Sao Martinho do Porto Has Some Great Restaurants

Sao Martinho do Porto is an excellent place to visit for an evening out on the Silver Coast. The pretty seaside town is home to a wide variety of cafes, bars and restaurants, a lot of which are along the sea front and enjoy fabulous views of the bay.

One of my favourite restaurants in Sao Martinho do Porto is Portobello. Situated at the quay end of the bay, this stylish Italian restaurant is open just about all year round and offers an alternative to the usual Portuguese fair.

The lovely location means that you can enjoy watching the local Portuguese fishermen hauling in the day’s catch while you sample the culinary delights of Italy – how very international!

The extensive menu includes delicious garlic prawns, homemade pizzas, lasagna and pepper steaks, and with excellent service and prices from €8 this is a great place to take the family.

Next time you are visiting Sao Martinho do Porto pop in to Portobello for a little taste of Italy on the Silver Coast!


By Stephanie Johnson

Life's Little Pleasures on the Silver Coast

It is uplifting to count ones blessings from time to time and when I think about life here on the Silver Coast and add up all the little pleasures, it never fails to lift my spirits.

The most obvious benefit of living in this part of Portugal of course is the fabulous Silver Coast weather. The blue sky and sunshine that we enjoy most of the year really is enough to make you glad to be alive.

The indigenous people of the Silver Coast, in fact from all over Portugal, are friendly and welcoming and love nothing more than offering generous hospitality at every opportunity.

I look out of my kitchen window at a garden full of orange trees and never tire of the view. Juicy oranges ripe and ready to eat hang from the trees along with a hammock that proves a great source of fun for our little boy.

A favourite place for a family visit is the beach at Sao Martinho do Porto where we can spend all day for free surrounded by stunning scenery and fantastic fresh air. Sao Martinho is our nearest beach, but there are many more within a short drive any one of which I would highly recommend.

Life on the Silver Coast of Portugal is full of things to make you smile. . .


By Stephanie Johnson

From The Silver Coast it is Easy to Visit the Whole of Portugal

The Silver Coast of Portugal is such a great place to visit for many reasons, one of which is the easy access.

I took a little trip to the airport yesterday morning, it was the first time I had ventured to Lisbon for ages and had completely forgotten how easy it was to get there. The A8 motorway has made a great difference to the Silver Coast, opening up the area and allowing more people to discover the wonderful beaches and historic towns and villages.

Buying an apartment or villa on the Silver Coast allows you enjoy the whole of Portugal with relatively short journey times not only to Lisbon but Porto in the north as well, allowing you to discover more of Portugal every time you visit.

Have a look at our beautiful apartments in Sao Martinho do Porto and imagine the fun you could have enjoying the Silver Coast and the whole of Portugal, as well as making a sound financial investment for the future.


By Stephanie Johnson

Prestige Portugal Property, Leading the Way on the Silver Coast

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Sailing Around the Bay in Sao Martinho do Porto

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Your Home on the Silver Coast

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Carnival Time in Sao Martinho do Porto

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Sao Martinho do Porto, Your Home from Home

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

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

What a great way to invest!

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Property on the Silver Coast in Portugal - a Great Investment

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Delicious Seafood in Sao Martinho do Porto

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast Fishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Party on the Silver Coast

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

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

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

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

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

The Silver Coast, any excuse for a party!

By Stephanie Johnson

Groundhog Day

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

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

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

Sorry to be smug. . .

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

The Berlengas Islands

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

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

Foz do Arelho

If you drive around the bay in Sao Martinho do Porto through neighbouring Salir do Porto you end up on the coast road to Foz do Arelho.

This is a lovely drive as it takes you along the top of the cliffs with stunning views of the sea all the way. It is well worth stopping at one of the lookout points, especially at sunset.

After about ten minutes you will arrive at the mouth of the Obidos lagoon and the seaside village of Foz do Arelho. This pretty village of about 1200 inhabitants has been a holiday destination, popular with the Portuguese, for many years and has always had a reputation as being rather exclusive.

The reason for this popularity is clearly the fantastic beach, one of the finest on the Silver Coast. A huge expanse of sand gives plenty of room for everyone, even in the busy summer months, and with a choice of swimming in the calm waters of the lagoon or surfing in the ocean there is something to please everyone.

The beach is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes which along with the colourful kiosks selling ice creams offer plenty by way of refreshment.

In the summer the delightful wooden beach bar is open making a perfect place to sit and enjoy a cold beer while watching the more energetic holiday makers go about their business.

Roll on summer!

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

Silver Service on the Silver Coast

The Silver Coast is blessed with numerous restaurants, from international fine dining to tiny rustic traditional Portuguese places tucked away off the beaten track and one of my absolute favourites is Restaurante O Cortiço on the main road that links Caldas da Rainha to Alcobaça.

This large friendly restaurant has been in business for decades and is always busy and bustling with a great atmosphere.

I visited O Cortiço on my very first trip to the Silver Coast way back in 1988 (obviously I was very young!) and still see the same team of friendly efficient waiters working there today.

They specialise in Wild Boar but also have an extensive menu featuring Portuguese dishes and comfort food at its best. The generous portions are often big enough to share between two and everything is freshly and expertly cooked.

The name O Cortiço means the Honeycombe which is a good description of the labyrinth of rooms that are gradually opened up as the place fills up with hungry customers, meaning that this huge restaurant never feels empty even when you are one of the first to arrive.

The restaurant is open all day, seven days a week which is quite unusual for Portugal so whenever you are feeling in need of a bite to eat, you now know where to come.

Restaurante O Cortiço is just a short drive from Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto.

By Stephanie Johnson

Paragliding in Portugal

The great thing about living here on the Silver Coast is that there is so much to do. You could while away relaxing hours just lying on a sandy beach or sitting in a café, or you could spend your time in a more energetic way - swimming, surfing or cycling perhaps, but if you are feeling more adventurous how about having a go at Paragliding?

This sport, known as Parapente in Portugal, is hugely popular along the Silver Coast and the favourite spot of the local Parapente Club here in Sao Martinho do Porto is off the cliffs at Praia de Gralha, the beach just next to the bay.

Praia de Gralha couldn’t be more different to the protected bay enjoying magnificent waves from the open sea which crash onto the long empty stretch of sandy beach and it has ideal conditions for Paragliding.

It is a fantastic sight to see so many paragliders in the sky at once floating silently like huge exotic birds on the warm thermals.

It almost makes me want to have a go myself. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Learn a Little Lingo!

Portuguese is spoken by over 210 million people worldwide making it the 6th most spoken language. Brazil obviously plays a large part in boosting the numbers but other than here in Portugal it is also spoken in other old colonies such as East Timor and Macau.

The language as we know it today has evolved from the Latin spoken by the Romans when they first arrived in the Iberian Peninsula in the 3rd century BC. It evolved over the centuries emerging as a mature language around the 15th century.

Living and working here on the Silver Coast means I have plenty of opportunity to improve my loose grasp of Portuguese, I find I get enormous pleasure from learning a new word or phrase.

There are many Portuguese teachers keen to supplement their income by teaching the language to us Brits, including the best teacher I have ever had, a retired lady who gives lessons in the library in Sao Martinho do Porto.

The helpful Portuguese government welcomes people who decide to relocate to this wonderful country and offers free Portuguese lessons to eager newcomers. It is great fun and a really good way to make new friends, (although you will clearly not make many Portuguese friends this way!)

Even though a lot of Portuguese people speak English, and are happy to do so at every opportunity, I thoroughly recommend learning at least a little of their language, so to get you started here are a few basics:

Bom Dia - Good Morning
Boa Tarde – Good Afternoon
Boa Noite – Good Night
Sou Ingles - I am English
Como está? - How are you?
Eu não falo Português - I don't speak Portuguese
Oh, and one last one, Cervja - Beer (very important!)

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

Salir do Porto

Salir do Porto sits quietly across the bay from its bigger cousin Sao Martinho do Porto. It is a peaceful little fishing village with a popular family beach in the bay and lots of safe but fun swimming opportunities in the mouth of the river Tornada that joins the sea here.

Salir is also well known for its magnificent sand dunes protected for their flora and fauna, the largest is almost 49 metres high providing endless enjoyment for kids and adults alike.

Just before you arrive at the beach you will notice a brand new state of the art open air swimming pool with a lively café, part of the recent improvement project carried out by the local council.

There is lots of history in the area with the ruins of the old Customs House still clearly visible, lapped by the waves at high tide, and next to this a fresh water spring that is popular with locals who are regularly seen making the trek along the footpath laden with freshly filled bottles.

Salir do Porto is a quiet and peaceful village with a handful of bars and restaurants but a fifteen minute stroll around the bay will bring you to Sao Martinho do Porto where you will find a livelier atmosphere if you prefer.

Another little Silver Coast gem.

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

More Café Culture

Have you ever been to Lisboa Patisserie in London? There are actually a few establishments with this name but the one that first springs to mind is the well known café on Golbourne Road in trendy Notting Hill.

This simple little cafe has become a bit of a destination venue for Londoners trying to bring back happy memories of time spent here in Portugal - apparently the Pasteis de Natas (custard tarts) are almost as good as the real thing!

Well, here in Sao Martinho do Porto we have our own version, a stylish new café bar has opened in a fabulous location on the seafront with stunning views of the bay.

Martinhos opened in December to rave reviews and is fast becoming the place to go for food and drinks with a British theme.

The menu is proving very popular with the locals, so much so that apparently, an elderly Portuguese couple arrived the other night with a note written by their English speaking daughter asking for Fish and Chips with mushy peas!

As the only English café in Sao Martinho do Porto the owners are very keen to keep up their high standards and become ambassadors for English cuisine. They also offer occasional live music which together with the beautiful location promises a great night out.

The Silver Coast and especially Sao Martinho do Porto has a rather exclusive image, and we are proud to be part of the real Portugal, but a little business like this seems to do much to cement relations between Portugal and Great Britain – the oldest alliance in history!

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

We Have Just Added a New Property to Our Listings!

Set in the beautiful seaside town of Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast this spacious duplex apartment is divided into two self contained units making the accommodation extremely versatile.

Each unit has two double bedrooms and a bathroom, with a sitting room and fully fitted kitchen, offering a great opportunity for someone looking for a comfortable place to live while having the option to let one of the units for either short term holidays or on a longer basis.

The property could also be used as one four bedroom, two bathroom duplex apartment if required.

The lovely shell shaped bay of Sao Martinho do Porto is just a five minute walk away and with amenities such as bars, restaurants, cafes and the new Intermarche supermarket all within a short walk the property is ideally placed.

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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

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

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

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

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

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