A Toast from the Silver Coast

A Poem for Christmas. . .

At this time of year we bring you good cheer
And hope that you get what you wish for
Chocolates or wine, would be just divine
But how about a luxury beachfront apartment instead?

Here at Prestige Property Portugal on the sunny Silver Coast in Portugal we wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

Boas Festas!

By Stephanie Johnson

Another World Record Set in Portugal

Another entry for the Guinness Book of World Records was awarded on Sunday in Porto, Portugal.

Santas of all shapes and sizes marched, danced, walked and ran through the streets of Portugal’s second city in the world’s largest Santa Claus Parade having lots of fun and raising money for needy children.

A total of 14721 Santas paraded through the streets followed by a bus covering the 200,000 spectators in artificial snow.

The previous record of 14230 was set last year at the same event. When crossing the finish line each Santa donated €1 raising a fantastic sum for a great cause.

Porto is a great city to visit when holidaying on the glorious Silver Coast. With a great central location and excellent road network the Silver Coast is very well placed for exploring the rest of this interesting and diverse country at any time of year.

By Stephanie Johnson

Christmas Cake Fit for a King!

As a born and bred Brit I am very proud of our many Christmas traditions, although the fact that our three main Christmas treats of cake, pudding and mincemeat all seem to be made out of the same ingredients always has me baffled!

Here in Portugal there are plenty of quaint Christmas traditions and eating cake at Christmas is just one of them. Bolo Rei (King Cake) is a delicious light and fluffy bread full of dried and crystallised fruit and nuts and is to be found in every café, restaurant and home throughout the country at this time of year.

Traditionally the cake is baked with a surprise or two inside. It is said that whoever finds the fava bean has to pay for the cake! It might also contain a charm which the lucky finder can keep with no penalty.

The Portuguese celebrate Christmas, along with most of Europe, on the evening of the 24th December, opening presents at midnight after enjoying a family meal usually consisting of Bacalhau (salt cod), boiled potatoes and dark green cabbage.

hmmm. . . Not particularly appealing to British tastes! Turkey is becoming more popular however, and is now widely available, so if you plan to spend your Christmas here on the Silver Coast then you can still enjoy a few British traditions.

Imagine the fun you could have in your luxury holiday home by the sea, what better place to walk off the excesses of Christmas than the beach or may be a round of golf?

Have a look at our properties in seaside towns such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and Foz do Arelho or perhaps magical Obidos, anyone of which would make a fantastic place to spend Christmas.

Christmas on the Silver Coast – What a cracker!

By Stephanie Johnson

Pass the Port!

The great British tradition of drinking Port after dinner is enjoyed by a greater number of people at Christmas time than at any other.

This delicious fortified wine comes only from the Douro valley a scenic drive north of the Silver Coast in Portugal. This beautiful wine growing area is one of the oldest in the world officially demarcated in 1756. The landscape has changed little since Roman times when vines were first planted on these slopes.

The north of Portugal is subject to higher rainfall than we have here on the Silver Coast, making the conditions ideal for growing the grapes used in port.

Port as we know it today first appeared in the 17th century when brandy was added to the rich red wine stopping the fermenting process and leaving more sugar, producing a sweeter, fortified wine that travelled well to Great Britain.

In the UK there is much ceremony and ritual attached to drinking port, such as only passing the bottle to the left when sitting around a dining table, the ladies leaving the table to allow the gentlemen to enjoy their port and cigars, (I can’t imagine many men getting away with that these days!) and at state banquets the Queen always makes the toast with port.

Due to the changes in our dining habits these days the port wine industry has decided it is time to reinvent itself and appeal to younger consumers, and their campaign appears to be working.

According to one of Britain’s port wine experts 48% of port in the UK is drunk by women and 45% is drunk by people under the age of 45.

Owning a property on the Silver Coast in locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto or Nazare would make it very easy for you to pop up to the Douro valley to sample the delights of the port wine lodges dotted along the banks of the river.

Then, if it rains you can always pop back down to your villa or apartment again and soak up a bit more Silver Coast sunshine.

Cheers!

By Stephanie Johnson

Pass the Port!

The great British tradition of drinking Port after dinner is enjoyed by a greater number of people at Christmas time than at any other.

This delicious fortified wine comes only from the Douro valley a scenic drive north of the Silver Coast in Portugal. This beautiful wine growing area is one of the oldest in the world officially demarcated in 1756. The landscape has changed little since Roman times when vines were first planted on these slopes.

The north of Portugal is subject to higher rainfall than we have here on the Silver Coast, making the conditions ideal for growing the grapes used in port.

Port as we know it today first appeared in the 17th century when brandy was added to the rich red wine stopping the fermenting process and leaving more sugar, producing a sweeter, fortified wine that travelled well to Great Britain.

In the UK there is much ceremony and ritual attached to drinking port such as always passing the bottle to the left when sitting around the dining table, the ladies leaving the table after dinner to allow the gentlemen to enjoy their port and cigars, (I can’t imagine many men getting away with that these days!) and at state banquets the Queen always makes the toast with port.

Due to the changes in our dining habits these days the port wine industry has decided it is time to reinvent itself and appeal to younger consumers, and their campaign appears to be working. According to one of Britain’s port wine experts 48% of port in the UK is drunk by women and 45% is drunk by people under the age of 45.

Owning a holiday home on the Silver Coast in locations such as Sao Martinho do Porto or Nazare would make it very easy for you to pop up to the Douro valley to sample the delights of the port wine lodges dotted along the banks of the river.

Then, if it rains you can always pop back down again to your own property by the sea and soak up a bit more Silver Coast sunshine.

Cheers!

By Stephanie Johnson

What a Small World!

I first had thoughts about moving to Portugal when over here on holiday and had dreamed about it ever since. But although I couldn’t think of a nicer place to live I was a little concerned about leaving behind family, friends and all things familiar.

However, that was in the days before the use of the internet became commonplace. This millennium it seems that everyone has internet access making the world feel like a much smaller place.

I eventually realised my dream and came to live on Portugal’s Silver Coast in the summer of 2005 and by making the most of everything the internet has to offer I have never felt cut off from things back in the UK.

I listen to BBC Radio 4 every morning while having breakfast and continue to moan about John Humphrys just as I did before, and I never miss The Archers!

Keeping in touch with my friends and family by email is easy (and free!) and of course now it is very straight forward to use live chat and webcam and actually see the person you are talking to. Then there is Skype if you just want to give someone a call.

I can follow the test match without missing a ball and I can buy just about anything via online shops. Amazon is my current favourite, so now there is no problem buying English language books and DVD’s whenever I want to.

If you enjoy watching television then that is not a problem either. You can watch anything you care to via the internet or satellite, although Portuguese TV does show a lot of English language films with Portuguese subtitles, which is actually a great way to learn the language.

Moving with my family to the Silver Coast proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. We enjoy all the benefits of living in a beautiful part of the world with the beach on our doorstep and places like Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto just up the road, without having to miss a thing from the UK.

We often jump in the car and take a short drive up to Nazare for Sunday lunch in a restaurant on the seafront, or maybe go to Obidos for a look around the lovely little shops to do a spot of Christmas shopping.

Then there is Caldas da Rainha also very close by and Lisbon less than an hour away. We really couldn’t be better placed to get the best of all worlds.

They say you only live once – I say make sure you live the life you wish for.

By Stephanie Johnson

Why Are We Called Prestige?

We took a lot of care choosing a name for our business, we are not called Prestige by accident.

Allow me to explain:

P – Property on the Silver Coast, a product we truly believe in.
R – Reasonable prices. You still get great value for money on the Silver Coast when compared to other holiday destinations such as Spain.
E – Experience. We have many years experience during which time we have established ourselves as one of the leading agents on the Silver Coast.
S – Silver Coast. Where else?
T – Trust. Our knowledge of the area and the real estate business means we are able to offer a professional, reliable service.
I – Investment. Property on the Silver Coast of Portugal is recommended as a wise investment due to the stable government, unspoilt coastline and countryside and ease of access. The Silver Coast is only a short drive from Lisbon airport.
G – Good rental potential. Our apartments and villas in beautiful locations such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto and Obidos provide consistent rental income for their owners.
E – Endless miles of sandy beaches. Which as an owner of a property on the Silver Coast are available for you to enjoy whenever you wish.

Prestige by name, prestige by nature.

By Stephanie Johnson

Discovering Caldas da Rainha

Here on the beautiful Silver Coast of Portugal we are blessed with many picturesque towns and villages full of history, stunning coastal views, quaint restaurants and bars and a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

But what if you live here? Or what if you visit the area regularly, staying in your own holiday apartment or villa? You might want to experience a bit more than just sandy beaches and ice cream.

That is where places like Caldas da Rainha come in to their own, located about 20 minutes inland from Foz do Arehlo and with Obidos just ten minutes away Caldas is right in the centre of the fabulous Silver Coast region.

This bustling little city of around 25,000 inhabitants was established in the 15th century by Queen Leonor who founded a hospital at the site of the therapeutic hot springs. The hospital is still in operation today making it one of the oldest institutions of this type in the world.
Although modernised and extended, tours of the original parts of the hospital can be booked through the museum behind the main building and it is a fascinating place to visit. The original pool is still there with its domed ceiling carved from stone, the misty atmosphere created by the warm water pervaded by the strong aroma of sulfur.

Back outside in the fresh air and sunshine you will find yourself in a little square along one side of which can be found an entrance to the impressive park. This is a beautiful formal garden reminiscent of the Victorian parks found in the UK. Along with the huge range of exotic plants, trees and grassy areas there is a boating lake, a bandstand, tennis courts, a children’s playground and a lovely café/restaurant with lots of outside seating. It is a delightful place to while away an afternoon.

I should also mention the fantastic farmers market held daily in the Praça da Fruta the big market square in the centre of town. Caldas da Rainha is the only place in Portugal hold a daily market and it is a great place to pick up some fresh produce. Lots of colour, lots of noise, lots of fun.

There is also plenty more retail excitement to be had in the wide variety of shops and stores found in and around the city, including several supermarkets and shopping centres, and with a choice of cinemas, theatres and a new bowling complex, there is plenty of other entertainment too.

A short drive north of Caldas brings you to the coastal towns of Salir do Porto, Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare, all great unspoilt holiday destinations with long sandy beaches.

Perfect. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Traditional Music on the Silver Coast

Music and Portugal are synonymous going back through history to the beginning of civilisation.

The Portuguese 12 string guitar produces the most beautiful music, (in the right hands of course!) and lends a unique atmosphere to any proceedings. One of my most memorable trips to Lisbon involved sitting in the shade of a tree surrounded by glorious sunshine in the grounds of the famous Castelo de Sao Jorge listening to a musician who played beautifully. It was truly moving.

This lovely instrument is the usual accompaniment to Fado the traditional music of Portugal, greatly revered throughout the country. The word Fado actually means ‘fate’, but as all the songs are terribly sad it would seem that ‘lament’ might be a more accurate description.

You may think that as a non-Portuguese speaker it would be difficult to understand this music considering the lyrics are so important, but a night of Fado in a Portuguese bar is a unique experience that really shouldn’t be missed.

Such importance is placed on the singer or ‘fadista’, either a man or woman and always dressed in black, that when they take their place in front of the musicians a respectful hush falls over the room.

Fado music is played in bars all along the Silver Coast in towns such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto, and in Obidos there is a wonderful cosy bar that is built into the castle walls and has Fado music every Friday night, an atmospheric evening not to be missed.

Visit Portugal, a land of culture.

By Stephanie Johnson

Christmas spirit on the Silver Coast

I am a big fan of Christmas and have spent many a jolly Christmas here on the Silver Coast, either as a regular visitor or more latterly as a resident with my family, and I am always struck by the cultural differences between here and Britain.

In this predominantly Catholic country Christmas is bound to be an important time and it always seems to me that it is treated with a lot more respect than in the UK where it appears to have been completely taken over by commercialism.

Christmas trees and Father Christmas feature strongly here in Portugal but have equal billing alongside traditional Nativity scenes which don’t seem to be so apparent in Britain. Every village here on the Silver Coast has its own Nativity scene quite often of life size proportions! The figures may be fashioned from clay or wood but always have serenity appropriate to the occasion.

As we have mentioned before the medieval town of Obidos is well known for transforming itself into ‘Christmas Town’ throughout December. The Vila Natal event becomes more lavish every year, and when we took our little son on Christmas day last year we found the whole town beautifully decorated in a ‘Nutcracker’ theme with actors dressed as characters from the famous ballet. There was lots of Christmas music, fake snow, polar bears and penguins and fun things to do such as ice skating and tobogganing on real ice. It made our Christmas truly memorable and we have no hesitation in going again this year.

Owning a holiday home on the Silver Coast could be the start of your memorable Silver Coast Christmases and with high quality homes available in towns such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto as well as Obidos you can make use of your investment all year round.

Christmas in Portugal is a magical time, with something for everyone to enjoy.

By Stephanie Johnson

Silver Coast football causes big upset

When people talk about the Silver Coast they talk about the spectacular castle at Obidos, they talk about the breath taking shell shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto, maybe they mention the gorgeous white cliffs of Nazare or the amazing views from Salir do Porto but one thing that does not usually come to mind is football . . . until now.

I have mentioned many times in these blogs that I support Sporting Lisbon, so it saddens me to report that this weekend Uniao Leiria travelled to Lisbon to face my beloved team and came away with a very impressive 1-0 win. Uniao confined Sporting to a disgraceful 7th position on the log as they sit handsomely in 8th.

The football team based on the beautiful Silver Coast, thriving in the beautiful game . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

New easyJet Edinburgh-Lisbon route for 2010

UK airline easyJet announced yesterday the introduction of yet another new route to Lisbon. Now people from Scotland have the chance to fly direct from Edinburgh to Lisbon. Portugal was recently awarded the prize for ‘Best City Break’ at the travel awards and this latest route will give people the opportunity to enjoy Lisbon and places like Obidos, Fatima, Sintra and other Silver Coast destinations like Nazare or Sao Martinho do Porto which are both under an hour from the Portuguese capital.

easyJet’s regional general manager is very positive about the new route saying: “Lisbon is a vibrant and historic city, which we expect to be popular as a city break destination . . .”

Fares are very reasonable £28.99 one way and £53.98 return.

By Dylan Herholdt

Nazare: Real investment property location.

When thinking about an investment opportunity, you need to consider the following.

Market conditions.
Future growth.
Long term stability.
Proven track record.

The famous town of Nazare on Portugal’s Silver Coast ticks all of these boxes.

Market conditions: According to recent stats and figures Portugal was the least affected country in the world during the recession. During this very difficult year Portugal continued to develop, banks continued to lend and the interest rate was the lowest it has ever been. What does this mean? Portugal is a safe place to invest; your money will not go anywhere.

Future Growth: The Silver Coast is the fastest developing area in Portugal with the Portuguese government investing millions in roads, hospitals, golf courses, solar technology, high speed rails and more. It is already a great place to invest and those who are in a position to invest now will enjoy the benefits of a region that will grow and improve even more over the next 2 years.

Proven track record: Nazare has a proven track record when it comes to property. Why? Nazare is not reliant on an overseas market. Nazare is one of the most popular holiday destinations among Portuguese people. Over the summer months, Carnaval season, Christmas and religious holidays Nazare is the destination of choice for people from Lisbon and elsewhere. It has been this way for decades and anyone who has owned property in Nazare enjoys great rental income over these periods and has never had a problem selling.

Long term stability: Tied closely to the proven track record is the fact that Nazare will continue to be a favorite holiday destination for the Portuguese. This year while we saw a decrease in the amount of visitors to the Algarve and even some areas on the Silver Coast, Nazare remained very busy and active over the summer months and it looks like it will be a very festive Christmas and New Year in the popular town again this year.

The Silver Coast is the best place to invest right now and Nazare is the place to invest on the Silver Coast. Take a look at our Nazare apartments an amazing investment opportunity.

By Dylan Herholdt

Royalty on the Silver Coast

Zara Phillips’ has just purchased new property on the Silver Coast of Portugal. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever been here, it is definitely a land fit for royalty.

The daughter of the Princess Royal, who is 11th in line to the throne, has purchased an off plan villa at an inland golf resort north of Lisbon. Her reasoning is simple; the wonderful nature, weather and people of the Silver Coast make this a special place to visit.

If you wish to live the life of royalty consider our villas at Perola da Lagoa, not only offering golf but historic Obidos, the lagoon and fabulous beaches as well.

Perhaps better than Zara’s. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Dinosaurs on the Silver Coast

Portugal’s Silver Coast is a fascinating place for many reasons. We all know about the fabulous beaches, picturesque towns, rolling hills and historic castles, but it doesn’t end there.

The Silver Coast is also well known in paleontological circles with numerous archeological finds originating here.

One of the best known sites is the area around the farming town of Lourinha just south of Peniche.

There is an interesting little museum in the town housing small relics from bygone days such as agricultural tools, toys and clothes, the usual small town fare. But alongside all of this paraphernalia is the most amazing collection of prehistoric artifacts, from saber-toothed tiger teeth to a complete dinosaur skeleton.

The museum was established in 1980 but it was in 1993 when it really made a name for itself when Isabel Mateus discovered a large clutch of dinosaur eggs while out walking with her three year old daughter on the cliff at Paimogo just north of Lourinha. Mrs. Mateus, being something of an amateur speleologist, immediately recognized the black fragments as dinosaur eggs.

With the help of her family and local villagers the eggs were painstakingly excavated, and over a period of three years it was discovered that the collection contained not just the shells of more than 100 eggs but also some with dinosaur embryos still inside, the only such discovery in Europe.

There are also several important dinosaur tracks on the Silver Coast, most notably the longest sauropod track way in the world (147 meters) near Fatima.

If you like the idea of a luxury holiday home in a diverse and interesting area with plenty to see and do, then the Silver Coast is for you. Check out our properties at Sao Martinho do Porto, Salir do Porto, Nazare and Obidos.

Discover the past while you invest in your future on the Silver Coast.

By Stephanie Johnson

Portugal handed tough group for world cup 2010

There was plenty of drama and entertainment on Friday night as the draw to see who plays who in next year’s football world cup was held. I am proudly South African and sat in my Sao Martinho do Porto apartment with my head in my hands as South Africa was placed in a very tough group with Mexico, Uruguay and France.

I thought to myself that this must be the group of death, there is usually one really tough group in each tournament but it appeared I was wrong. Emerging from the draw was another group of death. This group involved the country I now call my home. Portugal had been placed in a group with North Korea, Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast and Perennial football powerhouse Brazil.

This news was met with much excitement and in coffee shops, pubs and restaurants all over the Silver Coast the discussion rages on. Can Portugal make it through the group? Opinions have varied from the old man who serves me my Saturday lunch in Sao Martinho do Porto to the bartender in Nazare who serves me an ice cold cider on a Thursday night.

Either way, I cannot wait to watch next year’s amazing event right here on the Silver Coast . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

Nazare . . . a taste of real Portugal

A short drive north of Lisbon brings you to the charming fishing town of Nazare, a town steeped in history with a unique atmosphere and one of the most well known spots on the Silver Coast.

The townsfolk are famed throughout Portugal and the Silver Coast for their traditional costume still worn today by some of the older inhabitants. The seven skirts worn by the women are all different colors and symbolize the safe return of their husbands from the sea, but why they wear thick wooly socks and clogs is still a mystery to me! The men are less flamboyant and just wear black, with perhaps a wooly hat in the winter months.

The neighboring town of Sitio perched high on the cliff top above Nazare is well worth a trip on the funicular railway, taking in spectacular views of the town and coastline on the way up.

Arriving at the top you can enjoy a pleasant stroll around the pretty cobbled streets arriving in the beautiful town square presided over by the church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Our Lady of Nazare). A fantastic piece of architecture with lots of ornate gold leaf decoration and beautiful old tiles inside. It is a treat for the visitor to venture behind the altar and discover even more interesting artifacts.

Opposite this spectacular church across the square is a tiny chapel, Capela da Memória, built by King Roderic (c.715) the chapel is home to the famous Black Madonna statue. In 1182, the life of Dom Fuas Roupinho, a Portuguese knight, was saved while out hunting deer. One foggy morning his horse was stopped abruptly as it was about to leap off the cliff in pursuit of a large stag when a vision of the Madonna appeared. It is said you can still see the foot print of the horse in the rock. . .

Myths and legends abound in Nazare, but it is not only the history that makes this place so special. The seafront and squares are crammed with lively bars and quality restaurants offering a plenty of entertainment day and night, while the breathtaking beaches are reputed to be amongst the best in Portugal.

Nazare is a short drive up the coast from Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto and its proximity to the A8 makes it very accessible to the rest of Portugal and beautiful towns such as Obidos.

Visit Nazare on the Silver Coast and experience the real Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson

Lights up in Nazare

The beach front of Nazare on the Silver Coast is absolutely stunning at the moment, the lights are up and switched on and it is that time of year when the promenade comes alive with Christmas spirit.

Nazare is the place to be over the Christmas season, the popular fishing village attracts visitors from all over Portugal, not only in the summer but over the festive season too. Not only that, but Nazare is the most popular place to come for new years eve, people come from all over the Silver Coast; Sao Martinho do Porto, Obidos, Foz do Arelho and Caldas da Rainha to enjoy the massive beach party in Nazare.

Let the celebrations begin . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

London-Lisbon highspeed rail link brings the Silver Coast closer

It was announced this week that Spain and France are to form a company that will construct a high speed rail between Paris and Madrid, with construction due to begin in 2012 this brings the beautiful Silver Coast that much closer to the rest of Europe.

This means Londoners would be able to catch the Eurostar from London to Paris, and then take the high speed rail from Paris to Madrid.

The journey does not end there. It was announced in October that a high speed rail would be constructed between Lisbon and Madrid and that it would be finished by 2013. The rail link will have one of its main stops at Torres Vedras, which is exciting news as this town is just 10-20 minutes from some of the most beautiful seaside locations you will ever see; Nazare, Foz do Arelho, Obidos, Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto.

There has never been a better time to invest on the Silver Coast . . .

By Dylan Herholdt

Top Quality Property on the Silver Coast

Portugal has often been described as a land of plenty and at no time is it more apparent than in the summer months when here on the Silver Coast small farming forms a large share of the economy, it seems that every tree is laden with fruit and every field is full of vegetables just waiting to be harvested.

Of course building is also a huge industry throughout Portugal and the low costs are partly attributed to one of the most cost efficient workforces in Europe. Building is however, strictly controlled by the government who have paid great attention to the problems incurred by neighbouring Spain with the numerous high rise buildings along the coastline now ruining the very landscape that tourists flocked to see.

The beautiful coastal towns and villages of the Silver Coast such as Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto and Salir do Porto are protected by very strict planning laws. Within half a kilometer of the seafront buildings any taller than three stories are prohibited, allowing everyone to enjoy the sea view.

At Prestige Portugal Property we are very proud of the stylish design and clever use of space our architects offer at all our developments, and our reputation for high quality building includes the parts you don’t see, such as top quality, efficient insulation, as well as the parts you do like; the exotic blue marble in the bathrooms and polished stone in the kitchens.

Pay a visit to our website and then pay a visit to the Silver Coast, you will be sure to like what you see.

By Stephanie Johnson