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

Latest Propert Listing: New Sea View Apartments, Silver Coast

Our latest property listing are these spacious 1 bed apartments in Foz do Arelho on the Silver Coast. ‘Foz’ as it is known by locals is a stunning beach front town on the Silver Coast, situated at the mouth of the spectacular Obidos Lagoon. Foz do Arelho is famous for miles of untouched beaches, calm swimming waters and a vibrant night life, featuring some of the region’s most popular night clubs and beach front pubs.

In the heart of this amazing place you will find these new apartments, built in a closed condominium with guest and basement parking, condo swimming pool, children’s pool, garden and the most breathtaking sea views.

Only 4 units available at amazing prices.

Find out more . . .

English foods on the Silver Coast

Whether coming to Portugal on holiday or relocating, UK visitors can now enjoy the best of both worlds.

They can escape the cold and rain for the fantastic Silver Coast weather, beaches and lifestyle but can now acquire some of the treats and food products they miss so much from back home and all thanks to ‘Happiness for all’, a company that operates here on the Silver Coast.

People craving some of their favorite treats, drinks, pies, sausages, pizzas, bacon and more can now order on line and get it delivered right to their apartment or villa. ‘Happiness for all’ delivers to most places on the Silver Coast; Obidos, Nazare, São Martinho do Porto, Foz De Arelho, Caldas Da Rainha and elsewhere.

Google them . . . 'english foods in Portugal'

I think I might just have to order some Macaroni Cheese and Magners Irish cider . . .

Obidos makes the Silver Coast greener

The program 'Social Carbon', run by the Municipality of Obidos, is being internationally recognized. The European magazine L'Européen, in its latest edition, published an article about this program. Five cities across Europe that are dealing with environmental issues were chosen, Obidos is one of them.

In the article of L'Européen, written by journalist Marie - Line Darcy, who was in town last June. She writes about how the ‘Social Carbon’ program is aiming towards long-term development and an environment friendly town. Money and effort is being dedicated to the sorting of waste. The Municipality aims to make it easier for people to recycle therefore reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

It is believed that other Silver Coast towns will soon be doing the same, with São Martinho do Porto, Foz De Arelho, Nazare and Caldas Da Rainha among those places that are becoming a little greener.

By Ricardo Santo

Latest property listing: Top floor apartment in Caldas Da Rainha

Caldas Da Rainha, under an hour away from Lisbon, close to the golden beaches of Foz Do Arelho and Salir Do Porto, close to the Golden Triangle of golf and the stunning area of Obidos with its world famous castle and breath taking lagoon. The village of Caldas Da Rainha is a commercial and cultural hub on the Silver Coast, with a vibrant night life, a large shopping centre, beautiful parks, street markets and restaurants.

Caldas Da Rainha hosts many cultural events such as jazz festivals, art exhibitions and was chosen this year to be the starting point for Portugals largest cycle race. This apartment is located in the middle of Caldas Da Rainha close to public transport, banks, restaurants, pubs, the cultural centre and the new Vivaci Shopping mall. The apartment is spacious, in great condition and has a huge roof terrace to enjoy those sunny Silver Coast days.

Find out more about this apartment . . .

Latest Property Listing:Newly Built Villa, countryside views.

The newly built 3 bed 3 bath Villa is located in the peaceful village of Tornada, under an hour away from Lisbon, Tornada is close to some of the most popular places on the Silver Coast; Caldas Da Rainha, Sao Martinho Do Porto, Foz De Arelho and Salir do Porto. It is a short 10 minute drive to some of the Silver Coasts amazing beaches in Foz De Arelho, Salir Do Porto and Sao Martinho Do Porto.

For a something in the evenings, the villa is 10 minutes away from Caldas Da Rainha with its vibrant pubs, street market and shopping centre. Alternatively the villa is also within 10 minutes of Foz De Arelho where you have the option of 'Green Hill' which is a very popular club or some great beach front pubs that are always busy in the summer.

The Villa is perfectly situated, close to everything you need. In addition it is beautifully finished, warm wooden flooring in the bedrooms, a cozy fire place in the living room, spacious kitchen and plenty of outside space as well as garage and BBQ.

Find out more about this Villa . . .

Latest Listing: Traditional Villa in Foz De Arelho

This traditional Villa is in amazing condition. Located on a large piece of land with some fruit trees and space for a large garden and swimming pool. The Villa has recently been restored with stunning flooring and stylish bathrooms, including a hydro massage shower. The shower even has a remote control! The villa also has a nice outside patio, spacious fully fitted kitchen, fire place and garage.

The villa located in the beautiful village of Foz De Arelho, minutes away from the beach, and the breath taking lagoon mouth where the sea and lagoon meets. Foz De Arelho on the Silver Coast, with its stunning beaches and beach front bars and restaurants, easily accessible from the A8 motorway and under an hour away from Lisbon. It is a very popular place in the summer and also has some very popular clubs and bars in the area giving it a vibrant night life.

The price of this 3 bed villa is even more amazing. Taking into account the location and the quality of the build €250.000 is an incredible bargain.

New Listing: Villa in Foz De Arelho

This stunning old style Villa is in a stunning location. By day Foz De Arelho is a beach town, with visitors stretched out across the golden sand shores enjoying a lazy day in the sun. The beach front is lined with restaurants, cafe's and pubs where people can buy something to help them cool off from the sun, whether it be beer, soft drink or ice cream.

By night Foz De Arelho is a vibrant hot spot for evening entertainment, with beach front pubs open till late, an evening of drinks and good music is within walking distance for people who own apartments and villas in Foz. Foz is also well known for its night clubs with Green Hill and Solar two very popular venues.

Foz De Arelho is well situated on the Silver Coast, just off the A8 motorway, under an hour away from Lisbon, close to busy Caldas Da Rainha and minutes away from Obidos, Sao Martinho Do Porto and Salir Do Porto. Foz also has quite a big english population. So this lates listing is perfectly situated. The 4 bedroom villa has a classic design and includes an additional space that was originally one of Foz De Arelho favourite pubs. This presents an exciting commercial opportunity for an individual who is looking to settle down in Portugal and perhaps run a small business to pay the bills.

Click here to view more of this property.

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

Why is it called the Silver Coast?

Over the last week I have been asked by 3 different clients where the Silver Coast got it's name.

There are many theories, the beautiful white sand at Foz de Arelho, the white cliffs of
Nazare, the deep blue waters of Sao Martinho do Porto or Lourinha, or the World heritage sites of Fatima and Obidos.

The real reason is one that I love and one that I have been fortunate enough to experience. When enjoying one of the glorious beaches on the Silver Coast, at just the right time, the setting sun reflects off the water and gives off the most amazing glow, it illuminates a breath taking silver light.This is one of the things that makes the Silver Coast so unique, so beautiful and a place that more and more people are falling in love with.


Come and see the glow, this is the Silver Coast.

Michael Jackson remembered on the Silver Coast and all over Portugal

The news of Michael Jacksons tragic death was greeted with sadness all over Portugal, his music and his dance moves were very popular among Portuguese people of all ages. In every bar and club here on the Silver Coast, Michael Jackson songs were very popular and enjoyed by all. Portugal is a very traditional country with values that are passed down from generation to generation and one of these values are paying your respect to those that have passed away. There is a deep underlying value that when someone dies no matter what has happened in their lives, they are to be honored and respected. Another value that the Portuguese hold to when it comes to death, is after mourning comes a celebration of that person’s life. Michael Jackson will be celebrated this weekend. Live bands and DJ’s alike, playing in places like Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare, Foz do Arelho, Caldas da Rainha and all over Portugal will be paying tribute to the man who brought joy to so many people with his music.

CD shops all over the Silver Coast and the rest of Portugal were flooded on Friday with people looking to buy one last piece of this pop icon. This weekend in bars, beach front café’s , restaurants he will be spoken about, remembered and celebrated.

Rest in peace Michael.

More beaches awarded ‘Golden Quality’ on the Silver Coast

The National Association for Nature Conservation (Quercus) has announced that there are more beaches this year on the Silver Coast that will be awarded with what they call ‘Golden Quality’. The Golden Quality initiative ,similar to the blue flag program, is conducted in conjunction with the Institute of water and focuses purely on how clean the water is on Portuguese Beaches. Alcobaca, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinha, Peniche and Torres Vedras, all Silver Coast counties, have been included on the much desired list of beaches with Gold Quality, adding to the two dozen Gold Quality beaches that already exist in the region.

In Caldas da Rainha the only beach the environmental organization distinguished was the Ocean front of Foz do Arelho, a number that increases to about five beaches in the municipality of Alcobaca – Agua de Madeiros, Legua, Pedra do Ouro and Polvoeira. In Peniche, North Baleal, Consolacao, Cova dde Alfarroba and Gamboa are also part of this list, which also recognizes the quality of the beaches of Paimogo, Peralta and Porto Dinheiro, in the county of Lourinha.

The West region should also be mentioned the beaches of the municipality of Torres Vedras – Praia Azul, Formosa, Mirante (Santa Cruz), Navio, Pisao (Santa Cruz), North Santa Rita and South Santa Rita According to the association, the good results will allow greater reliability with regard to water quality. Compared to last year’s season, 27 more beaches have been awarded Gold quality, 15 of those belonging to the Silver Coast region.

The Silver Coast just gets better and better.

By Ricardo Santo

Lowest taxes in the country

The Mayor of Caldas da Rainha, Fernando Costa, has accepted his nomination as the PSD (centre right) candidate for the local mayoral election and most likely another term in office. Fernando Costa has over 24 years of experience in the position as mayor, one of the longest uninterrupted terms to be served by a mayor on the Silver Coast - Portugal.

This announcement should come as good news to many of his supporters on the Silver Coast. During an interview with the Caldas Gazette he reaffirmed his commitment to low taxes “Caldas will continue to have the lowest taxes in the country and I am committed to reducing them even further.” Silver Coast Property owners will be relieved to hear this, especially those who own properties in the Caldas da Rainha municipal district, which includes the Jardins de Salir development in Salir do Porto, located on the hillside overlooking the bay of São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho or Nadadouro on the shores of the Obidos lagoon.

Should he be re-elected the mayor has affirmed that he will continue with his campaign to:·

Hospital Oeste Norte

- Canvass the central government to locate the new Silver Coast hospital in the Caldas municipal district.·

Thermal Springs

- Restore the Caldas da Rainha, reputation as the leading centre for thermal treatment with the revitalization of the world’s oldest public hospital for thermal treatment.·

Art and Culture

– The mayor plans to increase the budget for Museums and promote cultural tourism to attract more visitors to the region.

The likely re-election of the mayor will mean that the council will continue with its programme to improve its coast line. The pedestrian and cycle track around the Obidos lagoon has been completed in time for the summer and the swimming pool and parking facilities at Salir do Porto should be complete in time for the summer holidays.

by Davide Patricio

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