Silver Coast Places
São Martinho do Porto
This is a truly unique beach resort in Portugal. The style here is very laid back cosmopolitan and the town is a pleasing mix of antique and modern. It is famed as a family friendly place not least because of the safe bathing it offers thanks to the protective and encompassing sea shell shape of the bay.
In the past it was a thriving fishing and shipbuilding port but today it’s more tourist focused with pretty much everything the family could need for a top notch holiday.
There’s a host of cafes offering everything from the fresh coffee, cakes and snacks to shops serving warm breakfast bread and restaurants providing full scale lunches and evening meals. Local fish is a particular speciality, however, if maritime fare is not on the menu for you other options are always available and there’s something for everyone, especially the kids.
There are plenty of activities offered daily on the beach. This is always kept clean and tidy so reading and sunbathing and watching the little one’s is easy and pleasant. For the more active there’s, sail boarding, para-gliding, hang-gliding, fishing, and in the town many tourist friendly events are held throughout the year. For example, why not try dancing on the beach on New Year’s Eve and feel the vibe under a spectacular canopy of stars along with a beachside firework display.
Nazaré
It is commonplace on the Silver Coast to find empty beaches stretching for miles. And, always the Atlantic Ocean beats its rhythms. As the seasons change this rhythm becomes the thunder of giant waves which attract world renowned surfers like Garrett McNamara who rode a record-breaking 90ft wave off the coast of Nazaré.
This coastal town is a real pearl of the ocean. It has the sea at its heart and fish in its bones. You will understand this better by taking a stroll down the sea front to experience the beach ambiance and see the local women dressed in traditional knee length pleated plaid skirts and clashing headscarves selling you all sorts of locally landed fresh and dried fish.
Above them, there is always the old town, which is founded on an impressive, massive, rocky promontory. The atmosphere up there is special, so quaint and leisurely. There are local wares on sale every day through street level shops which sprawl onto the pavement. You can buy local woollen garments, intricate lace, ceramics and general holiday paraphernalia. And when you have shopped yourself to a standstill take a moment and be amazed at the view south along the coast. This vista is one of the best kept secrets of Portugal which the gulls and eagles have held onto for far too long. As you gaze down the more nautically minded will pick out the splendid Nazaré marina and boat yard which is always worth visiting for a happy spell taking snaps of the sights and myriad of sailing craft.
Alcobaça
Inland from Nazaré is another town defined by water. It is called Alcobaça and the name comes from the fusion of the words for the rivers Alcoa and the Baça which still flow through it today. It’s a thriving regional centre bustling along under its own steam, however, it offers you a genuine essence of a truly historic Portuguese town, full of history and authentic features.
Quite often you could fool yourself you are in France because the tiny, quaint but elegant streets feature intricate tiled facades so evocative of the French and art nouveau.
Another delightful feature is the magnificent Portuguese ceramics on offer. There’s a host of shops facing the square in front of the colossal central sited monastery of Santa Maria. These are crammed to the gunnels with charming ornate, typically Portuguese pieces. There are also rich, rustic and sumptuous textiles, often incorporating typical tessellated and lively floral Portuguese designs to be bought at reasonable prices.
We advise you to pay a visit to Alcobaça. Not least to sample some of the tasty sweet pastry’s available. Sit, drink coffee, watch the world go by and let the charm of the place seep into your soul.
Golf
Some of the best golfing on the continent is here for you on the Silver Coast. The local courses are comprehensive and complete with top facilities such as driving ranges, practice putting greens, buggies, trolleys, professional tuition, club hire, club repair workshops, pro-shops, restaurants, bars and club houses. Whatever level of golf you require the region has something for you.
For instance, you might enjoy peace and beauty but conversely cherish a challenge? If so, then a trip to Bom Sucesso golf course will be in order. It offers you absorbing golf in combination with beautiful views over the serene Obidos lagoon. With its visiting flamingos, bobbing boats and leaping silver Sea Bass it’s a must do on your written holiday list.
It has also been written that golf is a good walk spoiled, however, you will need all your stamina to put this to the test at the Golden Eagle golf course. It’s located inland near Rio Major and traverses a huge area. It comprises nine lakes and 87 bunkers. The course is widely acknowledged as one of the most challenging in Portugal and is one of the longest!
If diminishing the distance is desired then Vimeiro Golf is probably more suitable. It’s a great course for anyone looking for a technical game without too much hiking.
How about walking in the footsteps of the professionals? Why not try a round at the Praia d’el Rey golf resort. The internationally reputed course is a golfing Mecca not least because it has been ranked as the thirteenth best in Europe!
The best has always been associated with royalty, so Imagine stepping out in the former hunting ground of kings. It’s a proposition close at hand at Campo Real golf course. The fairways sit in a landscape of rolling hills and steep wooded valleys creating an outstanding five star Silver Coast golf experience.
The region has other riches too not least cool aqua seas and warm golden sands but this is no excuse for confusing all this sand with bunkers. At Botado golf course the fairways run parallel to the sea and are only separated by dunes. The site is near the old fishing port of Peniche and benefits from a location of natural beauty which contributes much to a very appealing natty nine hole course. It features six lakes and expansive bunkers that make for a devilishly tricky short game.
The Silver Coast is fast becoming a popular holiday destination for families.
The temperate climate and spectacularly sun drenched beaches are major attractions. It can, however, be a challenge to find ways to occupy the brood, particularly if they´re beyond the point of buckets and spades. It´s a holiday for parents too, who wants to deal with bored, sulky teens? Use the time together to reconnect with them, grow closer and create some special memories for you all to look back on happily. Teen years are also a time for discovering independence, so take this into consideration when thinking of activities they’ll enjoy. Here´s a few ways to make sure the kids are occupied, creating a relaxing time for everyone.
Portugal has some of the best surfing beaches in Europe and has recently become more popular due to Garrett McNamara surfing a record-breaking 90ft wave off the coast of Nazaré. Peniche hosted the 2012 Rip Curl Pro tournament, attracting the world´s best surfers. On the other side of the bay, you´ll find Baleal, a great beach for beginners and intermediates. There are plenty of surf camps and schools offering a range of courses, from a couple of days to week long residential holidays with full tuition and equipment hire.
Diving and Snorkeling in the Berlengas
Since 2011, the Berlenga Islands, 10 km off the coast of Peniche, have been classified as World Natural Biological Reserve. In the summer the sea is calm, crystal clear and perfect for swimming, snorkeling or exploring the depths. There are a couple of diving schools operating from Peniche, offering classes, training and regular trips. The islands have other attractions if diving isn’t for you. You could also take a trip around the islands in a glass-bottomed boat to glimpse the marine life. There are various paths to ramble around and take in the magnificent views. Access to the islands are restricted. No cars are allowed and it can only be reached by a 30 minute ferry journey leaving from Peniche. Be warned, the crossing can be rough.
Lagoon Water Sports
The Óbidos Lagoon, 10 minutes west from Óbidos castle, provides beautiful surroundings waters to participate in a range of watersports. There is a sailing club situated on the north side of the lagoon. They deliver a range of sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, caoeing and waterskiing and optimist dinghies. Either join in the lessons or take a rental and make your own adventure.
River Canoeing
Further inland, you´ll find a whole network of rivers to enjoy canoeing to explore parts of the country rarely seen on the tourist trail.There are many companies providing canoeing trips of various lengths, and for all levels of abilities. You should check the minimum age requirements 1st. For a gentle expedition try the river Mondego with its ambling waterways. If you´re looking for a more rapid ride, look into the river Zêzere. Whichever river you choose, you´ll not forget the experience of surrounding yourself with the peace and tranquilty that this area has to offer.
Karting
For those of you who don’t want to spend time in the water, why not try some karting. There are 2 professional karting tracks in the area, Kiro-Karting in Bombarral and DinoKart in Lourinhã. Kiro offers karts from 120cc for 8-11yr old up to 390cc for the more experienced. They also can provide adapted karts for people with disabilities. It´s possible to race individually and in a team. The lap times are electronically recorded so you can compare and brag after.
10 Pin Bowling
For evening or days when the weather has taken a turn for the worse, take a visit to the ten-pin bowling alley in Caldas da Rainha. They´re open til 3.30am and have a pool table, arcade area, restaurant and live entertainment at the weekend.
Horse Riding
For a more leisurely activity, you´ll find a few stables around Caldas da Rainha and Obidos offering riding trails and hacks and lessons for novice and more experienced riders. There´s also a stable on the north side of Nazaré allowing horseback riding along the beach.
Hand-gliding and Para-gliding
South of Nazaré on the old cliff top road towards Saõ Martinho do Porto, you´ll find a top spot for ultra-light gliding enthusiasts. The feeling of gliding gently through the air is something many of us long to experience. Soaring upwards on the thermals, looking back at the coastline and watching your family gradually become smaller could be the ideal venture a teen would ask for.
There´s a company, voo.no.sapo offering tandem flights with an instructor. Check for age and height and weather restrictions first.