Babacashee
Consolação village off-season
Consolação is a tiny village that lives off summer tourism. In summer it fills up with visitors, surfers and beach life. Off-season it gets very sleepy and almost empty, and that is why we like it with Aba. For us that means empty beaches, coastal paths and real peace. Sightseeing is simple: the village is built around a small fort, with the beach on two sides. To be honest, the village itself is not much to look at.
Eating: a bakery and a grill
The village depends on summer crowds, so there are few places to eat, and even fewer off-season. Plan to cook for yourself, or drive about ten minutes to Peniche or Lourinhã, which are open all year and have more restaurants.
Funnily enough, two of our all-time favourite places to eat are here. Padaria Pastelaria Sabores sits on the corner where you turn onto the main street down to the beach. At Monteiro's Grill the food is delicious, the seating area works for big dogs, and the staff were lovely to Aba. The churrasco is truly special. Nobody pays us for these recommendations.
Supertubos beach and the dunes
The walks are the reason to come. From Consolação you can walk almost all the way to Peniche. Behind the beach there is a big dune area, almost like heath, where Aba gets hours of off-leash sniffing and running. It is our fallback at high tide or in the rain. There are rabbits around, but the area is huge and there is no road traffic nearby.
Even in high season, you can walk your dog off leash on this beach. Most people stay at the guarded beaches by the parking lots at either end, so the middle stays roomy. Many beaches do have high-season restrictions, though, so always check the local signs.
You can actually swim here. The waves are not huge, so swimming and bodyboarding are fun even if you do not surf. Aba is an old surfer soul and loves fetching his ball from the water. This is still the Atlantic, so check the flags and sea conditions first.
A stormy off-season beach walk
For part one of our Silver Coast walking series we filmed a stormy day near Consolação. The clouds were moving fast, the waves were loud, and Aba loved it. To the north the sand runs on towards Peniche and Supertubos. In summer there is very little natural shade, so bring umbrellas or a tent. Dogs can cool off in the sea, but watch the waves and currents.
Getting around and our verdict
Like the other small Silver Coast villages, you need a car here. Consolação works as a base, but supplies, vets and pet stores are in Peniche or Lourinhã. For a longer stay, remember the village is really only about nature. For historic sites or a bigger town, you have to drive. Still, it is a big thumbs up from us.
Good to know
- Bring water and your own shade on hot days. The beach has very little natural shade.
- Check the flags and sea conditions before you or your dog swim. Atlantic conditions change fast.
- At high tide or in rain, walk in the dunes behind the beach. If you have a hunting dog, remember there are rabbits.
- Come by car. Get vet care, pet supplies and bigger shopping in Peniche or Lourinhã.
Consolação with a dog: questions
Can dogs be off leash on Supertubos Beach near Consolação?
Supertubos Beach runs from Consolação almost to Peniche. In our experience you can walk your dog off leash there even in high season, because most people stay at the guarded beaches near the parking lots at each end. Many beaches have restrictions in high season, so always check the local signs.
Is there shade on the beach at Consolação?
The beach at Consolação has very little natural shade in the hot summer months, so bring umbrellas or tents, plus water and shade for your dog on hot days.
Can my dog swim in the sea at Consolação?
Aba loves swimming at Supertubos Beach and fetching his ball from the water. When conditions are right you can swim there, but make sure to check the flags and sea conditions first and be mindful of the waves and currents. This is the Atlantic.
Where can we eat with a dog in Consolação?
We loved Monteiro's Grill in Consolação. We found the seating area perfect for big dogs, and the staff were super nice to Aba. Consolação has few places to eat, and even fewer in the off-season.
Do we need a car when staying in Consolação with a dog?
Yes, we think you need a car in Consolação. The village has very little infrastructure, so you have to rely on nearby Peniche or Lourinhã for supplies, vet care and pet stores.