Prestige Portugal Property Blog

More Preparations for A Place in the Sun Live

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:44:00 +0000

Here on the Silver Coast things are starting to hot up as we continue preparations for A Place in the Sun Live, the overseas property exhibition that will be taking place at Earls Court, London at the end of this month.

Prestige Portugal Property will be on stand E63 in the Portuguese area and in order to make our stand look professional and inviting there is an awful lot of work to do. We know we have the best properties for sale on the Silver Coast, but we need to make sure that visitors to the show realise that as well!

A Place in the Sun Live is the biggest and best overseas property exhibition in the UK and always attracts an enthusiastic crowd. There is a large area dedicated to Portugal offering help and advice from developers, agents and a legal firm. The event will also be attended by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce who will be on hand to answer questions from visitors.

There are celebrity events and seminars on important subjects such as legal procedures, renting out your property, mortgages, banking, taxes and much more.

If you would like to visit us at the show then please let us know and we will be delighted to send you some free tickets.

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast Life - Lost in Translation!

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:46:00 +0000

I moved to Portugal almost 5 years ago and now definitely consider the Silver Coast my home. It is such a great place to live and has so much to offer me and my family.

Since moving to the Silver Coast I have tried my hardest to learn Portuguese and can now make myself understood in most situations, although I am very far from fluent. Our five year old son has managed to pick up the language with no trouble at all speaking fluently to his teacher and school friends with a perfect Portuguese accent.

Learning Portuguese has been a great source of entertainment to both myself and my husband, with many translations causing no end of amusement. For instance, the word for dog in Portuguese is ‘Cao’, which is pronounced ‘cow’. The word for turkey (as in Christmas) is ‘peru’, apparently this is because the Portuguese assumed the bird originated from Peru just as us Brits thought it came from Turkey!

The Silver Coast has many little towns and villages with highly amusing names, such as Cabeça Gorda, which in English translates to ‘Fat Head’, Manteigas which means ‘Butters’ and I have noticed several villages with the name of Chaos! The more I learn of this Latin based, romantic language and this wonderful country the more I love it.

Welcome to Portugal, Bem Vindo a Portugal!

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast Golf Courses

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:51:00 +0000

Here on the Silver Coast of Portugal we are becoming known as something of a destination for golfers.

The area south west of the Obidos Lagoon is emerging as the heart of the Silver Coast golfing world with the world famous award winning course at Praia D’el Rey now being accompanied by several others.

The course at Praia D’el Rey opened in 1997 and was designed by Cabell B. Robinson as part of a five star luxury resort in a stunning cliff top setting.

The neighbouring course at Bom Sucesso Design Resort opened in 2008 and offers an alternative course for golf mad holiday makers, with fabulous views over the Obidos Lagoon, the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Pinhal Village is part of the Perola Da Lagoa resort which is soon to be home to yet another golf course. It is a select development of 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom luxury villas in a contemporary style with excellent high quality finishes, private gardens and pools.

So if golf is your ‘thing’, head to the Silver Coast of Portugal and enjoy a variety of top golf courses in a superb setting.

By Stephanie Johnson

The Silver Coast, a Property Hot Spot in Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:03:00 +0000

It has been said, in recent years that the Silver Coast of Portugal is a new European property hotspot, and that buying in this beautiful part of the country will offer the financial rewards enjoyed by buyers in the Algarve region over the last fifteen or so years.

Portugal has an incredibly successful property market, largely based on overseas buyers snapping up stunning homes on the Algarve causing a significant rise in prices.

The Silver Coast is now feeling a ripple effect of this demand with buyers impressed at the quality and value for money that this part of the country offers.

The Silver Coast has long been popular as a holiday destination with the Portuguese, and has only recently started to become more widely known throughout Europe and the rest of the world as a fantastic holiday area.

And this hardly comes as a surprise when you consider how much the Silver Coast has to offer, award winning golf courses, perfect sandy beaches, plentiful high quality restaurants and historical sites in picturesque towns - all of course, made perfect by the glorious sunny weather.

Investing in property on the Silver Coast has got to be a guaranteed winner, what are you waiting for?

By Stephanie Johnson

Sao Martinho do Porto Has Some Great Restaurants

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:39:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:24:00 +0000

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

Obidos on the Silver Coast is Hosting the International Chocolate Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:19:00 +0000

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

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:59:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:16:00 +0000

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

A Place in the Sun Live!

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:39:00 +0000

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

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

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

But we are working on it!

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

The Height of Luxury on the Silver Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:11:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Prestige Portugal Property, Leading the Way on the Silver Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:32:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Colinas da Nazare, Luxury Silver Coast Apartments

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:03:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

The Silver Coast Raises Funds for Madeira

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:59:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

The Amazing Silver Coast Sky

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:22:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Sailing Around the Bay in Sao Martinho do Porto

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:54:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:47:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:42:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:00:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Obidos, a Delicious Silver Coast Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:29:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Nazare, a Different Point of View

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:45:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Obidos, a Silver Coast Gem

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:15:00 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephanie Johnson

Delicious Seafood in Sao Martinho do Porto

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Dylan) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:57:00 +0000

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