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Tuesday, 16 March 2010

Dining in Obidos Castle is Perfect for a Special Occasion


Obidos is one of the jewels of the Silver Coast and always a delightful place to visit. While strolling around the picturesque cobbled streets you may well chance upon a hidden bar or restaurant, tucked away amongst the white washed houses off the main tourist trail.

One place every visitor to Obidos cannot fail to notice however, is the magnificent castle that dominates this lovely town. These days the castle is run as a ‘Pousada’, one of an impressive chain of top class hotels set in historic buildings or places of special interest.

Pousada de Obidos, Castelo de Obidos was chosen recently in a national competition as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. It was the first Pousada to be created in a historic building, from the original Manueline palace in the castle’s north wing which was built in the 16th century.

The Pousada also has a high class restaurant entirely in keeping with the luxurious surroundings of the castle that once belonged to the King and Queen of Portugal. The restaurant serves international cuisine expertly cooked and served by attentive but discrete staff, all of who speak English.

Dinner for two at this first class establishment comes to about €90 and so is comparable with prices in the UK, but there are few dining rooms to compare with this fabulous setting and I would definitely recommend a visit.


By Stephanie Johnson

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Monday, 8 February 2010

Obidos, a Silver Coast Gem


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

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Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Latest Property Listing: Luxury Obidos Villa


Surrounded by lush forest, a minute’s walk from the Obidos Lagoon and just 5 minutes drive from Obidos Castle, golden beaches and championship golf courses you will find this gorgeous luxury villa, beautifully finished including exotic stone and marble, built in surround sound, air conditioning, fully fitted kitchen and a private pool.
The perfect location in the heart of Portugal's Silver Coast.

View more . . .

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Wednesday, 18 November 2009

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

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Monday, 16 November 2009

World Cup play-offs: Portugal get lucky


On saturday night, I made the short 50 minute drive from São Martinho do Porto to Estadio da Luz to watch Portugal take on visitors Bosnia in a crunch world cup play off match. With the first leg being played in Lisbon and the second leg in ice cold Bosnia, many believed that the Portuguese team needed a 2 goal cushion going into the second leg. It was not to be, Portugal in front of 50,000 passionate fans were met by a very determined Bosnian side who were unlucky not to come away with a draw at least as they hit the bar on 3 occasions.

The stars from Portugal once again trained in
Obidos on the Silver Coast and maybe it was the magic of Obidos Castle that kept the ball from entering the Portuguese goal. They now travel to Bosnia with a slender 1-0 lead thanks to a first half goal from Bruno Alves, they will hope to come away with a win or a draw on wednesday.

Força Portugal!
By Dylan Herholdt

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Thursday, 5 November 2009

The Festive season approaches on the Silver Coast.


Christmas is a wonderful time on the Silver Coast. The streets are beautifully decorated with lights, special Christmas pastries and treats are available at almost every local coffee shop and each Silver Coast town gets into the Christmas spirit in its own special way.

In São Martinho do Porto fireworks light up the bay and live music fills the air as festivals and parties take place all month. In Nazare the beach front comes alive with shops and food stands and New Year’s Eve in Nazare is an amazing event as thousands take to the beach. In Caldas da Rainha the shops and street market stay open all night and the smell of ‘castanhas’ (roasted chest nuts) fills the air. Obidos Castle is magnificent at night over the Christmas season and it is magic inside the walls as families walk the cobble stone streets eating, drinking and being merry.

I'm dreaming of a Silver Coast Christmas . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

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Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Portuguese Lessons on the Silver Coast


I live in the beautiful town of São Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast, there are a many things that I love about this place, the bay is stunning, Nazare is just 10 minutes away and is a sight to behold at sunset and home to the Silver Coasts only Irish pub, Obidos castle is spectacular and just 15 minutes away and if that wasn’t enough I can be in Lisbon in less than an hour and watch live sport or some of the best bands in the world perform live.

I have found one more thing that I love and it once again demonstrates the hospitality and kindness that one can experience on the Silver Coast. 5 minutes walk from my apartment is the local school in São Martinho do Porto where for € 6.50 I can attend Portuguese lessons. This is an initiative organized by the tourism board in São Martinho do Porto and a Portuguese lady volunteers her services 3 times a week and teaches me and 20 other people Portuguese.

She is a wonderful woman, warm, inviting and kind . . . just like the Silver Coast.

By Dylan Herholdt

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Tuesday, 3 November 2009

New Hilton Hotel on the Silver Coast


The magic of Obidos is catching on. The next Hilton Hotel is to be built in Obidos, minutes away from the world heritage site Obidos Castle and under an hour away from Lisbon. The world famous hotel chain has recognized how special the Silver Coast really is and has ear marked it as a developing area and a good area to invest in.

People staying in the Hotel will have access to all the hot spots on the Silver Coast, the night life of Caldas da Rainha, the golden beaches of São Martinho do Porto, the gorgeous fresh fish restaurants of Nazare and the world class golf courses in Obidos.

The Hilton Bom Successo Obidos is scheduled to open in 2012.

By Dylan Herholdt

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Friday, 9 October 2009

Christiano Ronaldo in Obidos on the Silver Coast

Christiano Ronaldo and his team mates have been training right here in Obidos in preparation for their crucial World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Malta. With qualification for the 2010 world cup in South Africa hanging by a thread Portugal have to win their two remaining qualifiers and hope that a few of the other results go their way and even then they are not guaranteed a ticket to next year’s show piece.

The team, however, was still able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Obidos on the Silver Coast as they were put through their paces and the state of the art training facility just minutes away from the amazing Obidos Castle.

Obidos Castle is seen by many as a symbol of good fortune, let’s hope that the Portuguese national team receives some of the good fortune.

By Dylan Herholdt

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