Fantastic Investment Opportunity in Sao Martinho do Porto

Anyone looking to invest in property on the Silver Coast of Portugal will be very interested in this fantastic opportunity.

The owner of this fabulous 4 bedroom duplex apartment in the heart of Sao Martinho do Porto has just asked us to reduce the price as they now need a quick sale. This means that for just €145,000 you can be the proud owner of a beautiful four bedroom, two bathroom property in one of the best locations on the Silver Coast - Sao Martinho do Porto.

This is an usual property as it has been divided into two self contained units each having two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this clever arrangement means that there are several possibilities for living and letting. It would be a very straight forward process to reverse the work and restore the property back to one four bedroom duplex if required. There is also a large garage in the basement with parking for two cars.

This property is situated just a 5 minute walk from the beach. It is now very competitively priced and a great investment, but you had better move fast as opportunities like this don’t come along very often.


By Stephanie Johnson

Portugal is One of the Top Ten Holiday Destinations for 2010

Living and working here on the Silver Coast of Portugal means that there is a danger you start to take things for granted. I think nothing of popping down to Sao Martinho do Porto for a walk along the sandy beach, or a coffee in a sea front café, and the wonderful weather is standard and totally expected now.

So I have to constantly remind myself just how lucky I am to live here.

Lonely Planet has come up with list of the top 10 holiday destinations from around the world for 2010 and guess who proudly features in the list? Yes, Portugal has been recommended as one of the best places in the world to visit due to the fabulous landscape, history, culture and weather which coupled with the way the Portuguese are embracing the modern world adds up to a pretty perfect location.

It is nice to know that Portugal is now being recognised by the travel industry in such a big way, and really makes me appreciate just how lucky I am to live here on the Silver Coast.

Come and visit Portugal’s Silver Coast soon and experience for yourself all it has to offer.


By Stephanie Johnson

My Silver Coast Weekend

Another bright and sunny day on the Silver Coast and my thoughts are turning to the weekend. There is always so much to fit in to those two precious days, especially when there are just so many fun things to choose from.

I am planning to start the weekend in style this evening by enjoying a ‘sundowner’ after work on the sea front in Sao Martinho do Porto with a friend, very civilized!

Then over dinner with my husband at our favourite Silver Coast restaurant – Solar dos Amigos near Caldas da Rainha – we will plan the weekend.

Obviously having a five year old to consider we will have to make certain compromises but a visit to the park in Caldas is always fun, and with the lovely fruit and vegetable market close by it means we can get a bit of shopping done too.

Once the usual weekend chores are out of the way we might make a trip to the beach. Our nearest and favourite is the bay at Sao Martinho do Porto, it is a fabulous soft sandy beach where our little boy can build sand castles and run and play in complete safety. The water in the bay is always calm and perfect for children to splash about in, and the huge sand dune at the southern end of the bay in Salir do Porto is great fun for everyone.

Sunday lunch will probably be at O Cortiço the big and busy restaurant in Tornada on the Caldas da Rainha road. They have a terrific menu and are very child friendly, we have been to O Cortiço so many times that we are now known and welcomed as friends.

Back home later in the afternoon there will probably be time for a leisurely country walk with the dog so that we can walk off our lunch and enjoy more of the beautiful Silver Coast sunshine.

Well that's my weekend, what are you up to?


By Stephanie Johnson

Exotic Fruit Grown on the Silver Coast

I have written recently about gardening and garden centres on the Silver Coast but thought that today’s blog should be about the wonderful fruit that is grown here in such abundance.

We bought a house about 10 minutes from Sao Martinho do Porto, right in the heart of the Silver Coast, and one of the things I noticed when first visiting this beautiful area was the number of exotic looking plants and trees that can be found in even the most humble of gardens.

Along with several oranges and a lemon tree, we have an enormous nespera tree in our garden. It is easily 25 feet tall and every spring is weighed down with pounds and pounds of juicy yellow fruit.

The nespera is popular throughout Portugal but rarely seen in the UK, the delicious fruit can only be described as a cross between a plum, an apricot and a lychee and as long as it is picked at exactly the right time it is a sweet and juicy treat.

The tree is native to southeastern China but seems to thrive here in Portugal and is unusual in that the flowers first appear in autumn and early winter with fruits ready to eat at the end of winter and early spring.

My husband has been busy since we moved to the Silver Coast and over the last few years has planted an orchard comprising peaches, apricots, apples, plums, cherries, pomegranates, almonds and avocados. It’s going to be a delicious summer!


By Stephanie Johnson

Prestige Portugal Property Offer a Property Finding Service

The Silver Coast of Portugal is famous for its varied landscape, temperate climate and friendly people and as such, is a fabulous place to visit and possibly invest in a second home.

We at Prestige Portugal Property are perfectly placed to help you find your dream home on the Silver Coast with our office in Sao Martinho do Porto being right in the heart of the action (so to speak!).

We have many beautiful properties on our books but also offer a property finding service whereby you can give us a brief and then let us go and find the perfect place for you. It’s much easier for us to do this being right here on the spot, and with so many wonderful properties to choose from you really shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than perfect.

Contact us today with a description of your ideal Silver Coast property and sit back and relax while we do all the hard work and find it for you.

Simple!


By Stephanie Johnson

The Caring Council in Sao Martinho do Porto

Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast is such a great place for so many reasons.

The first and obvious ones include the beautiful shell shaped bay and long sandy beach, the lively promenade, the investment potential of property, the friendliness of the locals and the choice of fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes that line the sea front.

But Sao Martinho also has a caring council that has spared no expense in making sure that their elderly residents are looked after. Many of the older townsfolk live in the ‘old town’ in Sao Martinho which is a very pretty unspoilt collection of cobbled streets and squares lined with white washed houses high up on the hill. For centuries the climb up from the sea front has posed a few problems for the less active members of the community but last year the council dug deep into their coffers and built a state of the art elevator which whisks locals and visitors up to the top of the hill in no time at all!

The view over Sao Martinho Bay as you go up in the ultra modern glass box is fantastic, and just as good when you get to the lovely square at the top. After a stroll around the pretty old town, and maybe a drink in one of the tiny cafes tucked away down the little streets, you can either take the elevator down again or maybe amble back down to the sea front via one of the original routes.

The elevator can be accessed from the tourist office, or Turismo, just off the sea front and is free for all to use, young or old!


By Stephanie Johnson

The Silver Coast has Exploded With Colour. . .

The Silver Coast, as is usual at this time of year, is beginning to look like a florist’s shop. The explosion of wild flowers seems to appear almost overnight and never ceases to amaze me.

The vivid colours of scarlet poppies and yellow lupins are always more striking against the back drop of piercing blue sky and green grass in the bright sunshine of a Silver Coast spring day. I am always most impressed by the huge white lilies that seem to grow everywhere and love nothing more than helping myself to an enormous bunch of them to display lavishly in the sitting room, smugly remembering that this sort of thing used to cost at least £60 in London!

Gardening on the Silver Coast can be a very rewarding pastime, as the climate and landscape lend themselves perfectly to growing all kinds of plants with ease.

There are a number of excellent Garden Centres in the area, one of the best known is FlorObidos between Caldas da Rainha and Obidos. This is a garden centre in the English style covering about 2 ½ acres with a café and play areas inside and out for the kids. They stock a huge variety of trees and plants along with pots, tools and garden furniture. You can even buy a one hundred year old olive tree that they will deliver and plant for you!

If gardening is something you enjoy in the UK, just wait until you try it here on Portugal’s Silver Coast.


By Stephanie Johnson

Catching Up With Friends in Sao Martinho do Porto

Since moving to the Silver Coast of Portugal I have made a lot of friends who I would have never met had I stayed in England.

I have had several goes at learning Portuguese and have attended lessons in Sao Martinho do Porto many times, (my favourite teacher is a wonderful lady called Louisa who teaches in the library in the Casa da Cultura), but I am still very far from fluent!

When moving to Portugal we had decided that we would make every effort to make friends with our Portuguese neighbours and not just take the easy option of seeking out English people, but it is inevitable that you will strike up a conversation with someone that speaks your own language and has the same nostalgic memories that you have. So, although it is entirely unintentional, we have made many new British friends from all walks of life who have added a whole new dimension to our lives.

There are a couple of ex-pat Social Network groups here on the Silver Coast who meet for coffee every now and again and they are a great way to make new friends, especially when you first arrive in Portugal.

I’ve mentioned before that my husband plays cricket, and one of the first social events we went to once we had arrived here was a cricket match that he played in at St Julian’s International School in Lisbon, (he scored a rather mediocre 33 before he was caught). The friends and families watching the match were a mixture of English, Irish and South African and we all had a good gossip in English while we sat in the sunshine and watching the game.

I love our Portuguese friends very much, we enjoy a great social life and often have lunch or dinner together but bumping into a fellow Brit while out and about in Sao Martinho do Porto is an occasional treat that I treasure.


By Stephanie Johnson

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

Caldas da Rainha Has One of the Best Fish Markets on the Silver Coast

Caldas da Rainha on the Silver Coast of Portugal is a charming traditional Portuguese town famous for its thermal hot springs and daily fruit and vegetable market.

Less well known but equally popular with the locals is the fish market, held in a large hall near the centre of town

The vibrant market comprises dozens of stalls with most of them run by enthusiastic ladies doing their best to shout the loudest and sell the most fish. The amazing array of beautifully fresh produce is caught by the fishermen of the nearby towns of Nazare and Peniche and is extremely good value.

Since moving to the Silver Coast I have had more time to experiment in the kitchen and one of my great successes has been a Portuguese style fish stew made with a selection of mixed fish available from many of these stalls at just €5 per kilo. What a bargain!

Something else to look out for are the sardines, usually priced at around €2 per kilo and always impeccably fresh, they are just so delicious sprinkled with sea salt and simply barbecued. Served in the Portuguese manner with boiled potatoes and salad, fresh sardines make an unbeatable lunch or supper.

The fish market used to be held in the open air in a square nearer Caldas da Rainha park. Since the move the square has now been transformed into a relaxing area with lots of outside seating provided by the many bars and restaurants that have now sprung up. Below ground there is a large car park which is a God send on busy days in town.

Caldas da Rainha is an interesting place to visit when visiting the Silver Coast, offering an insight into Portuguese life away from the tourist trail.


By Stephanie Johnson

More Preparations for A Place in the Sun Live

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party on the Silver Coast

I have mentioned before that the Portuguese love a party and our little village near Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast hosted a corker last weekend!

The village square was decorated with more lights and bunting than a Christmas tree and loud accordion music played in a jolly fashion from speakers attached to trees and flag poles reminiscent of a French art movie from the 1960’s.

There was cake and wine and little stalls selling homemade gifts and trinkets with familiar friendly faces everywhere we looked.

The annual ‘Festa’ in honour of a local saint takes place in most villages in Portugal with celebrations continuing for at least five days, starting and finishing each day with noisy fireworks to remind everyone to come and join in.

Larger towns such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Obidos also hold their festas offering an ideal opportunity for locals and visitors to get together. It’s a great way to make new friends, with a drink and dance instantly breaking the ice and language barrier.

The Silver Coast, any excuse for a party!

By Stephanie Johnson

Groundhog Day

Today, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day. Celebrated mainly in America and Canada, tradition has it that on this day when a groundhog comes out of its hole after hibernation and sees its shadow it will pop back in for another six weeks as a sunny day indicates a late spring and winter is not yet over. If however, there is no shadow then spring is well on the way and it can come out of hibernation!

Well, that’s how they do it in America, here things seem to be a little different - we seem to have jumped straight into spring. Looking out of my office window I can see nothing but clear blue sky and sunshine, one of those fresh, bright and ‘great to be alive’ type days.

One of the things I love about the Silver Coast is the way the weather is seasonal but always significantly warmer than the UK. I’ve mentioned the quality of light here before and on days like today it’s outstanding.

Sorry to be smug. . .

Why not come and visit us here on the Silver Coast soon while the flights are reasonable and the beaches are empty.

A walk in the fresh air around the bay from Sao Martinho do Porto to Salir do Porto will take about 15 minutes and is fantastic exercise, making the coffee and cake you treat yourself to at the end very well deserved!

By Stephanie Johnson

The Berlengas Islands

About 7 miles out to sea from Peniche on the Silver Coast is a little group of islands called the Berlengas.

This small archipelago is another little Silver Coast secret that is well worth a visit on one of the boats that make the 45 minute trip from the port in Peniche during the summer months.

The unspoilt granite islands are a designated nature reserve and a delightful place to explore looking for wild flowers and sea birds. They are also an amazing place to dive with crystal clear waters and fabulous rock and coral formations teeming with marine life.

Although the islands are uninhabited it is possible to camp on Berlenga Grande the largest of the group, if you book in advance through the tourist office, but with no facilities it is only for the hardened camper!

You can see the Berlengas Islands from all the beaches along the Silver Coast including Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and you can reach the port in Peniche in just 20 minutes from Obidos.

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

Foz do Arelho

If you drive around the bay in Sao Martinho do Porto through neighbouring Salir do Porto you end up on the coast road to Foz do Arelho.

This is a lovely drive as it takes you along the top of the cliffs with stunning views of the sea all the way. It is well worth stopping at one of the lookout points, especially at sunset.

After about ten minutes you will arrive at the mouth of the Obidos lagoon and the seaside village of Foz do Arelho. This pretty village of about 1200 inhabitants has been a holiday destination, popular with the Portuguese, for many years and has always had a reputation as being rather exclusive.

The reason for this popularity is clearly the fantastic beach, one of the finest on the Silver Coast. A huge expanse of sand gives plenty of room for everyone, even in the busy summer months, and with a choice of swimming in the calm waters of the lagoon or surfing in the ocean there is something to please everyone.

The beach is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes which along with the colourful kiosks selling ice creams offer plenty by way of refreshment.

In the summer the delightful wooden beach bar is open making a perfect place to sit and enjoy a cold beer while watching the more energetic holiday makers go about their business.

Roll on summer!

By Stephanie Johnson

A Fresh Start

The recent welcome announcement from the BBC that the UK is officially out of recession brings relief for everyone. As one of the last economies in the world to finally emerge from the gloom Britain can now start 2010 afresh.

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we have recently had a noticeable increase in client enquiries from the UK proving that the strengthening economy is already being widely felt.

So perhaps now is the time to start thinking about investments, and with the Silver Coast being tipped as a property hot spot you might find it is the perfect place to put your money.

Buying a property in beautiful locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Nazare or Obidos could not only bring you financial rewards but also the fun of holidays for many years to come.

Let’s forget the doom and gloom of 2009 and embrace the sunshine in 2010!



By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Service on the Silver Coast

The Silver Coast is blessed with numerous restaurants, from international fine dining to tiny rustic traditional Portuguese places tucked away off the beaten track and one of my absolute favourites is Restaurante O Cortiço on the main road that links Caldas da Rainha to Alcobaça.

This large friendly restaurant has been in business for decades and is always busy and bustling with a great atmosphere.

I visited O Cortiço on my very first trip to the Silver Coast way back in 1988 (obviously I was very young!) and still see the same team of friendly efficient waiters working there today.

They specialise in Wild Boar but also have an extensive menu featuring Portuguese dishes and comfort food at its best. The generous portions are often big enough to share between two and everything is freshly and expertly cooked.

The name O Cortiço means the Honeycombe which is a good description of the labyrinth of rooms that are gradually opened up as the place fills up with hungry customers, meaning that this huge restaurant never feels empty even when you are one of the first to arrive.

The restaurant is open all day, seven days a week which is quite unusual for Portugal so whenever you are feeling in need of a bite to eat, you now know where to come.

Restaurante O Cortiço is just a short drive from Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto.

By Stephanie Johnson

Paragliding in Portugal

The great thing about living here on the Silver Coast is that there is so much to do. You could while away relaxing hours just lying on a sandy beach or sitting in a café, or you could spend your time in a more energetic way - swimming, surfing or cycling perhaps, but if you are feeling more adventurous how about having a go at Paragliding?

This sport, known as Parapente in Portugal, is hugely popular along the Silver Coast and the favourite spot of the local Parapente Club here in Sao Martinho do Porto is off the cliffs at Praia de Gralha, the beach just next to the bay.

Praia de Gralha couldn’t be more different to the protected bay enjoying magnificent waves from the open sea which crash onto the long empty stretch of sandy beach and it has ideal conditions for Paragliding.

It is a fantastic sight to see so many paragliders in the sky at once floating silently like huge exotic birds on the warm thermals.

It almost makes me want to have a go myself. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Pao de Ló

The village of Alfeizerao is just along the road from Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast.

It has a busy high street with a good range of useful shops including a butchers shop where they speak excellent English and have their own herd of grass fed cows (rather unusual in Portugal), a post office with a chain smoking post mistress who is probably happier than she looks, a jewelers, two banks and a selection of little clothes and haberdashery shops.

However, the most notable thing about Alfeizerao is a cake.

Enjoyed the length and breadth of Portugal, and indeed throughout the world in Portuguese communities, Pao de Ló is a sweet eggy sponge with a deliberately under cooked gooey centre.
The recipe dates back hundreds of years and it is said that true Pao de Ló only comes from Alfeizerao. The tiny factory I pass on my way to work every morning produces huge quantities of these delicious cakes which they sell in their own coffee shop and deliver far and wide.

If you fancy trying a slice of authentic Pao de Ló then you will find Alfeizerao just off the A8 motorway at junction 21 it is also within very easy reach of other interesting places such as Salir do Porto and Caldas da Rainha.

By Stephanie Johnson

Learn a Little Lingo!

Portuguese is spoken by over 210 million people worldwide making it the 6th most spoken language. Brazil obviously plays a large part in boosting the numbers but other than here in Portugal it is also spoken in other old colonies such as East Timor and Macau.

The language as we know it today has evolved from the Latin spoken by the Romans when they first arrived in the Iberian Peninsula in the 3rd century BC. It evolved over the centuries emerging as a mature language around the 15th century.

Living and working here on the Silver Coast means I have plenty of opportunity to improve my loose grasp of Portuguese, I find I get enormous pleasure from learning a new word or phrase.

There are many Portuguese teachers keen to supplement their income by teaching the language to us Brits, including the best teacher I have ever had, a retired lady who gives lessons in the library in Sao Martinho do Porto.

The helpful Portuguese government welcomes people who decide to relocate to this wonderful country and offers free Portuguese lessons to eager newcomers. It is great fun and a really good way to make new friends, (although you will clearly not make many Portuguese friends this way!)

Even though a lot of Portuguese people speak English, and are happy to do so at every opportunity, I thoroughly recommend learning at least a little of their language, so to get you started here are a few basics:

Bom Dia - Good Morning
Boa Tarde – Good Afternoon
Boa Noite – Good Night
Sou Ingles - I am English
Como está? - How are you?
Eu não falo Português - I don't speak Portuguese
Oh, and one last one, Cervja - Beer (very important!)

By Stephanie Johnson

The Village Bakery

The little village on the Silver Coast where we live is famous for its bakery. The Rebelo family has been in business for decades and still bake traditional Portuguese bread in huge wood fired ovens every morning seven days a week.

The staff, all dressed in white, arrive in the early hours and work until lunchtime. The delicious products of their labours are sold in the little café from where you can see the bread being baked (although I have to say that it is usually all over by the time I get there!) They also deliver to several other cafes in nearby towns and villages including Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto.

A little business like this reminds me of my childhood in the west country of England, these days it seems that there are far fewer family run businesses in England, in my opinion, a regrettable situation created by the emergence of big corporations.

Part of the charm of Portugal is the way it has managed to hang on to traditional ways and owning a home in one of the beautiful towns or villages on the Silver Coast would mean that you could be part of it too, whether you choose Obidos, Nazare or Cadaval you will find a very warm welcome, and some very nice bread. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Salir do Porto

Salir do Porto sits quietly across the bay from its bigger cousin Sao Martinho do Porto. It is a peaceful little fishing village with a popular family beach in the bay and lots of safe but fun swimming opportunities in the mouth of the river Tornada that joins the sea here.

Salir is also well known for its magnificent sand dunes protected for their flora and fauna, the largest is almost 49 metres high providing endless enjoyment for kids and adults alike.

Just before you arrive at the beach you will notice a brand new state of the art open air swimming pool with a lively café, part of the recent improvement project carried out by the local council.

There is lots of history in the area with the ruins of the old Customs House still clearly visible, lapped by the waves at high tide, and next to this a fresh water spring that is popular with locals who are regularly seen making the trek along the footpath laden with freshly filled bottles.

Salir do Porto is a quiet and peaceful village with a handful of bars and restaurants but a fifteen minute stroll around the bay will bring you to Sao Martinho do Porto where you will find a livelier atmosphere if you prefer.

Another little Silver Coast gem.

By Stephanie Johnson

Money Makes the World Go Round

It is said that ‘money makes the world go round’, and unfortunately, this really does seem to be true.

One of the advantages of living here in Portugal is that the cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. You will notice this to a lesser or greater degree depending on your lifestyle, but it is fairly safe to say that you will definitely pay less here for things such as food and drink especially in bars and restaurants. Something I for one, really appreciate!

For me one of the greatest advantages of the internet is to be able to manage my UK bank account at home in Portugal at any time of day or night – how did we manage before this miracle of technology?

My life is also made a lot more straightforward by the fantastic cashpoint, or ‘Multibanco’ machines here. The Portuguese seem to have a knack for technology and they have really gone to town with automated banking. As well as the usual withdrawals and statements you can do the following:

• Pay utility bills (electricity, gas and water)
• Pay services and purchases
• Buy tickets for concerts and shows
• Buy cinema tickets
• Buy a fishing license
• Deposit cash which is instantly counted and credited to your account
• Make inter-bank transfers
• Make transfers from one account to another within the same bank
• Pay Social Security contributions
• Pay Income Tax
• Pay Value Added Tax
• Recharge mobile phone credit
• Make miscellaneous payments to the state
The Portuguese banks have operated in a very sensible manner during the economic downturn and it is partly due to this that the boom and bust situation created by reckless lending in other countries around the world hasn’t happened in Portugal, resulting in house prices remaining stable.

However, with mortgage rates at an all time low, it is currently a very good time to borrow money allowing you to buy your dream home on the Silver Coast without breaking the bank!

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we have formed a strong relationship with Portugal’s largest private bank, Millennium BCP, who also have branches in the UK (and a website in English!). Through Millennium we have arranged mortgages for a great many of our clients simply and easily, if you are interested in finding out more then please contact us and we will be able to help you – with, of course, no obligation on your part.

We have beautiful properties ready and waiting for you in places such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Nazare and Obidos.

So perhaps now your dream of buying a villa or apartment on the Silver Coast could soon become an affordable reality. . .

By Stephanie Johnson