Silver Coast Golf Courses

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

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

Silver Coast Fishing

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

The Sailing School on the Obidos Lagoon

If you drive a couple of kilometres along the north shore of the Obidos Lagoon from Foz do Arelho you will find the Escola de Vela da Lagoa, a sailing school in a beautiful Silver Coast setting.

The little school offers equipment hire and lessons in all types of water sports, including sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and water skiing.

The calm waters of the lagoon ensure a safe environment for beginners. Book an individual lesson with an instructor, from the enthusiastic team of professionals, or if you prefer, take a course over several days.

If you have a little more experience then equipment is available for hire allowing you have your own adventures and discover the beauty of the Obidos Lagoon for yourself.

The little sailing school has a bar and café open to all offering drinks and snacks all day and is within a 15 minute drive from Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and even less from Obidos.

By Stephanie Johnson

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 . . .

Fancy a Coffee?

Reminiscent of most of Western Europe, Portugal has a strong cafe culture. Spending an afternoon people watching whilst enjoying a coffee at a café in a pretty square in Caldas da Rainha is as enjoyable as sitting on the seafront in Sao Martinho do Porto doing the same thing.

The Portuguese are rightly proud of their coffee and have so many variations that this guide may be of help to you when you next come over to visit us here on The Silver Coast.

Café – Ask for a simple café and you will be presented with an espresso, the coffee of choice for most Portuguese.

Bica – This is just another name for the above but has an interesting little story, allegedly it stands for ‘Beba Isto Com Açucar’ – ‘meaning drink this with sugar’. Apparently when coffee was first introduced to Portugal the locals found it rather unpalatable until an enterprising cafe owner displayed a sign suggesting Beba Isto Com Açucar and the rest is history!

Cafe Cheio – Meaning ‘full coffee’ this is an espresso topped up with hot water to make a slightly weaker brew.

Abatanado - This is a large cup of black coffee, usually the equivalent of three espressos.

Meia de Leite – Meaning ‘half of milk’, a larger coffee and favoured by us Brits.

Galão – A large milky coffee served in a tall glass similar to a cafe latte. The strength may vary between cafes so you should ask for a Galão Escuro (dark) if you prefer it a little stronger.

The Portuguese have many more coffee recipes but rather than reading about them come and sample some for yourself.
Whether you prefer to sit at a little table on the busy cobbled streets of Obidos, or watch the ocean at Nazare you will find plenty of cafes to choose from.

My personal favourite is delightful little place overlooking the Obidos Lagoon, it is hidden away and completely off the beaten track, charming simplicity and only 60 cents a cup – but you will have to come and find it for yourself . . .

By Stephanie Johnson

New Year's Resolutions

The theory behind New Year’s resolutions is that you do something positive to improve your life, the problem is have you noticed how easy it is to make a New Year’s resolution but how hard it is to stick to?

Well, I have a solution – only make resolutions you will want to keep!

If you are looking to get the most out of life how about resolving to take a trip to the fabulous Silver Coast in Portugal, where you could visit wonderful locations such as the Obidos Lagoon, Sao Martinho do Porto or the lovely old fishing town of Nazare.

Surely, owning a luxury villa or apartment by the sea would do much to enhance your life, and far from being just an indulgence property on the Silver Coast is a proven investment opportunity - so you can be sure you are taking positive steps to ensure your financial future.

Now there’s a resolution you could stick to.

Happy New Year!

By Stephanie Johnson

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 . . .