Obidos on the Silver Coast is Hosting the International Chocolate Festival

I was in Obidos this morning and found the town buzzing with excitement in anticipation of the International Chocolate Festival which starts later today.

Obidos is a very picturesque medieval walled town on the Silver Coast which plays host to several events throughout the year.

Overlooked by an imposing Moorish castle the town is full of charm and character - a photographer’s paradise - and is a delightful place to visit at any time of year.

The Chocolate Festival is a very popular annual event attended by around 200,000 drooling visitors from all over the Silver Coast, who come to sample the wares of the stall holders, watch expert demonstrations and gaze at the enormous amazing chocolate sculptures on display.

The Obidos International Chocolate Festival runs from 4th - 14th March and is well worth a visit.

Prestige Portugal Property has some stunning villas for sale very close to Obidos, several beaches and a choice of fabulous golf courses.


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

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

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

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 Sailing School on the Obidos Lagoon

If you drive a couple of kilometres along the north shore of the Obidos Lagoon from Foz do Arelho you will find the Escola de Vela da Lagoa, a sailing school in a beautiful Silver Coast setting.

The little school offers equipment hire and lessons in all types of water sports, including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and water skiing.

The calm waters of the lagoon ensure a safe environment for beginners. Book an individual lesson with an instructor, from the enthusiastic team of professionals, or if you prefer, take a course over several days.

If you have a little more experience then equipment is available for hire allowing you have your own adventures and discover the beauty of the Obidos Lagoon for yourself.

The little sailing school has a bar and café open to all offering drinks and snacks all day and is within a 15 minute drive from Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and even less 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

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

Christmas Cake Fit for a King!

As a born and bred Brit I am very proud of our many Christmas traditions, although the fact that our three main Christmas treats of cake, pudding and mincemeat all seem to be made out of the same ingredients always has me baffled!

Here in Portugal there are plenty of quaint Christmas traditions and eating cake at Christmas is just one of them. Bolo Rei (King Cake) is a delicious light and fluffy bread full of dried and crystallised fruit and nuts and is to be found in every café, restaurant and home throughout the country at this time of year.

Traditionally the cake is baked with a surprise or two inside. It is said that whoever finds the fava bean has to pay for the cake! It might also contain a charm which the lucky finder can keep with no penalty.

The Portuguese celebrate Christmas, along with most of Europe, on the evening of the 24th December, opening presents at midnight after enjoying a family meal usually consisting of Bacalhau (salt cod), boiled potatoes and dark green cabbage.

hmmm. . . Not particularly appealing to British tastes! Turkey is becoming more popular however, and is now widely available, so if you plan to spend your Christmas here on the Silver Coast then you can still enjoy a few British traditions.

Imagine the fun you could have in your luxury holiday home by the sea, what better place to walk off the excesses of Christmas than the beach or may be a round of golf?

Have a look at our properties in seaside towns such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and Foz do Arelho or perhaps magical Obidos, anyone of which would make a fantastic place to spend Christmas.

Christmas on the Silver Coast – What a cracker!

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

Why Are We Called Prestige?

We took a lot of care choosing a name for our business, we are not called Prestige by accident.

Allow me to explain:

P – Property on the Silver Coast, a product we truly believe in.
R – Reasonable prices. You still get great value for money on the Silver Coast when compared to other holiday destinations such as Spain.
E – Experience. We have many years experience during which time we have established ourselves as one of the leading agents on the Silver Coast.
S – Silver Coast. Where else?
T – Trust. Our knowledge of the area and the real estate business means we are able to offer a professional, reliable service.
I – Investment. Property on the Silver Coast of Portugal is recommended as a wise investment due to the stable government, unspoilt coastline and countryside and ease of access. The Silver Coast is only a short drive from Lisbon airport.
G – Good rental potential. Our apartments and villas in beautiful locations such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and Obidos provide consistent rental income for their owners.
E – Endless miles of sandy beaches. Which as an owner of a property on the Silver Coast are available for you to enjoy whenever you wish.

Prestige by name, prestige by nature.

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

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

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

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

World Cup play-offs: Portugal get lucky

On saturday night, I made the short 50 minute drive from São Martinho do Porto to Estadio da Luz to watch Portugal take on visitors Bosnia in a crunch world cup play off match. With the first leg being played in Lisbon and the second leg in ice cold Bosnia, many believed that the Portuguese team needed a 2 goal cushion going into the second leg. It was not to be, Portugal in front of 50,000 passionate fans were met by a very determined Bosnian side who were unlucky not to come away with a draw at least as they hit the bar on 3 occasions.

The stars from Portugal once again trained in Obidos on the Silver Coast and maybe it was the magic of Obidos Castle that kept the ball from entering the Portuguese goal. They now travel to Bosnia with a slender 1-0 lead thanks to a first half goal from Bruno Alves, they will hope to come away with a win or a draw on wednesday.

Força Portugal!

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

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

Portugal’s Economic Outlook Upgraded for 2010

Portugal’s economy will do better in 2010 than previously expected, the European Commission has predicted. The Commission has that the country will see its economy grow by at least 0.3% in 2010.

This new projection comes after Portugal officially came out of recession during the third quarter of 2009. Such positive news will further add to the appeal of the Portuguese Real Estate Sector. Currently Portugal is holding onto the number 1 spot as the most searched for location for overseas buyers.

One area showing huge potential is the Silver Coast Region of Portugal. Be sure to ask for property within the “Silver Circle”. The “Silver Circle” incorporates the seaside towns of Obidos, Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare, all three towns are within a 15km radius of each other.
Ongoing Investment in this area is amongst the highest per capita in the entire country yet the government is still committed to protecting the regions natural beauty.

If you have never been to the Silver Coast before, then why not ask us about our specific 2 / 3 Day Viewing Tours. We even operate on weekends if you can’t make it during the week.

Don’t wait for the market to pass you by, the last bargains are being snapped up now. Opportunity only knocks once.

By Colm Wilkinson

Indonesian cuisine and massage centre on the Silver Coast

The Silver Coast is one of the most relaxing places in the world, but if you want to spoil yourself visit ‘Quinta da Vida Serena’ for hot stone, shiatsu and classic relaxation massages.

Jeanne & Jaap de la Rambelje are a couple from Holland that moved to the Silver Coast and have recently set up this venture that is a welcome addition to the relaxed lifestyle and pace on the Silver Coast. The centre is located in the quaint village of Alfeizerão which is central to most of the popular towns on the Silver Coast. In addition Jeanne and Jaap run a B & B and serve up traditional Indonesian food on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month.

People from surrounding towns like São Martinho do Porto, Caldas da Rainha, Nazare and Obidos are minutes away from a relaxing massage and some divine food.

To book contact Jeanne: 00351 262 990 396

By Dylan Herholdt

New Hilton Hotel on the Silver Coast

The magic of Obidos is catching on. The next Hilton Hotel is to be built in Obidos, minutes away from the world heritage site Obidos Castle and under an hour away from Lisbon. The world famous hotel chain has recognized how special the Silver Coast really is and has ear marked it as a developing area and a good area to invest in.

People staying in the Hotel will have access to all the hot spots on the Silver Coast, the night life of Caldas da Rainha, the golden beaches of São Martinho do Porto, the gorgeous fresh fish restaurants of Nazare and the world class golf courses in Obidos.

The Hilton Bom Successo Obidos is scheduled to open in 2012.

By Dylan Herholdt

Cascais gets a sweet tooth and follows Obidos example.

Thousands flocked to Cascais to learn more about chocolate, not surprisingly most of those people were women. The beautiful town of Cascais just 20 minutes from Lisbon was the perfect venue for the event put together by the Portugal Cocoa club. Visitors had the opportunity to understand the chocolate making process, learn about the origins of chocolate and most importantly taste different chocolates.

What a lot of people may not have realized is that a much bigger event of this kind has been taking place for years in Obidos on the Silver Coast. The Obidos Chocolate Festival takes place every year and is one of the highlights of the Silver Coast calendar. Held inside the walls of the beautiful castle the event attracts people from São Martinho do Porto, Nazare, Caldas da Rainha and Lisbon.

By Dylan Herholdt

Another award goes to the Silver Coast

Praia D’el Rey Beach resort in Obidos on the Silver Coast was awarded the title of Europe’s leading golf and leisure resort. The gorgeous resort located minutes away from other attractions such as São Martinho do Porto and Nazare has been drawing people from all over Europe and is widely credited as being Portugal’s best golf course.

In addition Portugal won the award for Europe’s best destination, best cruise location and best city break destination.

By Dylan Herholdt

An Iberian world cup?

Portugal and Spain have joined forces and lodged an official bid to jointly host the football world cup in 2018 or 2022. This latest development has presented a real threat to the English world cup bid as both these countries are capable of hosting the tournament individually, but together, there is the potential for one of the greatest tournaments ever.

Portugal has the infrastructure and the stadiums to host an amazing event, as they showed when they hosted Euro 2004. The idea of a world cup here is great news for people on the Silver Coast, a lot of games will be played at the 2 big stadiums in Lisbon which is just under an hour away from places like Obidos, Nazare and São Martinho do Porto. With the high speed train to be completed by 2011 the commute to Lisbon from the Silver Coast will be even shorter.

An Iberian world cup . . . the sky is the limit.

By Dylan Herholdt

The Silver Coast . . . the warm heart of Portugal

I had just finished meeting some clients and decided to stop off at one of my favorite spots for a beer. Being from South Africa we pride ourselves in having the best beer in the world but I have to say the Portuguese beer is some of the best I have ever tasted, not quite the point of the story.

I was sitting outside drinking my beer in Alfeizerão on the Silver Coast. The village of Alfeizerão is just outside São Martinho do Porto, 5 minutes from the amazing shell shaped bay and once again I was struck at just how amazing this place is, people are walking in and out, they do not know me but they greet me and everyone else, fathers are sitting there with all his kids as they color in and greeting everyone who walks in and out. This is normal, and this is what you will find at every coffee shop, pub or restaurant in Obidos, Nazare, Foz do Arelho and all over the Silver Coast.

This place truly is the warm heart of Portugal.

By Dylan Herholdt

How to choose the right Estate Agent in Portugal (Part 2)

If you are an overseas buyer then it will be in your best interest to choose an Agent who is based in Portugal and who has plenty of experience in dealing with foreign buyers. Obviously the issues and concerns that you will have prior and throughout the purchase will be completely different than that of a local Portuguese buyer. Don’t forget that you are in a foreign country and remember there is a language barrier especially pertaining to purchase contracts etc. It is very important that the Agent you choose to work with, is based in the area you want to purchase, in the case of the Silver Coast, you want an agent who is central to all the main areas like Obidos, São Martinho do Porto, Nazare, Caldas da Rainha and Foz do Arelho, an agent who can provide you with all the back up and support that you will require to make the purchase of your villa or apartment a smooth and enjoyable one.

There is a misconception that many overseas buyers have to not take recommendations from their Agents with regards to lawyers, mortgage brokers, management companies etc. If you are working with an established and reputable company then you should listen to their advice. Any recommendations for lawyers or mortgage brokers made by your Agent must be independent as stated under Portuguese law. If you have any doubts about the honesty of the Estate Agent then you should not be working with them in the first place.

By Colm Wilkinson

How to choose the right Estate Agent in Portugal (part 1)

We have all heard the horror stories of un-suspecting purchasers of overseas property being ripped off by agents. The overseas property industry is still largely unregulated although that is not the case for registered and licensed Estate Agents in Portugal. Each registered Estate Agent in Portugal will have an “AMI” license number (Associacão de Mediadores Imobiliarios) which is issued by the governing body for Portuguese Real Estate Agents “INCI” (Instituto da Construcao e do Imobiliária). To obtain this license agents must be trained and certified by INCI and undertake a proficiency exam every 3 years.

The large proportion of Overseas Property Companies who sell foreign property are NOT licensed or regulated in the individual countries that they operate. If you are considering a property purchase in Portugal then it makes more sense for you to use a Portuguese based and licensed Estate Agent. You will then have the peace of mind that the company you put your trust in will be regulated in the country that you purchase in. When looking at property on the Silver Coast you need to be sure that you are dealing with a legitimate company and whether acquiring property in Nazare, São Martinho do Porto, Obidos, Foz do Arelho or Caldas da Rainha you want a company that knows and operates in these areas.

By Colm Wilkinson