natural retreat regarded as Portugal’s best-kept secret. Just a short flight from the UK, families seeking a short haul escape this summer season should discover TROIA, the boho beachside haven located on the coast of the Alentejo region. Create footprints in the sand and picture perfect memories to last a lifetime.

Only a few hours from the UK and easily accessible via numerous flights into Lisbon, TROIA has the added benefit of remaining on the same time zone as the UK, ensuring no disturbed sleep routines or long tiring journeys for little ones. Around an hour from Lisbon, in Setúbal, TROIA is reached by a short ferry ride across the picturesque river Sado, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Arrábida mountain range.

Upon arrival, discover crystal clear waters and an 18km sandy beach, one of the most extensive in Portugal, on one side, and pine forest on the other – TROIA is a paradise waiting to be discovered and one visitors can claim for themselves, away from the busy towns and normal tourist trail.

So close to vibrant Lisbon yet with the feeling of being on a private island, TROIA offers a mild year round microclimate allowing the whole family to enjoy the fresh air and a day full of adventures in the great outdoors. Visitors will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle and transported to a beachside paradise, where the huge range of activity options ensures something will be on offer for every member of the family.

Activity options include boat trips or spotting the local dolphins, playing a round of golf on one of Europe’s best courses, visit the largest fish salting production complex known in the Roman world or simply relaxing and savouring the sunset from a deserted beach. The area is also a perfect spot for taking to the water, with windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and even scuba diving on offer at the bustling TROIA Marina.

TROIA is one of the best places in the world for dolphin watching and spotting grazing seahorses throughout the year. Visitors are able to watch the colony of 31 bottlenose dolphins swim alongside boats where the Sado River meets the sea. The population of bottlenose is the single group in Portugal and one of the very few in the whole of Europe to have an estuary as its home and can be seen throughout the year. Alternatively take to horseback and ride explore the natural landscape, stunning beaches, seemingly endless golden dunes, green rice fields and traditional fisherman dwellings, amongst a myriad of indigenous flora and fauna species under the warm Portuguese sun.

For an educational delve into Portugal’s history, explore the nearby Roman Ruins. The Roman Ruins at TROIA are considered important archaeological remains, dating from the 1st Century AD, and classified as a National Monument in 1910. The ruins contain the remains of an important trading centre, and one of the biggest centres of the fishing industry, which grew into a small residential settlement.

Visitors can also explore the nearby chic beach destination of Comporta, one of the latest and hottest destinations of 2018, known as Europe’s ‘Hamptons’. This secret oasis is a favourite holiday getaway for royalty and celebrities alike, drawn in by the combination of boho-chic charm, white sand, turquoise water and colourful yet simple homes in bright colours with thatched roofs, interspersed with rice fields, cork oaks and fields of vibrant wildflowers.

The nearby Arra?bida Mountains are considered one of the most unique ranges in Europe due to their location near to sea and rich biodiversity. Extending 11,000 hectares, the Arra?bida National Park is a stunning location for hiking, cycling or walking.

Golfer experts and enthusiasts alike can practice their swing on TROIA’s championship golf course. The 18-hole course, considered one of the finest in Portugal, was designed by famous American golf architect Trent Jones Senior, and stretches along the beach seamlessly blending into the natural landscape, offering players stunning sea-views.

With a laid-back and charming vibe, there are a number of accommodation offerings including a range of beach villas and family-friendly townhouses situated in a safe and pristine natural environment, near the beach, marina or main TROIA Resort area. The properties havebeen designed to fit perfectly into their beachside surrounding, drawing inspiration from a laid-back lifestyle whilst being modern and fully equipped, providing the upmost privacy. Open the window, gaze at the sea and enjoy the peaceful satisfaction that comes from staying in a home away from home with golden sands on your doorstep.

The Resort also features a number of on-site amenities ensuring everything is on-hand for a stress-free family holiday. This includes a number of restaurants designed to delight all the family with locally-sourced produce and menus based on Portuguese cuisine, inspired by regional flavours and ingredients. Sports lovers can take to the tennis and paddle courts, whilst younger visitors are well catered for with a Kids Club providing a variety of art and craft workshops and sporting activities specially designed for children between four and 10 years old.

A family-friendly townhouse starts from 240 Euros per night, based on a family of four sharing. Visit http://www.troiaresort.pt/