Nazare, a Silver Coast Town Full of Character and Characters!

Here on the Silver Coast we have an amazing friend from Nazare called Silvino who is a very talented musician. He writes and plays the most delightful guitar music imaginable in almost any style, some of which will bring tears to your eyes.

Silvino is Nazare born and bred and would not dream of living anywhere else, following closely in his father’s footsteps. He is known by everyone in the town and is full of enchanting stories from the past that conjure up vivid images of times gone by.

We first met Silvino at a concert in which he performed some traditional Portuguese guitar music held at the little theatre in Sitio, Nazare’s neighbouring town, perched high up on the cliff top at the top of the funicular railway.

Nazare is a lovely town, full of characters such as Silvino and is a great place to own a holiday apartment to which you can return again and again and really begin to feel part of the place.
Prestige Property Portugal has fabulous apartments for sale in a development nearing completion right in the heart of Nazare. Colina da Nazare offers high quality finish, imaginative design, outstanding views and ideal location all of which add up to a great investment, and ensure great holidays for you and your family for many years to come.


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

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

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

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

A Fresh Start

The recent welcome announcement from the BBC that the UK is officially out of recession brings relief for everyone. As one of the last economies in the world to finally emerge from the gloom Britain can now start 2010 afresh.

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we have recently had a noticeable increase in client enquiries from the UK proving that the strengthening economy is already being widely felt.

So perhaps now is the time to start thinking about investments, and with the Silver Coast being tipped as a property hot spot you might find it is the perfect place to put your money.

Buying a property in beautiful locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Nazare or Obidos could not only bring you financial rewards but also the fun of holidays for many years to come.

Let’s forget the doom and gloom of 2009 and embrace the sunshine in 2010!



By Stephanie Johnson

The Village Bakery

The little village on the Silver Coast where we live is famous for its bakery. The Rebelo family has been in business for decades and still bake traditional Portuguese bread in huge wood fired ovens every morning seven days a week.

The staff, all dressed in white, arrive in the early hours and work until lunchtime. The delicious products of their labours are sold in the little café from where you can see the bread being baked (although I have to say that it is usually all over by the time I get there!) They also deliver to several other cafes in nearby towns and villages including Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto.

A little business like this reminds me of my childhood in the west country of England, these days it seems that there are far fewer family run businesses in England, in my opinion, a regrettable situation created by the emergence of big corporations.

Part of the charm of Portugal is the way it has managed to hang on to traditional ways and owning a home in one of the beautiful towns or villages on the Silver Coast would mean that you could be part of it too, whether you choose Obidos, Nazare or Cadaval you will find a very warm welcome, and some very nice bread. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Lisbon vs. Madeira

It was the battle of Lisbon vs. Madeira this weekend in Portugal’s Premier Football league. For such a small island it is an incredible achievement that Madeira has consistently produced to teams that always finish in the top half of Liga Sagres. This weekend both Madeiran teams squared up against Lisbon giants Sporting and Benfica.

The first game of the weekend saw Nacional travel to Estadio Alvalade in to face my beloved Sporting Lisbon, usually I make the short hour trip from São Martinho do Porto to watch them play but unfortunately due to work commitments I was unable to make the trip, I did however get to watch from a local pub in Nazare, and what a game it was. Sporting winning comfortably 3-1 with goals from Miguel Veloso and a brace from Liedson.

Then on Sunday Benfica travelled to the island to take on Maritimo, again it was a comfortable victory for a Lisbon team with Benfica winning 5-0, goals from Saviola, Luisão, Pereira, Cardoza and an own goal from Roberto Sousa contributed to a miserable evening for Maritimo.

So the weekend ended heavily in favor of Lisbon. Lisbon 8 Madeira 1. Benfica remain in second, behind Braga only on goal difference and Sporting Lisbon moved up to 4th.

By Dylan Herholdt

Money Makes the World Go Round

It is said that ‘money makes the world go round’, and unfortunately, this really does seem to be true.

One of the advantages of living here in Portugal is that the cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. You will notice this to a lesser or greater degree depending on your lifestyle, but it is fairly safe to say that you will definitely pay less here for things such as food and drink especially in bars and restaurants. Something I for one, really appreciate!

For me one of the greatest advantages of the internet is to be able to manage my UK bank account at home in Portugal at any time of day or night – how did we manage before this miracle of technology?

My life is also made a lot more straightforward by the fantastic cashpoint, or ‘Multibanco’ machines here. The Portuguese seem to have a knack for technology and they have really gone to town with automated banking. As well as the usual withdrawals and statements you can do the following:

• Pay utility bills (electricity, gas and water)
• Pay services and purchases
• Buy tickets for concerts and shows
• Buy cinema tickets
• Buy a fishing license
• Deposit cash which is instantly counted and credited to your account
• Make inter-bank transfers
• Make transfers from one account to another within the same bank
• Pay Social Security contributions
• Pay Income Tax
• Pay Value Added Tax
• Recharge mobile phone credit
• Make miscellaneous payments to the state
The Portuguese banks have operated in a very sensible manner during the economic downturn and it is partly due to this that the boom and bust situation created by reckless lending in other countries around the world hasn’t happened in Portugal, resulting in house prices remaining stable.

However, with mortgage rates at an all time low, it is currently a very good time to borrow money allowing you to buy your dream home on the Silver Coast without breaking the bank!

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we have formed a strong relationship with Portugal’s largest private bank, Millennium BCP, who also have branches in the UK (and a website in English!). Through Millennium we have arranged mortgages for a great many of our clients simply and easily, if you are interested in finding out more then please contact us and we will be able to help you – with, of course, no obligation on your part.

We have beautiful properties ready and waiting for you in places such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Nazare and Obidos.

So perhaps now your dream of buying a villa or apartment on the Silver Coast could soon become an affordable reality. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast Seasons

Here on the Silver Coast of Portugal we are surrounded by nature, the beautiful coastline is made up of golden sandy beaches separated by rugged cliffs. The sea is ever changing, calm in the protected bays such as Sao Martinho do Porto or crashing waves at the wilder beaches such as Salgardo just a few hundred metres along the coast.

This area is diverse offering something to please everyone, a true all year round destination. A beachcombing walk in the winter on Nazare beach is, in my opinion, as much fun as a summer swim in the bay at Salir do Porto, and spending Christmas in Obidos is just about perfect.

The Obidos Lagoon is fantastic for cycling in the cooler months, water sports during the summer and beautiful walks all year round.

The atmosphere changes here in the winter, with the majority of the tourists gone the little bars and restaurants take on a quiet, cosy and very friendly feel, with the owners having the time to get to know their customers, a lovely way to make friends who you can go back and visit over and over again.

Come and visit the Silver Coast, any time of year and discover a whole different world.

By Stephanie Johnson

Elegant Storks

My drive to work in the morning is always a joy as I have fabulous sea views for most of the way (a bit of a change from my old life in London when I took the Docklands Light Railway from Stratford to Canary Wharf!), but an additional feature that never fails to delight are the storks who live in a huge nest at the side of the road between Afeizerao and Sao Martinho do Porto.

These elegant birds are seen regularly throughout Portugal and have a habit of building nests in the most precarious places. Trees are an obvious choice but often a more adventurous pair will choose a high rooftop, an electricity pylon or even a motorway traffic sign spanning the busy road.

The nests are made from twigs and sticks collected by the male and put into place by the female. They can be huge, up to 2 metres across and 3 metres deep and always up very high to allow the storks to launch themselves into flight with the minimum of effort.

The nesting sites are always close to water or wetlands as, from a stork’s point of view, there is nothing tastier than a small fish, morsel of seafood or a perhaps a frog or a snail. Yum!

My favourite stork family has returned for many years to their delightful residence with views over Sao Martinho bay situated on top of a very tall pole. The pole, with a small platform on the top, appears to have been erected especially for them quite possibly by EDP (Energias de Portugal) and power grid operator REN who are working together to make their pylons more stork friendly, or provide alternative accommodation nearby if necessary.

You can see the storks gliding on the warm thermals or tending to their young in the huge nest when you next visit us here on the Silver Coast.

Another interesting reason to purchase a holiday home in a lovely location such as Salir do Porto, Nazare, Obidos or of course, Sao Martinho do Porto.


By Stephanie Johnson

Fancy a Coffee?

Reminiscent of most of Western Europe, Portugal has a strong cafe culture. Spending an afternoon people watching whilst enjoying a coffee at a café in a pretty square in Caldas da Rainha is as enjoyable as sitting on the seafront in Sao Martinho do Porto doing the same thing.

The Portuguese are rightly proud of their coffee and have so many variations that this guide may be of help to you when you next come over to visit us here on The Silver Coast.

Café – Ask for a simple café and you will be presented with an espresso, the coffee of choice for most Portuguese.

Bica – This is just another name for the above but has an interesting little story, allegedly it stands for ‘Beba Isto Com Açucar’ – ‘meaning drink this with sugar’. Apparently when coffee was first introduced to Portugal the locals found it rather unpalatable until an enterprising cafe owner displayed a sign suggesting Beba Isto Com Açucar and the rest is history!

Cafe Cheio – Meaning ‘full coffee’ this is an espresso topped up with hot water to make a slightly weaker brew.

Abatanado - This is a large cup of black coffee, usually the equivalent of three espressos.

Meia de Leite – Meaning ‘half of milk’, a larger coffee and favoured by us Brits.

Galão – A large milky coffee served in a tall glass similar to a cafe latte. The strength may vary between cafes so you should ask for a Galão Escuro (dark) if you prefer it a little stronger.

The Portuguese have many more coffee recipes but rather than reading about them come and sample some for yourself.
Whether you prefer to sit at a little table on the busy cobbled streets of Obidos, or watch the ocean at Nazare you will find plenty of cafes to choose from.

My personal favourite is delightful little place overlooking the Obidos Lagoon, it is hidden away and completely off the beaten track, charming simplicity and only 60 cents a cup – but you will have to come and find it for yourself . . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Beach Cricket

My thoughts have turned to cricket recently, our office here on the Silver Coast seems to be staffed by a disproportionate number of South Africans and as a big fan of English cricket I find myself in the minority concerning the current test series taking place in South Africa between the home side and us Brits - England are one nil up in the series by the way.

Cricket and Portugal may not be two words often found in the same sentence, but you might be surprised to know that cricket is alive and well and played with great enthusiasm on the Silver Coast.

One of my main concerns when considering our move to Portugal from the UK was that my husband would be able to continue to play cricket on a regular basis, so a quick search of the internet revealed the website of The Portuguese Cricket Federation. The funny thing is that when you mention cricket to most Portuguese people they immediately think of polo, so there is clearly a lot of work to do to promote the game within this country. Cricket has long been played by ex-pats throughout the Algarve but now the Silver Coast can boast its own venue.

The new cricket pitch in Santarem constructed a couple of years ago by a very keen ex-pat cricket fan is host to regular matches throughout the summer and well into October, and is fast becoming a favourite destination for touring sides from England. What a great combination, cricket, sunshine, Portuguese hospitality and the beach just up the road!

If you prefer a more casual game of beach cricket then you are well provided for here on the Silver Coast. With mile upon mile of golden sandy beaches at places such as Foz do Arelho, Salir do Porto, Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare you have plenty of space to knock it for six.

Howzat!

By Stephanie Johnson

New Year's Resolutions

The theory behind New Year’s resolutions is that you do something positive to improve your life, the problem is have you noticed how easy it is to make a New Year’s resolution but how hard it is to stick to?

Well, I have a solution – only make resolutions you will want to keep!

If you are looking to get the most out of life how about resolving to take a trip to the fabulous Silver Coast in Portugal, where you could visit wonderful locations such as the Obidos Lagoon, Sao Martinho do Porto or the lovely old fishing town of Nazare.

Surely, owning a luxury villa or apartment by the sea would do much to enhance your life, and far from being just an indulgence property on the Silver Coast is a proven investment opportunity - so you can be sure you are taking positive steps to ensure your financial future.

Now there’s a resolution you could stick to.

Happy New Year!

By Stephanie Johnson

Pass the Port!

The great British tradition of drinking Port after dinner is enjoyed by a greater number of people at Christmas time than at any other.

This delicious fortified wine comes only from the Douro valley a scenic drive north of the Silver Coast in Portugal. This beautiful wine growing area is one of the oldest in the world officially demarcated in 1756. The landscape has changed little since Roman times when vines were first planted on these slopes.

The north of Portugal is subject to higher rainfall than we have here on the Silver Coast, making the conditions ideal for growing the grapes used in port.

Port as we know it today first appeared in the 17th century when brandy was added to the rich red wine stopping the fermenting process and leaving more sugar, producing a sweeter, fortified wine that travelled well to Great Britain.

In the UK there is much ceremony and ritual attached to drinking port, such as only passing the bottle to the left when sitting around a dining table, the ladies leaving the table to allow the gentlemen to enjoy their port and cigars, (I can’t imagine many men getting away with that these days!) and at state banquets the Queen always makes the toast with port.

Due to the changes in our dining habits these days the port wine industry has decided it is time to reinvent itself and appeal to younger consumers, and their campaign appears to be working.

According to one of Britain’s port wine experts 48% of port in the UK is drunk by women and 45% is drunk by people under the age of 45.

Owning a property on the Silver Coast in locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto or Nazare would make it very easy for you to pop up to the Douro valley to sample the delights of the port wine lodges dotted along the banks of the river.

Then, if it rains you can always pop back down to your villa or apartment again and soak up a bit more Silver Coast sunshine.

Cheers!

By Stephanie Johnson

What a Small World!

I first had thoughts about moving to Portugal when over here on holiday and had dreamed about it ever since. But although I couldn’t think of a nicer place to live I was a little concerned about leaving behind family, friends and all things familiar.

However, that was in the days before the use of the internet became commonplace. This millennium it seems that everyone has internet access making the world feel like a much smaller place.

I eventually realised my dream and came to live on Portugal’s Silver Coast in the summer of 2005 and by making the most of everything the internet has to offer I have never felt cut off from things back in the UK.

I listen to BBC Radio 4 every morning while having breakfast and continue to moan about John Humphrys just as I did before, and I never miss The Archers!

Keeping in touch with my friends and family by email is easy (and free!) and of course now it is very straight forward to use live chat and webcam and actually see the person you are talking to. Then there is Skype if you just want to give someone a call.

I can follow the test match without missing a ball and I can buy just about anything via online shops. Amazon is my current favourite, so now there is no problem buying English language books and DVD’s whenever I want to.

If you enjoy watching television then that is not a problem either. You can watch anything you care to via the internet or satellite, although Portuguese TV does show a lot of English language films with Portuguese subtitles, which is actually a great way to learn the language.

Moving with my family to the Silver Coast proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. We enjoy all the benefits of living in a beautiful part of the world with the beach on our doorstep and places like Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto just up the road, without having to miss a thing from the UK.

We often jump in the car and take a short drive up to Nazare for Sunday lunch in a restaurant on the seafront, or maybe go to Obidos for a look around the lovely little shops to do a spot of Christmas shopping.

Then there is Caldas da Rainha also very close by and Lisbon less than an hour away. We really couldn’t be better placed to get the best of all worlds.

They say you only live once – I say make sure you live the life you wish for.

By Stephanie Johnson

Discovering Caldas da Rainha

Here on the beautiful Silver Coast of Portugal we are blessed with many picturesque towns and villages full of history, stunning coastal views, quaint restaurants and bars and a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

But what if you live here? Or what if you visit the area regularly, staying in your own holiday apartment or villa? You might want to experience a bit more than just sandy beaches and ice cream.

That is where places like Caldas da Rainha come in to their own, located about 20 minutes inland from Foz do Arehlo and with Obidos just ten minutes away Caldas is right in the centre of the fabulous Silver Coast region.

This bustling little city of around 25,000 inhabitants was established in the 15th century by Queen Leonor who founded a hospital at the site of the therapeutic hot springs. The hospital is still in operation today making it one of the oldest institutions of this type in the world.
Although modernised and extended, tours of the original parts of the hospital can be booked through the museum behind the main building and it is a fascinating place to visit. The original pool is still there with its domed ceiling carved from stone, the misty atmosphere created by the warm water pervaded by the strong aroma of sulfur.

Back outside in the fresh air and sunshine you will find yourself in a little square along one side of which can be found an entrance to the impressive park. This is a beautiful formal garden reminiscent of the Victorian parks found in the UK. Along with the huge range of exotic plants, trees and grassy areas there is a boating lake, a bandstand, tennis courts, a children’s playground and a lovely café/restaurant with lots of outside seating. It is a delightful place to while away an afternoon.

I should also mention the fantastic farmers market held daily in the Praça da Fruta the big market square in the centre of town. Caldas da Rainha is the only place in Portugal hold a daily market and it is a great place to pick up some fresh produce. Lots of colour, lots of noise, lots of fun.

There is also plenty more retail excitement to be had in the wide variety of shops and stores found in and around the city, including several supermarkets and shopping centres, and with a choice of cinemas, theatres and a new bowling complex, there is plenty of other entertainment too.

A short drive north of Caldas brings you to the coastal towns of Salir do Porto, Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare, all great unspoilt holiday destinations with long sandy beaches.

Perfect. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Traditional Music on the Silver Coast

Music and Portugal are synonymous going back through history to the beginning of civilisation.

The Portuguese 12 string guitar produces the most beautiful music, (in the right hands of course!) and lends a unique atmosphere to any proceedings. One of my most memorable trips to Lisbon involved sitting in the shade of a tree surrounded by glorious sunshine in the grounds of the famous Castelo de Sao Jorge listening to a musician who played beautifully. It was truly moving.

This lovely instrument is the usual accompaniment to Fado the traditional music of Portugal, greatly revered throughout the country. The word Fado actually means ‘fate’, but as all the songs are terribly sad it would seem that ‘lament’ might be a more accurate description.

You may think that as a non-Portuguese speaker it would be difficult to understand this music considering the lyrics are so important, but a night of Fado in a Portuguese bar is a unique experience that really shouldn’t be missed.

Such importance is placed on the singer or ‘fadista’, either a man or woman and always dressed in black, that when they take their place in front of the musicians a respectful hush falls over the room.

Fado music is played in bars all along the Silver Coast in towns such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto, and in Obidos there is a wonderful cosy bar that is built into the castle walls and has Fado music every Friday night, an atmospheric evening not to be missed.

Visit Portugal, a land of culture.

By Stephanie Johnson

Christmas spirit on the Silver Coast

I am a big fan of Christmas and have spent many a jolly Christmas here on the Silver Coast, either as a regular visitor or more latterly as a resident with my family, and I am always struck by the cultural differences between here and Britain.

In this predominantly Catholic country Christmas is bound to be an important time and it always seems to me that it is treated with a lot more respect than in the UK where it appears to have been completely taken over by commercialism.

Christmas trees and Father Christmas feature strongly here in Portugal but have equal billing alongside traditional Nativity scenes which don’t seem to be so apparent in Britain. Every village here on the Silver Coast has its own Nativity scene quite often of life size proportions! The figures may be fashioned from clay or wood but always have serenity appropriate to the occasion.

As we have mentioned before the medieval town of Obidos is well known for transforming itself into ‘Christmas Town’ throughout December. The Vila Natal event becomes more lavish every year, and when we took our little son on Christmas day last year we found the whole town beautifully decorated in a ‘Nutcracker’ theme with actors dressed as characters from the famous ballet. There was lots of Christmas music, fake snow, polar bears and penguins and fun things to do such as ice skating and tobogganing on real ice. It made our Christmas truly memorable and we have no hesitation in going again this year.

Owning a holiday home on the Silver Coast could be the start of your memorable Silver Coast Christmases and with high quality homes available in towns such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto as well as Obidos you can make use of your investment all year round.

Christmas in Portugal is a magical time, with something for everyone to enjoy.

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast football causes big upset

When people talk about the Silver Coast they talk about the spectacular castle at Obidos, they talk about the breath taking shell shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto, maybe they mention the gorgeous white cliffs of Nazare or the amazing views from Salir do Porto but one thing that does not usually come to mind is football . . . until now.

I have mentioned many times in these blogs that I support Sporting Lisbon, so it saddens me to report that this weekend Uniao Leiria travelled to Lisbon to face my beloved team and came away with a very impressive 1-0 win. Uniao confined Sporting to a disgraceful 7th position on the log as they sit handsomely in 8th.

The football team based on the beautiful Silver Coast, thriving in the beautiful game . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

New easyJet Edinburgh-Lisbon route for 2010

UK airline easyJet announced yesterday the introduction of yet another new route to Lisbon. Now people from Scotland have the chance to fly direct from Edinburgh to Lisbon. Portugal was recently awarded the prize for ‘Best City Break’ at the travel awards and this latest route will give people the opportunity to enjoy Lisbon and places like Obidos, Fatima, Sintra and other Silver Coast destinations like Nazare or Sao Martinho do Porto which are both under an hour from the Portuguese capital.

easyJet’s regional general manager is very positive about the new route saying: “Lisbon is a vibrant and historic city, which we expect to be popular as a city break destination . . .”

Fares are very reasonable £28.99 one way and £53.98 return.

By Dylan Herholdt

Nazare: Real investment property location.

When thinking about an investment opportunity, you need to consider the following.

Market conditions.
Future growth.
Long term stability.
Proven track record.

The famous town of Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast ticks all of these boxes.

Market conditions: According to recent stats and figures Portugal was the least affected country in the world during the recession. During this very difficult year Portugal continued to develop, banks continued to lend and the interest rate was the lowest it has ever been. What does this mean? Portugal is a safe place to invest; your money will not go anywhere.

Future Growth: The Silver Coast is the fastest developing area in Portugal with the Portuguese government investing millions in roads, hospitals, golf courses, solar technology, high speed rails and more. It is already a great place to invest and those who are in a position to invest now will enjoy the benefits of a region that will grow and improve even more over the next 2 years.

Proven track record: Nazare has a proven track record when it comes to property. Why? Nazare is not reliant on an overseas market. Nazare is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Portuguese people. Over the summer months, Carnaval season, Christmas and religious holidays Nazare is the destination of choice for people from Lisbon and elsewhere. It has been this way for decades and anyone who has owned property in Nazare enjoys great rental income over these periods and has never had a problem selling.

Long term stability: Tied closely to the proven track record is the fact that Nazare will continue to be a favorite holiday destination for the Portuguese. This year while we saw a decrease in the amount of visitors to the Algarve and even some areas on the Silver Coast, Nazare remained very busy and active over the summer months and it looks like it will be a very festive Christmas and New Year in the popular town again this year.

The Silver Coast is the best place to invest right now and Nazare is the place to invest on the Silver Coast. Take a look at our Nazare apartments an amazing investment opportunity.

By Dylan Herholdt

Dinosaurs on the Silver Coast

Portugal’s Silver Coast is a fascinating place for many reasons. We all know about the fabulous beaches, picturesque towns, rolling hills and historic castles, but it doesn’t end there.

The Silver Coast is also well known in paleontological circles with numerous archeological finds originating here.

One of the best known sites is the area around the farming town of Lourinha just south of Peniche.

There is an interesting little museum in the town housing small relics from bygone days such as agricultural tools, toys and clothes, the usual small town fare. But alongside all of this paraphernalia is the most amazing collection of prehistoric artifacts, from saber-toothed tiger teeth to a complete dinosaur skeleton.

The museum was established in 1980 but it was in 1993 when it really made a name for itself when Isabel Mateus discovered a large clutch of dinosaur eggs while out walking with her three year old daughter on the cliff at Paimogo just north of Lourinha. Mrs. Mateus, being something of an amateur speleologist, immediately recognized the black fragments as dinosaur eggs.

With the help of her family and local villagers the eggs were painstakingly excavated, and over a period of three years it was discovered that the collection contained not just the shells of more than 100 eggs but also some with dinosaur embryos still inside, the only such discovery in Europe.

There are also several important dinosaur tracks on the Silver Coast, most notably the longest sauropod track way in the world (147 meters) near Fatima.

If you like the idea of a luxury holiday home in a diverse and interesting area with plenty to see and do, then the Silver Coast is for you. Check out our properties at Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Nazare and Obidos.

Discover the past while you invest in your future on the Silver Coast.

By Stephanie Johnson

Portugal handed tough group for world cup 2010

There was plenty of drama and entertainment on Friday night as the draw to see who plays who in next year’s football world cup was held. I am proudly South African and sat in my Sao Martinho do Porto apartment with my head in my hands as South Africa was placed in a very tough group with Mexico, Uruguay and France.

I thought to myself that this must be the group of death, there is usually one really tough group in each tournament but it appeared I was wrong. Emerging from the draw was another group of death. This group involved the country I now call my home. Portugal had been placed in a group with North Korea, Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast and Perennial football powerhouse Brazil.

This news was met with much excitement and in coffee shops, pubs and restaurants all over the Silver Coast the discussion rages on. Can Portugal make it through the group? Opinions have varied from the old man who serves me my Saturday lunch in Sao Martinho do Porto to the bartender in Nazare who serves me an ice cold cider on a Thursday night.

Either way, I cannot wait to watch next year’s amazing event right here on the Silver Coast . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

Nazare . . . a taste of real Portugal

A short drive north of Lisbon brings you to the charming fishing town of Nazare, a town steeped in history with a unique atmosphere and one of the most well known spots on the Silver Coast.

The townsfolk are famed throughout Portugal and the Silver Coast for their traditional costume still worn today by some of the older inhabitants. The seven skirts worn by the women are all different colors and symbolize the safe return of their husbands from the sea, but why they wear thick wooly socks and clogs is still a mystery to me! The men are less flamboyant and just wear black, with perhaps a wooly hat in the winter months.

The neighboring town of Sitio perched high on the cliff top above Nazare is well worth a trip on the funicular railway, taking in spectacular views of the town and coastline on the way up.

Arriving at the top you can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the pretty cobbled streets arriving in the beautiful town square presided over by the church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazare). A fantastic piece of architecture with lots of ornate gold leaf decoration and beautiful old tiles inside. It is a treat for the visitor to venture behind the altar and discover even more interesting artifacts.

Opposite this spectacular church across the square is a tiny chapel, Capela da Memória, built by King Roderic (c.715) the chapel is home to the famous Black Madonna statue. In 1182, the life of Dom Fuas Roupinho, a Portuguese knight, was saved while out hunting deer. One foggy morning his horse was stopped abruptly as it was about to leap off the cliff in pursuit of a large stag when a vision of the Madonna appeared. It is said you can still see the foot print of the horse in the rock. . .

Myths and legends abound in Nazare, but it is not only the history that makes this place so special. The seafront and squares are crammed with lively bars and quality restaurants offering a plenty of entertainment day and night, while the breathtaking beaches are reputed to be amongst the best in Portugal.

Nazare is a short drive up the coast from Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto and its proximity to the A8 makes it very accessible to the rest of Portugal and beautiful towns such as Obidos.

Visit Nazare on the Silver Coast and experience the real Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson

Lights up in Nazare

The beach front of Nazare on the Silver Coast is absolutely stunning at the moment, the lights are up and switched on and it is that time of year when the promenade comes alive with Christmas spirit.

Nazare is the place to be over the Christmas season, the popular fishing village attracts visitors from all over Portugal, not only in the summer but over the festive season too. Not only that, but Nazare is the most popular place to come for new years eve, people come from all over the Silver Coast; Sao Martinho do Porto, Obidos, Foz do Arelho and Caldas da Rainha to enjoy the massive beach party in Nazare.

Let the celebrations begin . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

London-Lisbon highspeed rail link brings the Silver Coast closer

It was announced this week that Spain and France are to form a company that will construct a high speed rail between Paris and Madrid, with construction due to begin in 2012 this brings the beautiful Silver Coast that much closer to the rest of Europe.

This means Londoners would be able to catch the Eurostar from London to Paris, and then take the high speed rail from Paris to Madrid.

The journey does not end there. It was announced in October that a high speed rail would be constructed between Lisbon and Madrid and that it would be finished by 2013. The rail link will have one of its main stops at Torres Vedras, which is exciting news as this town is just 10-20 minutes from some of the most beautiful seaside locations you will ever see; Nazare, Foz do Arelho, Obidos, Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto.

There has never been a better time to invest on the Silver Coast . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

Top Quality Property on the Silver Coast

Portugal has often been described as a land of plenty and at no time is it more apparent than in the summer months when here on the Silver Coast small farming forms a large share of the economy, it seems that every tree is laden with fruit and every field is full of vegetables just waiting to be harvested.

Of course building is also a huge industry throughout Portugal and the low costs are partly attributed to one of the most cost efficient workforces in Europe. Building is however, strictly controlled by the government who have paid great attention to the problems incurred by neighbouring Spain with the numerous high rise buildings along the coastline now ruining the very landscape that tourists flocked to see.

The beautiful coastal towns and villages of the Silver Coast such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto are protected by very strict planning laws. Within half a kilometer of the seafront buildings any taller than three stories are prohibited, allowing everyone to enjoy the sea view.

At Prestige Portugal Property we are very proud of the stylish design and clever use of space our architects offer at all our developments, and our reputation for high quality building includes the parts you don’t see, such as top quality, efficient insulation, as well as the parts you do like; the exotic blue marble in the bathrooms and polished stone in the kitchens.

Pay a visit to our website and then pay a visit to the Silver Coast, you will be sure to like what you see.

By Stephanie Johnson

Blue skies and fresh air on the Silver Coast

It’s a fact that the outstanding quality of light here on the Silver Coast attracts artists and photographers from all over the world. It is particularly apparent in the winter months when arriving on a plane from grey old England and you suddenly find that you need your sun glasses!

Portugal has a well deserved reputation for good weather being one of Europe’s warmest countries. The Algarve region in the south of the country is warmer and drier than the north, so here on the Silver Coast we are ideally placed for getting the best of both worlds.

The average yearly temperatures are around 65 degrees Fahrenheit regularly reaching 80 or 90 in the summer months, so you can always expect a good holiday, whatever the weather you have left behind you in the UK.

Portugal also boasts exceptional air quality drifting in as it does from thousands of miles of uninterrupted Atlantic Ocean. With a far smaller population than Britain the pollution levels generated are also a lot less and the Portuguese government prides itself on the excellent record they have for green energy. More than one third of electricity currently comes from renewable sources, double the European average. Prime Minister Jose Socrates has announced that the proportion is set to increase to 45% by next year.

The good news is that regardless of these wonderful advances in technology the beautiful Silver Coast of Portugal will never be spoilt, as it is recognized and greatly valued by the government as a resource to be treasured. So whether you visit Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Obidos or any of the other stunning locations along this stretch of coastline you can rest assured that the vistas and sun sets will always look as enchanting and natural as they do today.

By Stephanie Johnson

Sporting vs Benfica . . . this is huge!

Two of the biggest names in Portuguese football meet this weekend in a game that divides families, towns, companies and bars for a weekend. FC Porto may have been the most successful Portuguese football team in recent years but the oldest and most well known clubs are Lisbon giants Benfica and Sporting.

The stadiums are only 200 meters away from each other and this weekend the two teams will meet in the most anticipated club game on the Portuguese calendar. Benfica are the team to beat at the moment, they have splashed out this season on some big name signings and currently sit in joint first place. Sporting has not had a good season, they lie in seventh and their coach Paulo Bento resigned last week. However Sporting have been encouraged by their recent 4-1 cup victory and some indifferent results for Benfica, including a shock cup exit at the hands of Victoria Guimaraes.

So the stage is set, our company, based here on the Silver Coast is divided and this game will be spoken about for weeks to come with fans of the winning team given bragging rights for the next 6 months in restaurants, pubs, schools, on building sites and in the office.

On Saturday the 28th of November at 21:15 the country will stand still as these two teams go head to head, the Silver Coast will be no different as fans from both teams will gather in pubs and restaurants in Nazare, Obidos, Caldas da Rainha, São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho to cheer their favorite team on to victory.

I will be taking the short 45 minute drive to the Alvalade stadium in my green and white hooped shirt and scarf, hoping for a Sporting win.

Let the rivalry begin . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

Wines of the Silver Coast

Portugal is one of the world’s best producers of wine and the Silver Coast is no exception producing some of Portugal’s oldest and best wines. There is so much to choose from here but we have tried to narrow it down a bit and here is more reason to live or holiday on the Silver Coast.

Casa Da Ribeira: The award winning wine is produced from a gorgeous 17th century Quinta on a 60 hectare estate near Torres Vedras on the Silver Coast. Just 15 minutes from Obidos the estate organises wonderful wine tasting events and is also available for wedding and other functions.

Quintas das Cerejeiras: This beautiful vineyard in Bombarral produces one of Portugal’s oldest wines. Just minutes from Obidos and only 15 minutes from São Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and Foz do Arelho.

Vidigal Wines: Located in Leiria just 10 minutes from Nazare, this stunning vineyard excels in the production of white wines.

The Silver Coast . . . vintage in more ways than one

By Dylan Herholdt

School Children take over the beach in São Martinho do Porto

The peaceful beach of São Martinho do Porto was transformed on Thursday as hundreds of enthusiastic pre-primary and primary school children took to the sand for a local inter school sports day.

The sports day involved schools from Nazare,Salir do Porto, Foz do Arelho, São Martinho do Porto and other surrounding schools on the Silver Coast. The action was intense and the competition fierce as energetic children were put through their paces in various competitions and races.

It is safe to say that fun was the real winner as children, cheered on by proud parents and teachers enjoyed their time in the sun surrounded by the beauty of São Martinho do Porto bay.

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast, Portugal – Europe’s favorite “drive to” holiday destination.

Each summer season the Silver coast fills up with holiday makers. The tourism industry on the Silver Coast has grown exponentially over the past number of years and a large proportion of these holidays makers tend to drive to the Silver Coast from all over Europe. The French, Spanish, Dutch, Belgians and Germans in particular, can all drive to the Silver Coast with relative ease and comfort.
The Portuguese government has long recognized the Silver Coast region as being an area of huge touristic potential. Recent large scale infrastructure improvements to accommodate these “drive to” holiday makers have included the new A8 motorway which has opened the Silver Coast up holiday makers who choose to “drive to” their holiday destination. Seaside towns on the Silver Coast such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Foz do Arelho have all prospered from this new holiday business.

There are of course obvious benefits of taking you car with you on holidays. First and foremost would be a much lower cost of holiday , no extortionate airport taxes or baggage charges , no peak season car rental rip offs and better control of your travel timetable . Especially if you are renting an apartment on the Silver Coast you can load up the car with all your holiday gear plus certain home comforts that you just can’t take on a plane.

Figures released from Silver Coast Hospitality ( www.silvercoasthospitailty.com) confirm that over 75% of their summer rentals are from holiday makers who “drive to” the Silver Coast especially from neighboring countries such as Spain and France .

This is great news for owners of holiday apartments being rented out on the Silver Coast during the summer period . The rental market is growing and with expected yields of up to 6% for well located luxury property , the Silver Coast is a fantastic place to invest in now before it matures . Regarded by many experts as the very last “emerging market” in Western Europe the Silver Coast is an investor’s paradise .

For all the best property in the best locations on the Silver Coast contact us now.

By Colm Wilkinson

Portugal Qualify for South Africa 2010

3 months ago Portugal’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s football world cup in South Africa seemed in tatters. But one of the things that are synonymous with Portuguese people is their strength and determination. Last night in freezing cold Sarajevo the Portuguese football team showed plenty of that strength and determination as they booked their place in the first world cup on African soil.

I am South African and have always known about the Portuguese – South African connection. I have, however, been quite surprised by the amount of South Africans that I have met here on the Silver Coast, specifically São Martinho do Porto and Nazare.

The Portuguese team started their game against Bosnia-Herzegovina with a 1-0 aggregate lead thanks to a home leg goal from Bruno Alves in Lisbon. But it was always going to be an incredibly tough encounter given the weather, the state of the pitch and the very loud and hostile home fans. It was a happy ending with a Raul Meireles goal giving Portugal the win and an overall aggregate score of 2-0. With many critics saying that this was by far the best game in the Queiroz era, Portuguese fans will be hoping that their team will get better from here on out in time for the world cup.

I will be cheering both my teams on in next year’s football show piece, it is highly unlikely that my country men will progress through to the knockout stages so I will be backing Portugal to go all the way.

By Dylan Herholdt

Christmas Magic in Obidos Castle

‘Vila Natal’ the traditional Christmas celebrations that last for more than a month commence on November 28th. Obidos Castle on the Silver Coast has always been a magical place but from the 28th until the New Year something special happens inside the ancient castle walls.

The lights go up, the smell of delightful treats fill the air, Christmas songs can be heard on the cobble stone streets, live music, concerts and plays entertain children and adults alike and don’t forget the ice rink.

There is something for everyone with events planned every night for more than a month. Christmas inside the walls of Obidos castle is an experience like none other and families always make the short drive from surrounding areas like São Martinho do Porto, Caldas Da Rainha, Nazare, Lourinha, Foz do Arelho and even Lisbon to savor the Obidos Christmas magic.

By Dylan Herholdt

Money for free in Portugal

Portugal is the only country in Europe where you do not pay to use an ATM. You can draw money, transfer money or deposit money at an ATM in Portugal and you will not pay a cent, no bank charges.

It is a wonderful feeling when you are drawing 10 Euros at an ATM in Nazare, or Obidos or São Martinho do Porto and only 10 Euros gets taken out of your account.

In addition Portuguese banks are still giving out mortgages, our new apartments and villas come pre-approved and all our clients have taken out mortgages this year using a Portuguese bank. Of course it helps when the interest rate is the lowest it has ever been.

By Dylan Herholdt

Life on the Silver Coast

I play guitar and sing. I am not very good which is why this is my day job. I play quite often at the Irish pub in Nazare and was recently phoned by another pub owner on the Silver Coast and asked to come and play at his pub on a Friday night.

Now, it is quite a scary thing playing in front of a lot of people that you don’t know, so I have started inviting people I know to attend, don’t worry, this is not an invitation. Our offices are in São Martinho do Porto and we have wonderful Portuguese lady who cooks lunch for us every day. I told her in my appalling Portuguese that I am playing at Status Bar in São Martinho do Porto on Friday night. She shot me down, she has plans, Selena must be in her 50’s and on Friday night she is going to Karaoke in Obidos. Apparently Selena is a big Karaoke fan and does the whole dancing and singing thing. By the way she makes the most amazing potato dishes.

The point of this whole story is . . . once again I am struck by the people who live on the Silver Coast, how young at heart they are, how alive they are and the amazing life that they have here.

There is something about this place that makes you feel alive . . . it is undeniable

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast football team doing the business in Portugal’s Premier League

The Leiria football club has enjoyed a fantastic first half of their first season back in Liga Sagres, Portugal’s Premier football league.

Leiria is considered by many to be the Silver Coast capital, it is a big city and now their football team is making a big impact and doing the Silver Coast proud. Colleagues of mine recently travelled 30 minutes from São Martinho do Porto to see Leiria take on Lisbon giants Benfica, it was a close game with Benfica just edging past Leiria 2-1. But other than that Leiria have had some great results in the league and currently lie 7th on the table, they have also enjoyed some good support from fans in nearby towns like Nazare, Salir do Porto and São Martinho do Porto.

Their last result saw them draw with Academica and they now prepare for a crunch match with league leaders Braga.

By Dylan Herholdt

The Silver Coast Community

As the proud new father of a beautiful baby boy I am becoming more aware of how important family values are and to the benefit of living in a community. We have all heard the expression that a country is made up of its people and this is definitely the case in Portugal. In Portugal the relevance placed on preserving the traditional family unit is immense.

It is not uncommon to see entire generations of the same family living within a few miles of each other. Especially in the Silver Coast region which, thankfully has preserved traditional family values whilst embracing the future. There is an embedded sense of community here where everybody is on a first name basis. There is also a sense of comfort that just cannot be explained in words, when you become part of the Silver Coast community you become part of something which unfortunately does not seem to exist anymore in modern society. Here we smile as we walk the beach, we cross the road to speak to our neighbor, we look out for each other, everyone is accepted and welcome in the Silver Coast Community.

If this sounds idyllic to you, then be sure to check out Nazare, São Martinho do Porto and Obidos. Prestige Property Portugal is the leading real estate company on the Silver Coast and we have fantastic properties at bargain prices in these seaside towns.

Become part of the Silver Coast Community TODAY.

By Colm Wilkinson