Let us help you finding the perfect place to stay for your holidays. Call us at +351 214 647 430 or +44 203 286 4643 or tell us what you are looking for.
Have you ever tried some delicious percebes?
If you have traveled to the western European Atlantic coast, you might have noticed them on the menu in some cute little restaurant right by the coast. However, this seafood is still one of the best-kept gourmet secrets and an exclusive delicacy. It can only be found on the rocky cliffs of the western coast of Portugal, Galicia (Spain), Brittany (France) and Morocco. No other seafood tastes as much like ocean as the percebes.
Known as goose barnacles in English, they are sought after by seafood lovers and, if found, can cost up to 150€/kg in specialized shops in central Europe. On the Portuguese Alentejo coast though, you can buy them fresh from local percebeiros for just 15 to 20€/kg.
But why is this delicacy so expensive and dangerous?
It’s about the harvest, as the percebes grow just where the ocean waves crash against the rocks and can only be collected at low tide, although even then the higher waves still cover them. Since the best and biggest specimen grow where it is particularly difficult to get to, courageous percebeiros, wearing diving suits and secured with ropes, will climb along the cliffs and scrape the barnacles off the rocks with specialized tools. They are only allowed to harvest up to four kilos a day, because the barnacle, a former "poor man's food", was nearly wiped out in the 1970s. Stocks are recovering slowly, but they can now be found again in selected restaurants in Galicia (Spain) or on the wild Alentejo coast of Portugal. According to experts, the main seasons to eat percebes are spring and summer, when they are especially tasty. However, during the winter months it can be hard to find them, because the tide is so high and it is too dangerous to harvest them.
Cooked only briefly in salt water with a bay leaf, percebes are served freshly caught without garnish. They taste even better with a cold imperial (the portuguese way to order a small beer) overlooking the beautiful Costa Vicentina on Portugal’s Alentejo coast ;)
If this story made your mouth water, check out our best places to stay and eat percebes!
Our restaurant recommendations:
In Portugal:
In Galicia:
Portugal has some of the best surfing beaches in Europe. With endless coastlines, breathtaking waves and a laid-back surf culture, the country has become one of the most popular destinations for surfers from all over the world. It is not only the...
I was sitting on the plane with my hiking boots laced up, ready to explore the first jewel of the small Atlantic island straight from the airport. The clock showed 8:25 as the plane rumbled onto the runway in the warm, red light of sunrise and the...
Located on the beautiful island of Ortigia in Sicily, Italy, Syracuse, known as Siracusa in Italian, prides itself on a rich history that dates back over two millennia, making it one of the most captivating destinations in the world. Syracuse is a...
Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera, the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Danube Canal... Vienna is full of sights and unique places to discover. When exploring the many attractions of the Austrian capital, you will quickly find yours...
In Lisbon, you immerse yourself in narrow cobbled streets, enveloped by cool river breezes and under vibrant blue skies. Fusing the timeless with the multicultural, this city weaves a blend of nostalgia and passion that makes it an irresistible te...
The Canary Islands: A Paradise for Sun Worshipers and Nature Lovers. If you're dreaming of an unforgettable vacation in a destination that combines natural beauty with a warm, sunny climate, look no further than the Canary Islands. Nestled in the...
The school holidays are just around the corner, soon kindergarten is going into its annual break and you are now faced with the challenge of balancing everyone's needs. While the little ones would love to spend the whole day exploring the world, a...
Are you ready to embark on an alpine adventure like no other? Welcome to South Tyrol, where nature's wonders and cultural treasures await at every turn. Located in the heart of the Italian Alps, South Tyrol is a destination that combines natural...
Portugal is a true paradise for surfers. With endless coastlines, breathtaking waves and a laid-back surf culture, the country has become one of the most popular destinations for surfers from all over the world. If you're planning an unforgettable...
Picture yourself strolling through the cobblestone streets of the south of Italy, where the gentle sea-breeze carries tales of ancient history and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia and homemade pasta. Welcome to Puglia, a real hidden gem, locate...
