Costa de Prata - Estramadura region
The coastline from Lisbon up to Porto makes up the Costa de Prata or the Silver Coast. Long windswept sandy beaches and rugged Atlantic coast are its trademark; good for windsurfers, surfers and sun worshippers. There is a long list of Blue Flag rated beaches and many of the pretty villages in the region have retained a traditional Portuguese culture and way-of-life. Visit www.rt-oeste.pt or www.visitportugal.com for detailed information on the area.
Obidos Lagoon
Obidos Lagoon is on your doorstep! 5 minutes from the door of the villa and you are on the shore of Obidos lagoon. The recently constructed cycle path means you can cycle (or walk!) around the lagoon in either direction. Why not have lunch at one of the lagoon side restaurants? The lagoon beach is perfect for families with safe bathing. Obidos Lagoon also has a sailing school where you can book sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and canoeing courses and equipment hire. Visit www.escoladeveladalagoa.com for more details.
Praia do Rio Cortico is less than 5 mins drive. It's a perfect hideaway where you can spend the whole day. Don’t miss the Rio Cortico fish restaurant for dinner with beautiful views of the sun setting over the Atlantic! The food is not extremely special but the views compensate that plentifully.
Obidos – 18km .
The historic town of Obidos is famed for being the "wedding gift" town steeped in artistic history. There are several good museums and many good restaurants and bars-you must try Ginja; a local cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups! A taxi from the villa to Obidos for 6 people is approx €20. Obidos has many cultural events including an annual chocolate festival in February. Visit www.obidos.pt for more details. There is also a Tourist Information Office in the old town which can give information on walks and bike routes in the area.
Caldas da Rainha – 20 km
The former royal spa town of Caldas da Rainha has its history attributed to QueenDona Leonor who was much impressed by the strong sulphuric waters of the town. Here you will find several good art museums and a picturesque boating lake. The town is good for shopping with branches of well know retailers. It also has a daily market with fresh regional produce. Don't miss the fish market which is just above the main market. Ask the locals for direction. Best to come in the morning.
Visit www.cm-caldas-rainha.pt for more information.
Foz de Arelho – 28km
The opposite side of the lagoon to the villa with a great expanse of sandy beach with sheltered bays on the lagoon and surf beach on the Atlantic. Popular with families. Enjoy lunch or a coffee in one of the beach side bars. Drive through the hills of Foz to admire lovely house architecture.
Peniche – 28km
Peniche famed for its "Supertubos", is one of the most popular surfing resorts in Portugal, suitable for all levels ranging from beginner to expert. Scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular and there are a wide range of surf camps and schools that offer lessons and courses for all skill levels. There is also a small aqua park here. You can also take a boat from Peniche to the island of Berlenga surrounded by crystal clear water, perfect for diving. Near the harbor there are many inexpensive restaurants serving very fresh fish. For more details click www.cm-peniche.pt
Sao Martinho do Porto – 40km
A crescent shaped beach favored by families as its shape creates a natural swimming pool. This is one of the warmest places to swim on the coast. There is a lovely view of the sweeping bay from Facho Hill. The promenade around the bay is full of shops and restaurant. Visit www.visit-sao-martinho-do-porto.com for more information.
Obidos Lagoon
Obidos Lagoon is on your doorstep! 5 minutes from the door of the villa and you are on the shore of Obidos lagoon. The recently constructed cycle path means you can cycle (or walk!) around the lagoon in either direction. Why not have lunch at one of the lagoon side restaurants? The lagoon beach is perfect for families with safe bathing. Obidos Lagoon also has a sailing school where you can book sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and canoeing courses and equipment hire. Visit www.escoladeveladalagoa.com for more details.
Praia do Rio Cortico is less than 5 mins drive. It's a perfect hideaway where you can spend the whole day. Don’t miss the Rio Cortico fish restaurant for dinner with beautiful views of the sun setting over the Atlantic! The food is not extremely special but the views compensate that plentifully.
Obidos – 18km .
The historic town of Obidos is famed for being the "wedding gift" town steeped in artistic history. There are several good museums and many good restaurants and bars-you must try Ginja; a local cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups! A taxi from the villa to Obidos for 6 people is approx €20. Obidos has many cultural events including an annual chocolate festival in February. Visit www.obidos.pt for more details. There is also a Tourist Information Office in the old town which can give information on walks and bike routes in the area.
Caldas da Rainha – 20 km
The former royal spa town of Caldas da Rainha has its history attributed to QueenDona Leonor who was much impressed by the strong sulphuric waters of the town. Here you will find several good art museums and a picturesque boating lake. The town is good for shopping with branches of well know retailers. It also has a daily market with fresh regional produce. Don't miss the fish market which is just above the main market. Ask the locals for direction. Best to come in the morning.
Visit www.cm-caldas-rainha.pt for more information.
Foz de Arelho – 28km
The opposite side of the lagoon to the villa with a great expanse of sandy beach with sheltered bays on the lagoon and surf beach on the Atlantic. Popular with families. Enjoy lunch or a coffee in one of the beach side bars. Drive through the hills of Foz to admire lovely house architecture.
Peniche – 28km
Peniche famed for its "Supertubos", is one of the most popular surfing resorts in Portugal, suitable for all levels ranging from beginner to expert. Scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular and there are a wide range of surf camps and schools that offer lessons and courses for all skill levels. There is also a small aqua park here. You can also take a boat from Peniche to the island of Berlenga surrounded by crystal clear water, perfect for diving. Near the harbor there are many inexpensive restaurants serving very fresh fish. For more details click www.cm-peniche.pt
Sao Martinho do Porto – 40km
A crescent shaped beach favored by families as its shape creates a natural swimming pool. This is one of the warmest places to swim on the coast. There is a lovely view of the sweeping bay from Facho Hill. The promenade around the bay is full of shops and restaurant. Visit www.visit-sao-martinho-do-porto.com for more information.