A Place in the Sun Live!

The office here at Prestige Portugal Property is buzzing as we make preparations for our entry to A Place in the Sun Live Exhibition which is taking place at London's Earl’s Court from 26th – 28th March.

There is so much to do to ensure that visitors to our stand realise all the benefits of owning a home here on the Silver Coast. It’s easy to see once you are here, but sometimes pictures just don’t do justice to this beautiful part of the world.

It is hard to capture the atmosphere of delightful places such as Sao Martinho do Porto unless you are actually here, maybe sitting outside a seafront café sipping a glass of local wine in the sunshine. Imagining walking on the beach and feeling the soft sand between your toes and the sun on your face is also quite difficult especially if you are wrapped up warm against the British weather.

But we are working on it!

The Prestige Portugal stand (number E63 in the Portuguese Pavilion), will be staffed by a team of my colleagues all of whom have made the decision themselves to move to Portugal. As I mentioned earlier this week, we have a wealth of experience to draw on to enable us to give honest straight forward help and advice to prospective buyers.

Look out for further blogs on this exciting event, but in the meantime make a note in your diary and we will look forward to seeing you there.


By Stephanie Johnson

The Height of Luxury on the Silver Coast

Our favourite developer here on the Silver Coast is a clever company called Leisure Launch.

I say ‘clever’ because they really do seem to get it right every time. Every Leisure Launch development is a shining example of imaginative design combined with excellent quality in a stunning location.

A prime example is a beautiful villa built by the company that has recently come on to the market. Villa Sofia is in an enviable position close to award winning golf courses, a choice of great beaches and the picturesque medieval town of Obidos.

Built in typical Leisure Launch style, the luxury three bedroom, three bathroom villa is finished to the highest standard with careful use of polished stone and marble in all the right places. The many extras include air conditioning, surround sound and spacious balconies overlooking the pretty landscaped gardens, complete with swimming pool. Creating a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the Silver Coast sunshine.

Villa Sofia offers a unique opportunity for a great investment on the Silver Coast, but you will have to be quick!


By Stephanie Johnson

Prestige Portugal Property, Leading the Way on the Silver Coast

Many people dream of buying a property on the Silver Coast and for some the dream becomes a reality.

There will always be people who dream and people who actually make things happen but considering how easy it can be to buy property here in Portugal there is really no reason not to go ahead.

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we are proud of our reputation as an established and respected company, something we have gained through hard work and years of experience. As the leading real estate agent specializing in the Silver Coast we are ideally placed to help you find and purchase your dream home using our trusted team of English speaking professionals, ensuring the buying process goes smoothly from start to finish.

Contact us at Prestige Portugal Property and let us take care of everything, leaving you to enjoy peace of mind and a great investment for years to come.

By Stephanie Johnson

Colinas da Nazare, Luxury Silver Coast Apartments

I went on a little adventure yesterday when my colleague Dylan took me to Nazare to have my first look at Colinas da Nazare, an imaginatively designed apartment complex by our favourite developer Leisure Launch.

Tucked away down a little side road in the heart of Nazare this luxury development is just a few minute’s walk from the main square with all the hustle and bustle of the cafes, bars and restaurants.

Nazare is known for its stunning beach and Colinas da Nazare has been built with this in mind. Not only is the development just a short walk from the seafront but the views from most of the apartments and the roof terrace are spectacular.

Making the most of the view the clever design includes a roof top swimming pool, showers and sun lounge offering a fabulous place to relax and soak up the glorious Silver Coast sunshine while gazing at the ocean.

The 24 apartments mainly comprise 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and come complete with their own private balconies and terraces. Each apartment also has a parking space in the basement garage, essential in Nazare during the busy summer months.

Leisure Launch have built an enviable reputation as the number one developer on the Silver Coast and when you view one of their villas or apartments it is easy to see why. The high quality finish includes exotic blue marble and tropical showers in the bathrooms and polished stone work tops in the fitted kitchens. There are also plenty of extras including air conditioning, double glazing, surround sound and a central vacuum system.

Colinas da Nazare is a superb development in a prime location and the apartments are proving very popular with investors and buyers looking for a family holiday home on the Silver Coast.

By Stephanie Johnson

The Silver Coast Raises Funds for Madeira

Here on the Silver Coast this weekend there has been much talk and lament about the awful situation in Madeira.

The weather around the world seems to be changing and the torrential rain combined with the hilly landscape in Madeira has resulted in disaster for some.

So many people here in Portugal have family in Madeira due to the close association. Madeira was discovered by the Portuguese at the beginning of 15th century when two young captains under the command of the famous Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator were blown off course in a storm.

These days Madeira has its own government and legislative assembly, but the government in Portugal has pledged help for the victims of the flooding and voluntary fundraising is already beginning in earnest here on the Silver Coast and throughout Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson

The Amazing Silver Coast Sky

The Silver Coast is famous for its sunshine and cobalt blue skies, but something I have yet to tell you about is the amazing sky at night.

It was while walking my dog the other evening that made me think of it, the black velvet sky studded with diamond stars was quite simply breath taking.

There are strict planning laws in Portugal ensuring that street lighting is provided for all homes, but venture just slightly from the beaten track and you will find yourself in a star gazer’s paradise.

The full moon is a sight to behold as well, lighting up the Silver Coast countryside with an appropriate silver glow, enabling you to see clearly with no help at all from any other source.

So next time you are strolling along a Silver Coast beach in the moonlight look up at the sky and marvel at the beauty of the sky at night it can be just as stunning as during the day.


By Stephanie Johnson

Sailing Around the Bay in Sao Martinho do Porto

One of our dreams since coming to live on the Silver Coast is to keep a little boat in the bay at Sao Martinho do Porto.

The beautiful shell shaped bay forms a natural harbour allowing yachts, dingies and other craft to moor safely protected from the open sea by the huge cliffs. Our plan is to spend sunny weekends pottering around Sao Martinho bay teaching our little boy to sail while enjoying picnics and a spot of fishing.

Sao Martinho Nautic Club is based on the quay and offer sailing lessons at all levels. It is a common sight in the summer to see children from the local schools taking lessons in sailing, canoeing and other water sports under strict supervision from the qualified instructors.

We at Prestige Portugal Property are proud to offer villas and apartments for sale in Sao Martinho and the surrounding areas, providing not only a great investment but also an ideal base for you to enjoy fabulous Silver Coast holidays for many years to come.

By Stephanie Johnson

Your Home on the Silver Coast

We bought our first home here on the Silver Coast almost twenty years ago. The little village house in Olho Marinho near Obidos was used as a holiday home by me and my entire family over the subsequent years until the day my husband and I took the plunge and with our little boy came to live here in Portugal full time.

We quickly out grew the tiny two bedroom house and found that our wish list had changed now that we were here all year round so we had no hesitation in putting the house up for sale almost as soon as we arrived.

There was no question that we wanted to stay on the Silver Coast, it is a fantastic area for both holidays and full time living, but we definitely wanted a big garden now that we were able to look after it ourselves and space for our family to grow.

We concentrated our search in The Sao Martinho do Porto area, mainly because of the beautiful bay and safe sandy beach which had become a favourite place to spend happy holiday days in the past. And before long we had found it - our dream home on the Silver Coast.

Buying a holiday home in lovely locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto is a great investment, it will also provide many happy holidays for you and your family. And you never know, it could be a stepping stone to your ultimate Silver Coast dream too!

By Stephanie Johnson

Carnival Time in Sao Martinho do Porto

Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast is buzzing with excitement during this the carnival season. The pretty seaside town joins the rest of Portugal to celebrate in a big way over the next few days with various events taking place and everyone joining in.

The fun began on Friday with children from all the schools in the area converging on Sao Martinho to take part in a big parade. Each school chose a different theme with the children and teachers dressed accordingly.

We live in a little village a few minute’s drive from Sao Martinho do Porto and my son’s little pre-school took part and decided to dress as chefs. They looked a picture in their white outfits with bright yellow aprons, bow ties and hats and wooden spoons hanging from ribbons around their necks.

The funniest thing was that our little boy lost his nerve at the last minute and insisted his dad join the parade too. The tallest school boy in all of Portugal!

By Stephanie Johnson

Sao Martinho do Porto, Your Home from Home

Sao Martinho do Porto is a delightful seaside town on the Silver Coast with the beautiful shell shaped bay lined with restaurants, bars and cafes.

Apartments in Sao Martinho are currently proving popular with our clients as they offer such good investment potential coupled with years of fantastic holidays for all the family.

What a great way to invest!

Owning an apartment or villa in the area means that you can really get to know the place and think of it as your home from home. It doesn’t take long to make friends with the locals especially if you find a favourite café or perhaps a little bar tucked away down a side street and start chatting with the owner.

One of my favourite places to spend an afternoon in Sao Martinho do Porto is The Palace do Capitao, a beautifully restored old family house in a perfect position on the seafront now run as a boutique hotel and tea rooms. The extensive drinks menu offers a huge selection of teas and tisanes from around the world as well as plenty of other choices for non-tea drinkers.

Sitting on the terrace overlooking Sao Martinho bay is a perfect people watching spot and could be just a short walk from your apartment – if you had one. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Property on the Silver Coast in Portugal - a Great Investment

There has never been a better time to buy property on Portugal's Silver Coast. Yes, I am sure you have heard this before, but the theory has never been more apparent than it is now.

Silver Coast property is currently being tipped as an excellent investment from many sources with prices for re-sale apartments regularly out stripping new build, providing generous profits for investors.

There are also great opportunities for letting your property with rental accommodation proving very popular in delightful locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare.

With mortgage rates still proving to be a bargain, buying a property on the Silver Coast either purely as an investment or as a holiday home for yourself and your family could be the smartest move you make all year.

By Stephanie Johnson

Obidos, a Delicious Silver Coast Treat

Obidos, the picturesque medieval town on the Silver Coast is known and loved by visitors and locals alike.

A visit to Obidos, either as a day trip or as a base from which to explore more of the Silver Coast, is always a delight. Amongst the little white washed houses tucked away down tiny cobbled streets you will find many quaint bars and cafes offering refreshment and an atmospheric place to sit and relax.

A trip to Obidos is never complete without a glass of the local liquor. Ginja, or Ginjina as it is sometimes known, is a soothing, sweet and delicious drink made from a particular type of cherry widely grown in the area. The land surrounding Obidos is fertile farmland and Ginja cherries grow in abundance creating not just a lovely drink but also a lovely landscape!

Ginja is served throughout Obidos often in little chocolate cups which are then eaten as a delicious final treat.

By Stephanie Johnson

Nazare, a Different Point of View

Nazare is a charming old Silver Coast fishing town that has been the subject of many of my blogs in the past, largely because it is one of my favourite places on the Silver Coast, but also because there is so much to write about.

I have written about Nazare beach, and the funicular railway leading to the atmospheric old town of Sitio perched on the cliff top, but one place that has yet to get a mention is the dolomite hill that can be seen rising up from the dunes to its full height of 156 metres. This iconic landmark known as St Bras Hill offers the most outstanding views over Nazare, the sea and the surrounding area.

There is evidence of pre-roman occupation in the Nazare area and at this time St Bras Hill was clearly a valuable view point with archaeological findings proving the case. The hill has also served as a useful landmark for sailors approaching Nazare from the open sea.

Designated in 1979 as a ‘classified area’ due to the variety of plants, some introduced many centuries ago, the views from St Bras Hill are well worth the steep climb where visitors can gaze out to sea from the lookout post or visit the tiny chapel, the destination for many pilgrims over the years.

By Stephanie Johnson

Obidos, a Silver Coast Gem

The pretty medieval town of Obidos is yet another delightful gem on the Silver Coast.

The huge protective walls that surround Obidos are crammed with tiny white washed houses that line the maize of narrow cobbled streets. The town is over looked by the magnificent Moorish castle, set on a fantastic elevated site with 360 degree views over the surrounding countryside.

Hundreds of years ago the Obidos Lagoon came right up to the town but in recent times the water has receded somewhat and now the fertile land is productively farmed instead.

It is possible to take a walk along the footpath that surrounds Obidos providing not only fantastic views but diversions such as a children’s play park and a herd of beautiful spotty deer wandering in a leisurely manner in their shady enclosure.

Obidos is situated about 10 minutes from Caldas da Rainha on the fabulous Silver Coast of Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson

Delicious Seafood in Sao Martinho do Porto

Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast is a very pretty seaside town with a stunning shell shaped bay. The lively sea front is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes creating a real buzz with visitors and locals alike enjoying the food, the drinks and the beautiful Sao Martinho view.

Baia do Oeste (West Bay) is a seafood restaurant in one of the best locations in Sao Martinho do Porto, right on the seafront. This is the place to come for amazing seafood at very reasonable prices served by friendly, efficient staff. The bay view adds to the delightful experience making this popular restaurant one to which you will want to return over and over again.

Owning an apartment in Sao Martinho do Porto means you can take your time to research and compile a list of favourite Silver Coast restaurants such as Baia do Oeste, and with so many to choose from you will be quite spoilt for choice.

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast Fishing

Take a stroll along any Silver Coast beach at the change of light, morning or evening, and you are sure to come across a fisherman or two.

Beach fishing is hugely popular in Portugal and the magical time of day when the light changes from day to night or vice versa is, apparently, when the fish are most eager to be caught.

It is common to see a little barbecue set up ready to cook the catch there and then - now you can’t get fresher than that!

Portugal has over 800 kilometres of stunning coastline and a strong maritime history, so it’s no surprise that fishing is traditionally a popular past time.

There are said to be up to 200 different species of fish ready and waiting to be caught in the waters off the coast of Portugal resulting in a reputation as one of the finest sea fishing locations in Europe.

The Obidos Lagoon and the bay at Sao Martinho do Porto are rich hunting grounds for clams which feature frequently in Portuguese cuisine. The locals spend hours at a time digging with a large scoop shaped fork to collect the delicious shell fish from under the sand.

The clams or amêijoas, are served in many of the local restaurants often with cubes of pork in a dish originating in the Alentejo region. Washed down with a glass or two of Portuguese wine, there can be no finer way to spend a Silver Coast evening.

By Stephanie Johnson

Party on the Silver Coast

I have mentioned before that the Portuguese love a party and our little village near Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast hosted a corker last weekend!

The village square was decorated with more lights and bunting than a Christmas tree and loud accordion music played in a jolly fashion from speakers attached to trees and flag poles reminiscent of a French art movie from the 1960’s.

There was cake and wine and little stalls selling homemade gifts and trinkets with familiar friendly faces everywhere we looked.

The annual ‘Festa’ in honour of a local saint takes place in most villages in Portugal with celebrations continuing for at least five days, starting and finishing each day with noisy fireworks to remind everyone to come and join in.

Larger towns such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Obidos also hold their festas offering an ideal opportunity for locals and visitors to get together. It’s a great way to make new friends, with a drink and dance instantly breaking the ice and language barrier.

The Silver Coast, any excuse for a party!

By Stephanie Johnson

Groundhog Day

Today, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day. Celebrated mainly in America and Canada, tradition has it that on this day when a groundhog comes out of its hole after hibernation and sees its shadow it will pop back in for another six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring and winter is not yet over. If however, there is no shadow then spring is well on the way and it can come out of hibernation!

Well, that’s how they do it in America, here things seem to be a little different - we seem to have jumped straight into spring. Looking out of my office window I can see nothing but clear blue sky and sunshine, one of those fresh, bright and ‘great to be alive’ type days.

One of the things I love about the Silver Coast is the way the weather is seasonal but always significantly warmer than the UK. I’ve mentioned the quality of light here before and on days like today it’s outstanding.

Sorry to be smug. . .

Why not come and visit us here on the Silver Coast soon while the flights are reasonable and the beaches are empty.

A walk in the fresh air around the bay from Sao Martinho do Porto to Salir do Porto will take about 15 minutes and is fantastic exercise, making the coffee and cake you treat yourself to at the end very well deserved!

By Stephanie Johnson

The Berlengas Islands

About 7 miles out to sea from Peniche on the Silver Coast is a little group of islands called the Berlengas.

This small archipelago is another little Silver Coast secret that is well worth a visit on one of the boats that make the 45 minute trip from the port in Peniche during the summer months.

The unspoilt granite islands are a designated nature reserve and a delightful place to explore looking for wild flowers and sea birds. They are also an amazing place to dive with crystal clear waters and fabulous rock and coral formations teeming with marine life.

Although the islands are uninhabited it is possible to camp on Berlenga Grande the largest of the group, if you book in advance through the tourist office, but with no facilities it is only for the hardened camper!

You can see the Berlengas Islands from all the beaches along the Silver Coast including Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and you can reach the port in Peniche in just 20 minutes from Obidos.

By Stephanie Johnson