Daily Mail columnist Will Coombe headed to property in Portugal recently for a relaxing break with his wife Sarah on what he calls a "babymoon".

Similar to a honeymoon, a babymoon marks the end of freedom for impending parents, one last chance to get away from it all without a child in tow.

However, property in Portugal could be equally well suited to families as to expectant couples, in light of Mr Coombe’s observations.

For example, he writes of a restaurant in Cascais with no menu, where two portions of barbecued chicken, home-made piri-piri, potatoes and salad came to €13 – little more than £10.

Mr Coombe also notes the ways in which Portugal’s culture is developing, particularly in Cascais, originally a fishing village but which has grown through its own prosperity since the 13th century until present day.

"The rickety wooden fishing boats that bob by the main square are outnumbered by the sleek yachts which fill the new marina hidden just round the headland behind a 17th-century fort," he writes.

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