School Children take over the beach in São Martinho do Porto

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

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

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

By Dylan Herholdt

Christmas Magic in Obidos Castle

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

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

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

By Dylan Herholdt

Rip Curl Pro Search kicks off today

The much anticipated surf event starts today in Peniche on the Silver Coast, the world’s top surfers from Australia, USA, South Africa, Hawaii and Brazil will go head to head in a bid to win the illustrious event. Competition will be fierce with some of the biggest names in surfing taking part such as Kelly Slater, Taj Burrow, Tom Whitaker, Adriano De Souza and more. Portugal’s hopes rest on the shoulders of one man; Tiago Pires, a resident on the Silver Coast in Ericeira, will be hoping that his knowledge of the local waters will give him an advantage over his rivals.

The event runs until the 30th of October and promises to entertain spectators coming from the surrounding Silver Coast towns of Lourinha, Ericeira, Areia Branca, Obidos, São Martinho do Porto, Foz Do Arelho and Nazare.

By Dylan Herholdt

Live music and comedy in Caldas da Rainha

The vibrant town of Caldas Da Rainha on the Silver Coast will host the show ‘Ola Ola’, an adaption of the popular TV show ‘Allo Allo’ presented by the ‘Costa de Prata Entertainers’ and written by Richard Hartwell.

The show will be split into two halves with the 1st part dedicated to the Ola Ola production and the 2nd part entitled ‘Songs from the shows’ will showcase popular chorus lines and solos from the most popular productions in the twentieth century.

The music and comedy special will be presented on the 17th of October at the Pimpões arts and sports centre in Caldas da Rainha. Tickets are only €5.

By Dylan Herholdt

High speed on the Silver Coast

Another exciting took place on the Silver Coast, this time in the vibrant town of Caldas Da Rainha. Caldas Da Rainha is well known in the region for its night life, apartments, shops and street market. But it was the countryside surrounding Caldas Da Rainha that was transformed into a high speed, high adrenalin race track as the National Rally Championship held its 5th leg last week.
Like everything on the Silver Coast, the rally was a great event, enjoyed by thousands of on lookers who got to see a pulsating finish with just 2 seconds separating 1st and 2nd place.

Caldas Da Rainha has become a regular part of the rally circuit and if this year’s event was anything to go by it will continue to be one of the favorite venues for years to come.

Another great event, an exciting finish, the perfect location.

Rocks, Minerals and Fossils Family Walk, Silver Coast

The walking trail along the Lourinha coast line will be put to good use on the 20th of September. Another initiative organized by the municipality of Lourinha, this time aimed at families with the theme of the walk being “Rocks, minerals and fossils”.

The municipality is providing transport to the start of the walk at the beach of Porto Dineiro as well as transport back home from the beach of Porto das Barcas which is where the walk will end.

The walk starts at 10am and is part of an awareness program that highlights the importance of healthy living and walking every day.

The Silver Coast . . . a great place to take a walk.

By Ricardo Santo

More magic on the Silver Coast

The annual Alfeizerão cycle race took place this week on Monday the 7th of September. I have no idea who won, I have no idea who competed or how many people competed for that matter, what I do know is that it was organized by the local community of this special village on the Silver Coast.

Alfeizerão is not as well known as some of its Silver Coast neighbors like São Martinho do Porto or Foz do Arelho and it is not as big as places like Obidos or Caldas da Rainha, but once again I saw examples of great hospitality and amazing community spirit and this is something worth writing about.

Roads were closed off in the middle of the day, with residence having to park outside the race circuit and walk to their homes, backyards were used to provide stands for spectators and people took the time to stand outside offices and shops to cheer on the cyclists. If that wasn’t enough, owners of villas and apartments and even churches made their electricity boxes available for decorative lighting used on the streets in the evening as the celebrations continued into the night.

Another example of hospitality on the Silver Coast . . .

by Dylan Herholdt

The Apple of Alcobaça: Another one of a kind fruit on the Silver Coast.

First there was Pera Rocha, the only pear of its kind in the world, found in the Lourinha area on the Silver Coast. Now we have the Alcobaça apple, also one of a kind and only found on the Silver Coast.

In celebration of this, “World of Apple” started on the 29th of August and will end on Sunday the 6th of September. The 6th edition of this event takes place all over Alcobaça and the province of Leiria, with restaurants offering various apple dishes, presentations given on how this unique apple is produced, the ‘apple kid’ and other activities providing entertainment for the children, various outdoor activities and if that was not enough, there will be a parade through the streets of Leiria of 40 giant apples that have been designed, constructed and painted by various school groups and artists throughout the region.

You know what they say about an apple a day . . .

By Ricardo Santo

Sand Castles on the Silver Coast

The beautiful beach of Areia Branca on the Silver Coast will host the 52nd edition of the ‘Diario de Noticias Sand Castle Competition’. On the 6th of September families will flock to the beach to take part in the competition and enjoy glorious weather on a gorgeous beach.

Similar competitions have been held on no less than 29 beaches throughout the country, the most recent being in Lourinha on the 8th of August where sculptures of marine life seemed to be the favoured theme of the day.

A group of competitors will take to the white sands of Areia Branca eager to impress judges and spectators alike. Find out which property is just 200m's from this beautiful beach . . .

It promises to be another wonderful day on the Silver Coast.

By Ricardo Santo

7th Annual Food Festival on The Silver Coast

Recently the 7th Annual Food Festival of the Arruda dos Vinhos County was held. This years participating restaurants were Cantinho d'Arruda I; Tasca do Beco Torto; Tasca dos Queijos Frescos; Morgado; Nazareth; O Barril; Porta Um and Valverde.
The dishes up for the contest were, cod fish, duck and a meat dish, with the choice for dessert being optional.

The prize for best fish dish, was given to ‘Valverde’ with the plate ‘Horta Codfish’, the prize for best meat dish was awarded to the restaurant ‘O Barril’ with the dish ‘Duck in massa folhada’, the Best Dessert prize went to the restaurant ‘A Tasca do Beco Torto’ with ‘Spells from Arruda Witch’. The West Region Tourism Award went to the restaurant ‘The Morgado’, the winners of this prize were judged on how the restaurant looked, the service and the overall menu. Prizes were also awarded for Innovation and creativity, best use of raw materials and best traditional menu.

The awards were presented during the interval of a Fado show, which took place on the evening of August 18 on the steps of City Hall in Caldas Da Rainha.

Most of the award winning dishes are still on the menu . . . come and savor the Silver Coast

By Ricardo Santo

Chita celebration on the Silver Coast

'Chita' is the name given to a traditional printed cotton fabric from Alcobaça that emerged thorughout Europe in the 18th and 19th century and became an extremely popular fabric to be used for both clothing and decoration.

A dance also developed over the years involving this famous fabric and it was to this end that the celebrations commenced on the 22nd of August in Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast. People were invited to a Chita dance celebration and competition where prizes were given, the entry fee was a small €10 and all participants had to wear something made from the traditional Chita fabric.

The event started 23:30 on the beach front of the beautiful Sao Martinho do Porto bay, the music was loud the clothing vibrant and everyone danced the night away until the early hours of the morning.

2nd Golf Tournament of the Opera in Obidos, Silver Coast

The second edition of the Opera golf tournament will be held at the Bom Successo golf course in Obidos on the Silver Coast. The tournament will commence on Sunday the 23rd of August and will run in conjunction with the VI Obidos Opera festival.

The tournament is open to all players affiliated to the Portuguese Golf Federation. The tournament will be played under the Stableford Full Handicap format. Trophies will be given to the winners and the runners up and for the longest drive for both men and women. Participants can expect a great day of golf on one of the best golf courses in the country, situated in the golden triangle, a golfers paradise on the Silver Coast. Partcipation is limited to 90 people and participants will be able to enjoy each others company over served lunch and an evening dinner with prize giving.

New Public Pool in Salir Do Porto

The new public swimming pool of Salir do Porto, which is just 2 minutes from the luxurious attached villas of Jardins de Salir, (click here for a special offer direct from the developer), opened to the public on the 1st, August. Open every day from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m until the end of September.

Overlooking beach of Salir do Porto, the pool was built in the area occupied before by a camping site. Now it is one of the centers of growing tourism on the Silver Coast and no doubt it has added value to the village and all the surrounding property.

The investment exceeded €1.2m and the complex includes two swimming pools, one for adults, another for children, showers, toilets, a bar offering ice creams, sandwiches, soft drinks, natural juices, a nice terrace, green areas and also support facilities to serve those visiting the beach.

The good news for residents of Salir do Porto, they have a special entrance price. For non-residents: 1 Day - adult:€9, children:€7 Eur. For residents: 1 Day – adult:€6.50,

children: €4.50.

On the ceremony of inauguration the chairman of Salir do Porto, Luis Abilio, indicated that the main purpose of the pool is a "tourist attraction as well as providing a service for the local population”. “The pool could have a removable cover” said the chairman revealing that the company that is managing the pool, the Orbitur, also is interested in putting the structure if the city guarantees a land for a construction of a quality campsite for caravans and bungalows. According to Luís Abílio speech, the municipality has already acquired “a part of the land”.

The Mayor of Caldas da Rainha Fernando Costa happily revealed that a plot on the North of the pool has been acquired with a purpose to extend the car park. He commented that "it is a high time to invest in Salir do Porto to attract tourism" and spoke about the building of a dam on the river beach of Salir do Porto as a way to retain and increase the water during low tide. Fernando Costa said that it is a “simple work and it is not harmful for the environment”.

It is all happening on the Silver Coast

By Veronika Reznikova

Jazz nights add to vibrant summer of Nazare on the Silver Coast

The jazz nights return to Nazare with “Jazz no Mar Alto” (Jazz at High Sea) from 5 to 15 of August. 5 to 15 August, the Circulo Cultural da Nazare "Mar Alto" becomes a "summer jazz club" to host several concerts, a program that seeks to make room for new jazz projects in the region and in particular the county of Nazare.

Promoted by Lusitanus Productions for the City of Nazare since 2002, "Jazz at the High Sea" aims to provide tourists and residents an alternative musical experience on summer nights.

The Circulo Cultural da Nazare "Mar Alto" opens its doors at 22h00 and shows begin at 23h00.

Programme

5th - "Dixienaza Jazz Band"

6th - "Quarteto de Miguel February"

7th - "Quintet of André Murraças"

8th - "Me-quintet" 12th - Miguel Martins - Samadhi "

13th - "DoBop & Drums"

14th - "Oirt + 1"

15th - "Cargarlic's Quartet"

By Ricardo Santo

Exhibition of Nature Photographs at the Silver Coast

This stunning exhibition will be open to the public, from 3 to 31 of August 2009 at the Main Hall in the Fortress of Peniche, a beautiful photographic display of Nature entitled “Ao Encontro das Aves…” (as in Meeting with Seabirds…), by Victor Maia and Bruno Maia.

This exhibition will consist of more than two dozen photographs of seabirds, captured by these lovers of nature.

Victor Maia and Bruno Maia, father and son, are locals of Peniche, a vibrant village on The Silver Coast near Lourinha, Obidos and Nazare.They have devoted much of their free time to capture images of rare beauty. The feelings and emotions communicated by its work will provide moments of reflection on the ever increasing importance of wildlife protection.

Appreciate the Silver Coast that much more…

By Ricardo Santo

Fairy tales on ice in Nazare

Timeless fairy tales, represented on skates, will return to the stage of Nazare's theatre this summer

From the 30th to 31st of July the show returns to display a skating animated version of "The House of Chocolate", inspired by the famous children's tale by Hansel and Gretel." Produced by the Company Palco Partilhado, dedicated to the creation of spectacles in skates, and with the participation of several skaters of the county of Nazare, "The House of Chocolate" has been seen by more than 30 thousand people, from North to South.

This show starts on the 30th at 3 pm, and on the 31st includes two sessions, at 10am and 3 pm for groups of children in ATL (as in leisure time activities for kids), sporting holidays, etc.., and for families.

On the 12th and 13th of August, the same theatre receives the premiere debut of the show "Snow White in the Enchanted Forest," an adaptation of the immortal story of the Grimm brothers. In a fantastic realm of joy and colour, lived with her father a beautiful princess of black hair and skin as white as snow… All were happy until the arrival of a mysterious woman who captured the love of the King. His envy and evil leaded to Snow White living unimaginable adventures in the company of some new friends.

"Snow White in the Enchanted Forest" is a creative fusion of the beauty of skating with various artistic fields, where each scene comes alive with the artistry of the skaters.
The show, about 75 minutes in duration, will have three sessions: March 12, at 15h and 21.30h, and 13th at 21.30h. The tickets vary from five Euros (for schools) and 15 Euros (family ticket).

Families will be flocking from nearby places like, Sao Martinho Do Porto, Obidos, Lourinha, Foz De Arelho and Caldas Da Rainha to see the spectacle on ice and most probably to cool off from hot, sunny days on the beach.

Silver Coast, animation at any time you choose…

By Ricardo Santo

Toumast brings sounds of the Sahara Desert to the Silver Coast

The guitarist and leader of Toumast, Moussa Ag Keynes, former member of the Tuareg guerrillas, will be with his band at the Praca da Republica in Caldas da Rainha (Silver Coast) on August 1, 10:30 p.m. This will be the first time that Toumast plays in Portugal and should be the last concert of a tour that has already passed through Belgium, Denmark, France, Spain and Holland, among others.

This band takes influences of Sahara’s tuaregues "trance" and mixtures with "blues" of the desert, all with the help of electric guitars. At 15 years of age, Moussa Ag Keynes left his life as a pastor to join the Front for the Touareg Liberation and music then became part of that struggle. In the early 90s, Moussa Ag Keynes, seriously injured, was transported to France where he went to live and develop the project Toumast. Then he promised to himself: "There was a time when I fought with a gun, now I have to fight with my new weapon: the guitar." The name of the project means identity. "

I chose this name because all you I did in the war had to do with the Tuareg identity," explains the artist. Part of the band is his wife Aminata Goumas (voice, ulula, plays gourd, darabuka, Djembe and electric guitar) as well as producer and multi-instrumentalist Dan Levy.

The debut album "Ishumar" was recorded in 2006. The songs contain precious motives to the touaregs: the nostalgia of their nomadic life, love, the bitter taste of exile and the political criticism.

By Ricardo Santo

Obidos (Silver Coast) Opera Festival tickets already available

Those interested in purchasing tickets for the VI Opera Festival of Obidos, held during August, can do it through the web site, with the option of choosing your own seat. The magnificent scenery of the village of Obidos, at “Cerca do Castelo” (in Castle walls) is the venue of the 2009 Opera Festival.

The cantata "Carmina Burana," a masterpiece of German composer Carl Orff, is the inaugural concert of the event, on day 1, performed by the National Theatre Company of San Carlos.

Next, on the 14th and 21st, will be the turn of the Opera "Nabucco" and "Rigoletto", written by Giuseppe Verdi. In Obidos, this production is the responsibility of the Orchestra of the North. "Rigoletto" was first presented at La Fenice theater in Venice in March 1851, and speaks of human cruelty and abuse of power.

This year also, the Opera Gala on the 15th and on the closing day. The Quinta das Gaeiras will stage on the 7th, the concert "Four Seasons" by Vivaldi. It is recalled that the Festival de Obidos is a pioneering project in the field of opera, offering culture and enhancement of the heritage of both Town and County.

Apart from offering the best outdoor shows, the initiative aims to decentralize the art. But more than that, Obidos and the opera is for everyone.

Outdoor event, so bring a coat, you never know.

Program:
Friday August 1 - 21:30 Inaugural Concert: Carmina Burana, by Carl Orff Around the Castle - Ticket € 20 Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos

Friday August 7 - 21:30 FOUR SEASONS concert of Vivaldi Quinta das Gaeiras - Ticket € 10

Friday August 14 - 21:30 Nabucco, G. Verdi Around the Castle - Ticket € 30 North Orchestra

Saturday 15 August - 21:30 GALA Opera Around the Castle - Ticket € 25 North Orchestra

Friday August 21 - 21:30 Rigoletto, by G. Verdi Around the Castle - € 35 T.C.C. (Tito Celestino da Costa)

History, Arte and Culture highlighted in Nazare, Silver Coast

The legend of D. Fuas Roupinho and the miracles of Our Lady of Nazare are explored in the exhibition at the Municipal Library of Nazare until the 26th July. Situated beach front in Nazare on the Silver Coast in Portugal.

Told by word of mouth over generations, the two stories have brought many pilgrims to the site. But the importance of this place of worship is beyond the boundaries of religious beliefs.

In its interior are preserved valuable works of art, which led the sanctuary to become a reference to the artistic medium. Among them are six paintings - which are examples of the "cycle of great chest". Works by the painter Luis de Almeida are also dosplayed, on the Legend of the Sacred Image of Our Lady of Nazare, and a set of six paintings representing the "Passion of Christ", as well as the panel of tiles eluding to the "Assention of the Virgin" made by Antonio de Oliveira in 1714.

It is also possible to admire two sculptures dating from the sixteenth century, offered by Queen Leonor during a visit to the Shrine in 1520. this exhibition falls within the round of exhibitions on historic and emblematic buildings of Nazare, promoted by the municipality to inform the public and visitors a deeper knowledge of history and cultural backgrounds of the county.

By Ricardo Santo

Silver Coast: Wine, music and chariot tours

The bar “Troca-Tintos” in Obidos, in partnership with wine company “Vale Zias” and chariots company Vale do Oeste, is doing something special on Friday nights in Obidos, from the3rd of July till the end of September.
The proposal includes wine tastings and tours in town, at night, from 10 pm until 2 am.

The “Vale Zias” wine is made from a single variety, the “SyraH”, a wine of excellent taste that has been very well accepted within the restaurant business.

While experiencing the wine produced in Cercal, county of Cadaval, one tastes gourmet cheeses or other treats, and you hear Portuguese popular music, jazz or fado.

In addition, a chariot tours through Obidos for over twenty minutes. Before, after or even during the tasting event, the visitors can travel by chariot through the village of Obidos. Blankets are provided to keep warm.

This partnership promotes local tourism, offering a different dimension, adding another exciting possibility to a Silver Coast visitor. May the enchantment begin….

By Ricardo Santo

Obidos celebrates "Days of Fear, Days of Glory" at the Medieval Festival on the Silver Coast.

The annual Obidos Medieval Festival this year will run from the 16th to 26th of July. This years theme is “Days of fear, Days of Glory” - The atmosphere of celebration and joy that we live in days of glory, in contrast to the days of unrest and doubt motivated by fear of the unknown.
It is this kind of atmosphere that is alive in the Medieval Festival in Obidos where visitors are invited to relive the old days of medieval times.
Considered one of the most symbolic events of the medieval country, the Medieval Festival in 2009 presents itself in an environment of joy, with many flags and colourful panels prepared by the village.

Like previous years, the action is non-stop. There are daily tournaments, by horse and on foot, on working days at 19.00, and the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), 18:00 to 22:00. For years this event has drawn people from all over Portugal as well as other countries who enjoy the 10 days of music, celebration, entertainment, colour, food and drink.

The Medieval Festival in 2009 involves 22 local associations and 17 “tasquinhas” (small rustic restaurants), representing the 9 territories of the county of Obidos.
This popular event is viewed by everyone as a chance for different communities to come together and celebrate the past, present and the future.

Schedule:Weekend - from 12.00 to 24.00

Weekdays - from 17:00 to 24:00

Value of Tickets:

Daily ticket - € 6

Free admission to residents on days 20 to 23, younger than 10 years,

“Via Verde” (free pass)to people dressed for the occasion

By Ricardo Santo

Silver Coast holds First Wine Route Equestrian Tour

The 1st ever Equestrian Wine Route Tour takes place on the 26th of July, at the XXVI Portuguese Wine Festival, which will take place in the Municipal Forest of Bombarral starting on the 18th. Bombarral is a quaint village, set in a magnificent country side location, about 40 minutes from Lisbon and close to Obidos.

The tour is organized by the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firemen of Bombarral with the support of the City Council and the Board of the Town of Bombarral, among others.
The participants will leave towards Quinta da Vila Vicosa, owned by Horse company Julio da Fonseca. The first stop is in the Loridos estate, owned by the company Bacalhaa Wines of Portugal, where they will savour and taste the wine on offer.

The Quinta das Cerejeiras will be the next destination where there will be opportunity to enjoy some of the wines produced by the Agricultural Company of Sanguinhal.
The last stop will be at the Portuguese Wine Festival itself, which will deliver lunch and souvenirs to all participants.

The gathering of the participants will take place in the car park of Rua Verissimo Duarte, near the headquarters of the Sport Clube Escolar Bombarralense, with the tour start being scheduled for 9 o’clock.

By Ricardo Santo

Classical music alive and well on the Silver Coast

The XVII Cistermusica - Festival of Music,Alcobaca (Silver Coast), finished in style, as over 700 people from various parts of the country, attended the central hall of the Alcobaca monastery on 20th of June, to hear one of the biggest names in the classic music world, Jordi Savall.
The Spaniard, who has for more than three decades been rediscovering musical treasures to which he gives a new life, played for about an hour and a half in a breath-taking room. Around them, an audience that was left in silence, taken by the sound of the viola of Gamba Savall, one of seven chords built in London in the distant year of 1697.

From Bach to Marin Marais, through Alonso Ferrabosco, Tobias Hvme and some themes of which the author is unknown, in a show called "Les Voix Humaines," Jordi Savall demonstrated why " he alone is one of the most credited for making an instrument from the XVII century capable of moving crowds, "as described Alexandre Delgado, the musicologist who took the artistic direction of Cistermusica. In Alcobaca, 5 minutes from Nazare and 10 minutes away from Sao Martinho Do Porto, Savall found "a venue worthy of the instrument and the artist that plays it."

The significant attendence of the public is proof that "the Cistermusica discovered the ideal formula" - the combination of new with the classic. And a festival that in recent years had been increasingly international, with the presence of several foreign artists, "this year had, undoubtedly, a jump in the national projection, attracting people from various parts of the country, who travelled to Alcobaca specifically for the event.

Cistermusica Junior also succeeded, with a specific schedule for the little ones. "It's been very rewarding to see the number of children in these concerts. You can only like what we know. If the kids learn, from small, to enjoy good music, they will be the tasteful music lovers of tomorrow ", believes the musicologist.
Silver Coast of Portugal, interesting, in more ways than one!

By Ricardo Santo

Diving baptism at the Berlenga island, Silver Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Ricardo Santo

The Silver Coasts favorite Irish pub is one year old

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

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

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



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

Silver Coast of Portugal celebrates The International Surfing Day

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

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

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

By Ricardo Santo

Nazare honours The Silver Coasts bravest fishermen

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

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

By Ricardo Santo

Art alive on the Silver Coast

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Ricardo Santo