Diving baptism at the Berlenga island, Silver Coast

It’s as if I were in an aquarium," describes Jose Parreira, 39 years, at the end of his diving baptism, the scene was the crystal blue waters of the island of Berlenga. Antonio Monteiro, 49 years, was another 'rookie' that could not have accepted a better challenge to improve his first experience of contact with the fascinating underwater world. "To see the fish all around us and nature under water is something unique and unforgettable," he said, adding "we saw two octopuses and a bream" this just after he descended for ten minutes to five meters deep.

Jose and Antonio were two of about a hundred debutantes who participated in the "Underwater Feeling", organized by the Association of Dive Operators of the west region as well as the city hall of Peniche, and is part of the Festival Sabores do Mar of Peniche. Peniche is located within 40 minutes of Lisbon, and 20 minutes away from places like Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto and Obidos. This activity presents a wonderful day out for people on holiday, staying in apartments, villas or hotels on the Silver Coast

The proposal was attractive: Traveling in a caravel replica of the Discoveries age to the "island of dreams", as referenced, and its calm and transparent waters, abundant in flora and fauna, as well as wreckage of sunken boats, to experience the diving baptism.
The desire to plunge into Berlenga’s waters is powered by enthusiasts and descriptions of various articles published in magazines of the specialty, which describe it as an idyllic place and a spot where everyone should dive at least once in their lives

The date was last 13th of June. The starting point for Berlenga is the pier of Peniche. Some divers followed in the semi-rigid high speed toward the island, while others spent more than two hours to get there. The emotions began for the pleasure of travelling in "Vera Cruz", a rough replica of the discoveries caravel, built up of wooden shipbuilding, according to what is known of the techniques used in the century. XV. It’s almost 24 meters long and the main mast reaches 18 meters.

At the end of the day every one would sit around for hours, over good food and plenty of drink exchanging stories and experiences. "It's a totally different landscape from the swimming pool and we always have our eyes open because we take the mask and oxygen bottle. It surpassed my expectations, because under the sea everything is different and we are in another dimension", reported Antonio Monteiro.

"It was fascinating. I was a fan and I did a course in diving, "says Ligia Ribeiro, 43 years."The water was clear and I loved passing through the fish.

Ana Monteiro, 18, also wants to repeat the experience. "We become fish," she exclaimed. "It is a world apart.”

Diving and shipwrecks tourism are just one of the many beautiful activities one can experience at the Silver Coast of Portugal… why wait? This is one piece of paradise you should discover!

By Ricardo Santo

Michael Jackson remembered on the Silver Coast and all over Portugal

The news of Michael Jacksons tragic death was greeted with sadness all over Portugal, his music and his dance moves were very popular among Portuguese people of all ages. In every bar and club here on the Silver Coast, Michael Jackson songs were very popular and enjoyed by all. Portugal is a very traditional country with values that are passed down from generation to generation and one of these values are paying your respect to those that have passed away. There is a deep underlying value that when someone dies no matter what has happened in their lives, they are to be honored and respected. Another value that the Portuguese hold to when it comes to death, is after mourning comes a celebration of that person’s life. Michael Jackson will be celebrated this weekend. Live bands and DJ’s alike, playing in places like Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare, Foz do Arelho, Caldas da Rainha and all over Portugal will be paying tribute to the man who brought joy to so many people with his music.

CD shops all over the Silver Coast and the rest of Portugal were flooded on Friday with people looking to buy one last piece of this pop icon. This weekend in bars, beach front café’s , restaurants he will be spoken about, remembered and celebrated.

Rest in peace Michael.

The Silver Coasts favorite Irish pub is one year old

Donahues Irish Pub will be celebrating its 1st anniversary on the 27th June 2009; the charming pub located beach front in the beautiful city of Nazare on the Silver Coast in Portugal has become a popular watering hole for locals and visitors from all over the world. The pub is known throughout the Silver Coast for its warm, friendly atmosphere and its variety of imported and local drinks with ‘Guinness’ proving to be very popular with the locals. Donahues is also the place to be on a Saturday night where people from Nazare, Sao Martinho and surrounding areas enjoy a great night out involving live music, dancing, singing, drinks and friends.

The pub is owned by Alan Donahue, Alan’s story of how he ended up in Nazare is a great one. Alan who is Irish himself has lived all over Europe and while living in Amsterdam took a map of Portugal, closed his eyes and put his finger on a spot, when he opened his eyes his finger was over a place called Nazare, him, his wife and son then packed their bags and moved to Nazare, one of Portugal’s most well known fishing villages. He hasn’t looked back since and has established one of Nazare’s favorite venues.

Nazare is one of Portugal’s favorite holiday destinations, for years people from Lisbon and elsewhere have visited Nazare for their holidays in the summer. Donahues can be found right on the strip in this lovely town, people can sit outside enjoying the glorious sunset over the Atlantic or after spending a few hours can pop into the pub for an ice cold beverage. Locals who live in Nazare enjoy the location even more, if they live in an apartment or house in Nazare then they do not need a car to go out.



Happy Birthday Donahues! A great place, in a great city, in an amazing country.

More beaches awarded ‘Golden Quality’ on the Silver Coast

The National Association for Nature Conservation (Quercus) has announced that there are more beaches this year on the Silver Coast that will be awarded with what they call ‘Golden Quality’. The Golden Quality initiative ,similar to the blue flag program, is conducted in conjunction with the Institute of water and focuses purely on how clean the water is on Portuguese Beaches. Alcobaca, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinha, Peniche and Torres Vedras, all Silver Coast counties, have been included on the much desired list of beaches with Gold Quality, adding to the two dozen Gold Quality beaches that already exist in the region.

In Caldas da Rainha the only beach the environmental organization distinguished was the Ocean front of Foz do Arelho, a number that increases to about five beaches in the municipality of Alcobaca – Agua de Madeiros, Legua, Pedra do Ouro and Polvoeira. In Peniche, North Baleal, Consolacao, Cova dde Alfarroba and Gamboa are also part of this list, which also recognizes the quality of the beaches of Paimogo, Peralta and Porto Dinheiro, in the county of Lourinha.

The West region should also be mentioned the beaches of the municipality of Torres Vedras – Praia Azul, Formosa, Mirante (Santa Cruz), Navio, Pisao (Santa Cruz), North Santa Rita and South Santa Rita According to the association, the good results will allow greater reliability with regard to water quality. Compared to last year’s season, 27 more beaches have been awarded Gold quality, 15 of those belonging to the Silver Coast region.

The Silver Coast just gets better and better.

By Ricardo Santo

Silver Coast of Portugal celebrates The International Surfing Day

“The Baleal Surf Fest - Surf, Music and Art Festival” will take place on the 19th and 20th of June, in Praia do Baleal, an initiative that seeks to mark the International Day of Surfing, which is celebrated next Saturday all over the world. At the same time the municipality seeks to "draw attention to the need to the preservation of oceans with special attention to problems that affect whales and dolphins.

During the two days there will be various activities related to the surf sport, culture and lifestyle in general, but especially the environment. The main activities include the surf clinic - free for all ages, art exhibitions, video and photo displays about the conservation of whales and dolphins, workshops aimed at teaching locals how to keep our beaches clean and musical concerts.

The Baleal Surf Fest also includes "1st Paddle to Peniche Championship," to be held on June 20th around 11:30 where contestants paddle on a surfboard around the island of Baleal (approximately 2 kms) in the shortest time possible. It promises to be a great event with something for everyone. You can’t go wrong with an event on one of our beautiful beaches on the Silver Coast.

By Ricardo Santo

Lowest taxes in the country

The Mayor of Caldas da Rainha, Fernando Costa, has accepted his nomination as the PSD (centre right) candidate for the local mayoral election and most likely another term in office. Fernando Costa has over 24 years of experience in the position as mayor, one of the longest uninterrupted terms to be served by a mayor on the Silver Coast - Portugal.

This announcement should come as good news to many of his supporters on the Silver Coast. During an interview with the Caldas Gazette he reaffirmed his commitment to low taxes “Caldas will continue to have the lowest taxes in the country and I am committed to reducing them even further.” Silver Coast Property owners will be relieved to hear this, especially those who own properties in the Caldas da Rainha municipal district, which includes the Jardins de Salir development in Salir do Porto, located on the hillside overlooking the bay of São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho or Nadadouro on the shores of the Obidos lagoon.

Should he be re-elected the mayor has affirmed that he will continue with his campaign to:·

Hospital Oeste Norte

- Canvass the central government to locate the new Silver Coast hospital in the Caldas municipal district.·

Thermal Springs

- Restore the Caldas da Rainha, reputation as the leading centre for thermal treatment with the revitalization of the world’s oldest public hospital for thermal treatment.·

Art and Culture

– The mayor plans to increase the budget for Museums and promote cultural tourism to attract more visitors to the region.

The likely re-election of the mayor will mean that the council will continue with its programme to improve its coast line. The pedestrian and cycle track around the Obidos lagoon has been completed in time for the summer and the swimming pool and parking facilities at Salir do Porto should be complete in time for the summer holidays.

by Davide Patricio

New and improved health care on the Silver Coast in Portugal

The City of Alcobaca and the Regional Health Administration, of Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region (ARS-LVT) will join efforts to build new extensions of health facilities in Sao Martinho do Porto and Vimeiro as well as a new Family Health Unit in Benedita.

The news has been well received on the Silver Coast and is further testament to a region that is constantly developing and a region that aims to take care of its people and visitors.
The people on Silver Coast of Portugal, especially in Sao Martinho do Porto, Vimeiro and Benedita can expect even higher levels of health care thanks to the addition of these new facilities and a natural overall increase in the area’s real-estate value.

The Silver Coast of Portugal, growing, developing and healthy!

by Ricardo Santo

Nazare honours The Silver Coasts bravest fishermen

The beautiful fishing village of Nazare on the Silver Coast in Portugal is honouring their brave and tough fishermen that used to travel through the worst weather to catch the codfish that is to this day loved by so many locals on the Silver Coast. A photo exhibition called 'Caixa da Memória' as in 'Memory Box' will be held as a tribute to these men on the 21st of June. Hundreds of faces of men and other remarkable photo memorabilia will be on exhibition at this auspicious occasion. Visitors from places like Sao Martinho Do Porto, Foz De Arelho, Caldas da Rainha and elsewhere on the Silver Coast will be viewing this historical collection of photos and paying tribute to these wonderful men who for years supplied many a beach front restaurant with fresh, delicious fish.

Another event currently on the go at the Cultural Center of Nazare is Faina Maior, as in “Great fishery”, a project promoted by the Maritime Museum of Ilhavo, where twenty thousand restored and digitally remastered photographs and record sheets of crews and there Cod fishing vessels, known as Bacalhoeiros, will be on display. All visitors will be able to view around 1200 photographs of fishermen and officers of the cod fishery that made “great fishing” their way of life between 1935 and 1974.

By Ricardo Santo

Celebrations in Sao Martinho do Porto

São Martinho do Porto has been alive with celebrations from the 5th to the 14th of June as the ‘Festas de St. Antonio’ have been taking place.

The word ‘festa’ means party or celebration and that is exactly what this event has been. A large area on the beach front in Sao Martinho was used this year where various stands were set up selling all kinds of interesting things, as well as an amusement park and a music stage.

The event this year was organized by ‘Grupo Desportivo Concha Azul’ and they put together a jam packed schedule. Each day was full of entertainment, food and something for the kids. Activities included, beach football, childrens entertainment and live music filling the air late into the night and early mornings. The live music was enjoyed by all and featured acts likeJaime Farreira, Apolo 7, HP 4 and many many more.

Sao Martinho do Porto was the place to be on the Silver Coast this week where visitors were guaranteed a wonderful time of celebrations surrounded by beautiful beaches, glorious weather and breath taking sea views.

Art alive on the Silver Coast

Friday the 5th of June saw the commemoration of Artz III in Caldas da Rainha 10 minutes from Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast, Portugal. The 3rd edition of this popular event has once again been organised by ‘The English Center of Caldas Da Rainha.

Eight artists from different nationalities, backgrounds and art schools will be working together offering visitors a unique cultural experience.

Agneta Björkman Ö, Carlos Amaral, Gonçalo Belo, Jeff K. Haagensen, Maria Gonzaga, Marian Simpson, Roger Bowie and Peter Berg are the guests of this event, coming from places as far away as Sweden, Holland, Ireland, Scotland and, of course, Portugal. "Heterogeneous", the name adopted by Artz 2009 for this years event refers to the different style, life experience and creativity that each artist will be bringing to this event.

By the 19th the doors of The English Center of Caldas da Rainha will open to art lovers on the Silver Coast interested in viewing the work of these talented artists. From painting to sculpture, each piece will be an expression of the artists personality and life story. With our sandy beaches, glorious sunshine and delicious food, none of our visitors will be short on inspiration.

This initiative is seen by the management of the Languages School as a new way to communicate with society, offering enriching experiences to students.

The Silver Coast of Portugal, traditional Portugal and contemporary culture, blended perfectly, always interesting…and definitely worth it!

By Ricardo Santo

Obidos - 37 Million Euro investment in Solar Energy

Obidos town council announced on World Environment Day (5 June 2009), the launch of a Solar Energy programme for the municipal district of Obidos – Silver Coast – Portugal.

The Obidos council is committed to leading the challenge to reduce green house gas emissions dubbing it’s self as the “Green Lung” for the Zone Oeste – Silver Coast. The announcement is a result of partnership programme including various entities from both the public and private sector committed to renewable energy. It is estimated that the investment is expected to exceed 37 million Euros.

The Obidos council has committed to the installation of Photovoltaic panels (Solar batteries) and Solar thermal panels in approximately 1500 homes in the municipal district set on the shores of the ecologically sensitive Obidos Lagoon (Video – Click here).

The plan is to inform and actively assist home owners to convert to this sustainable form of green energy and save on electricity consumption. This will mean that future new build villa, house and apartment owners will have solar panels installed in their properties.

The announcement will be well received by Silver Coast home and property owners in the Obidos municipal district, (http://www.vilasdalagoa.com/ & http://www.aldeiadalagoa.com/). This will affect property values positively on this beautiful coast with its natural parks and stunning lagoon. Today the trend is for investors to make investments which are ecologically responsible, reduce energy costs and contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Obidos is the first town council in Portugal to have taken the initiative to implement a programme “Obidos Carbono Social” which will protect the environment, reduce CO2 emissions, while saving home owners money.

Obidos Castle, a gem on the Silver Coast

Located on the beautiful Silver Coast, a scenic 40 minute drive from Lisboa airport, Óbidos Castle is one of the 13 world heritage sights in Portugal. It is one of the treasures of Portugal. This breath taking castle has won the affection of all who have been privileged enough to walk its walls or stroll through its charming cobble streets. As far back as the Roman times people fought to keep this magical place in their possession. After the fall of the Roman Empire it was ruled by the Moors who fought to protect it until 1148 when it was finally claimed in the name of Portugal.

Under Portuguese rule and thanks to its location along the Atlantic Ocean Obidos flourished into a major trading port. In the 13th century Obidos captured the affection of Queen Dona Isabella who received the castle as a wedding gift. In the 16th century the Port was unfortunately dammed up due to large silt deposits at the river delta, however, this remained a favourite destination for the royal families. As per tradition it continued to be a wedding gift to every new queen of Portugal for years to come.

When standing on the ancient walls overlooking the valley or the quaint village it is easy to understand why it made such a lovely wedding gift. Today Obidos, only 20 minutes from Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare remains a popular destination for visitors, enjoying the restaurants, shops and festivals.

Lights up in Sao Martinho do Porto

It’s official! The lights are up!

As if the Promenade of Sao Martinho do Porto wasn’t beautiful enough you can now take a stroll along the beach front after sunset underneath the stunning lights. It is an exciting time when the lights are put up and switched on, the decorations that line the bay signify the beginning of a glorious summer and a festive time on the Silver Coast. A lot of Portuguese take leave now as there are celebrations happening all over the Silver Coast, the music is loud and enjoyed by all, the lights shine bright, wine flows and the divine food is in abundance.

There are 2 holidays happening in Portugal this week, ‘Portugal day’ on the 10th of July and then a religious holiday on the 11th. This week promises to be a festive one, with live music, fairs and street parties happening all over the Silver Coast.

The lights are on, come and join us

Emergence of Portuguese Buyers and the strengthening of the pound

Here on the Silver Coast we have seen a sudden increase in the amount of Portuguese buyers. Not just an increase in local people looking at property but an increase in the amount of people with money looking for anything from re-sales to off plan properties or apartments to villas, they have money and they want to buy now.

This is a sign of the times, Portuguese buyers have been very quiet for since late last year, but there is a general consensus that the market is at its lowest point and the deals that are available now are not going to be around for much longer.

Another sign of change in the market has been the strengthening of the pound. A month ago the pound was sitting at 1.09 to the euro and literally over 24 hours it went 1.13 to the euro, since then it has stabilized and has been hovering around the 1.14-1.16 mark.

Developers and builders on the Silver Coast, especially in places like Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare, will have taken note of this and will start getting braver when buyers come knocking. As it stands now there are amazing deals to be had with all property; re-sales, off-plan, villas, bungalows and apartments. But the market will pick up and the prices will rise.

The best time to buy property, especially in Portugal and more specifically the Silver Coast is during a recession, based on how much more you get for your money and return on investment.

Silver Coast goes for gold

Miguel Abreu, Managing Director of Quintas de Óbidos, a resort in the Obidos region of the Silver Coast, explains why he believes the Silver Coast Market is set to rise...

"Over the last few years, capital growth has remained consistent in Portugal.“
"On the Silver Coast in particular, prices have risen steadily, yet they are still much lower than the Algarve. A lot of public money has been invested into the area, and a number of high quality developments are evolving, therefore prices are more than likely to rise significantly.

"The beauty of the Silver Coast is that it has undergone strict local planning policies which means that it will not be over developed, ensuring that supply and demand will remain equally balanced.
"It benefits from a high level of seclusion, with thousands of acres of unspoilt countryside, yet is in close proximity to Portugal's bustling capital, Lisbon, with its international airport, which is only ¾ of an hour away."

Golden triangle
The Obidos region in particular is emerging as a hotspot. Labelled ‘the Silver Coast's golden triangle', the area comprises around 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) and is set to have four championship golf courses in two years time, as well as an international standard equestrian centre within one year.

And Knight Frank recently tipped the Silver Coast as an up and coming prime residential market to watch in its recent Wealth Report.

The reality for developers, builder and agents is that the property will always sell, and in the next few months they will sell for more, but for the buyer now is the time.

Dylan Herholdt