Prestige Portugal Property Blog

Bargain Property on the Silver Coast - Don't Miss Out!

2010-09-02T10:32:00.004+01:00

September has begun and with it comes the serious buyers looking to invest in property on the Silver Coast.

Here at Prestige Portugal we are witnessing a sudden increase in enquiries with investors from the UK and other countries anxious to make the most of the good deals that are still around.

September is invariably a good time of the year to buy, the summer visitors have started to drift back home, the weather is still fabulous, flight prices have come down and the generous discounts and deals offered during the quieter summer months are still available.

So if you are considering investing in an apartment or villa here on the Silver Coast don’t leave it too late, come over now and see what this beautiful part of Portugal has to offer - and snap up a bargain before they disappear!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Back Home on the Silver Coast

2010-08-26T10:57:00.005+01:00

After a month away I am now firmly back at my desk in the Prestige Portugal office here on the Silver Coast.

It is usual in Portugal, as it is in other countries in Europe, to take a long holiday in the summer – usually August – and then work through the rest of the year.

Now, you are probably wondering exactly why I would need a holiday when I live on the Silver Coast and enjoy wonderful blue skies and sunshine every day – and I can see your point. The beach at Sao Martinho do Porto is just ten minutes from our house so we regularly pop down to the bay for a paddle or stroll along the seafront.

The Silver Coast really is a fantastic place to live but it is also nice to have some time with my family so it was lovely to spend a few days in the UK, there are plenty of flights from Portugal to the UK at very reasonable prices and it is so easy to get from the Silver Coast to the airport in Lisbon that there is no excuse not to visit regularly.

However, I was very surprised when it rained while we were there – I had quite forgotten that could happen in August! Living in the Silver Coast sunshine seems to have made me rather blasé about the weather.

It's good to be home. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Silver Coast Football Starts

2010-08-18T12:41:00.006+01:00

Lets just be honest for a second, Portugal had a terrible world cup, Christiano Ronaldo and his mates were simply awful. But all of that is over, and here on the Silver Coast, just like the rest of Portugal our attention shifts to Liga Sagres and the local teams back in action. Benfica are the reigning champs, and Braga, Porto and Sporting are all hoping to challenge for honours this season. Our local Silver Coast team, Leiria will be hoping to repeat the successful campaign they had last season.

Once again coffee shops, pubs and restaurants in Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Foz do Arelho will be the discussion venues for the new season and while the national team trains in Obidos almost un-noticed, we wait in anticipation for the games to begin.

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast Summer

2010-08-16T16:24:00.005+01:00

Summer is here on the Silver Coast!

Once again vistors have got what they bargained for, glorious weather, sunshine, lazy days on the beach and plenty of entertainment in the evenings. In Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho the beaches have been packed with bodies looking to bronze. The promenades are buzzing in the evening with holiday makers enjoying beach-front restaurants, live music and pubs. This is the time to be on the Silver Coast.

By Dylan Herholdt

A Bargain Villa on the Silver Coast!

2010-07-27T16:47:00.005+01:00

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we are pleased to announce our latest Silver Coast listing which, it has to be said, is an absolute bargain!

Where else can you find a fabulous four bedroom, three bathroom semi detached house with a sunny garden just a short drive from the beach for just €145,000?

The Silver Coast is a beautiful part of Portugal with so much going for it, but so far property prices here remain very competitive compared with other world class holiday destinations.

In a peaceful countryside setting on the edge of the small village of Bica, close to the historic town of Alcobaça this spacious house is ideal for either a holiday home away from the main tourist trail or full time residential use.

Nearby you will find a village bakery, café, shops and an excellent school, and with the beach at Sao Martinho do Porto just a 10 minute drive and Lisbon and the airport less than an hour it really couldn’t be in a better position.

The flexible accommodation offers four double bedrooms (one en suite), and three bathrooms. There is also an attic room that would be ideal as an office or play room.

Downstairs the large sitting room has French doors to the front and a beautiful ceramic floor. The kitchen is fully fitted and the sale will include all appliances.

In the basement is a very useful double garage with lots of storage space.

The current owners will also consider offers for the contents of the house all of which is in very good condition.

All in all this is a very good deal on a perfect family home so if you are considering an investment on the Silver Coast – I think you may have found it!. . .

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Why Choose the Silver Coast to Invest in Your Holiday Home?

2010-07-21T11:13:00.008+01:00

There are just so many reasons to choose the Silver Coast of Portugal as the perfect place to invest in a holiday home.

Firstly, the fabulous Silver Coast weather, blue skies and sunshine but never oppressive heat allowing you to spend plenty of time on the beach or by the pool but also making it possible for you to do other things without wilting in the heat.

Then there is the beauty of the landscape with stunning beaches, unspoilt countryside and historic towns and villages. The Silver Coast proudly boasts two World Heritage sites and has several award winning golf courses.

Accessibility is an important factor too, and with the A8 motorway taking you quickly and efficiently to Lisbon you can be at the airport in less than an hour.

All this obviously leads to the Silver Coast proving to be a popular holiday destination, meaning excellent rental returns for owners of villas or apartments as well providing a perfect family holiday for yourself whenever you wish.

Property prices on the Silver Coast are very favourable indeed, and with the exchange rate now greatly improved investors from the UK find they get even more for their money.

So, what are you waiting for?

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Fascinating Architecture on the Silver Coast of Portugal

2010-07-19T11:41:00.004+01:00

The medieval town of Obidos on Portugal’s Silver Coast is widely documented as being an interesting place to visit, with its imposing castle and beautifully preserved cobbled streets lined with white washed houses.

Just outside Obidos is a fascinating hexagonal church that rises from the level plain in a very prominent fashion which has always reminded me of a giant wedding cake!

Hundreds of years ago this area was under water, as the Obidos Lagoon at one time came right up to the town, but since the lagoon receded in more recent times (relatively speaking!) the fertile land has been cultivated and built on.

The unusual church which is dedicated to Senhor da Pedra was built in the middle of the 18th century at the height of the Baroque period but was never quite finished with many of the details missing.

An ancient stone cross which used to stand nearby is now displayed behind glass inside one of the wedge shaped chapels within the church.

Looking down from the castle walls that surround Obidos you can’t help but notice the distinctive hexagonal church with its shiny green tiled roof which enjoys a reputation as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal.

Portugal’s Silver Coast is such an interesting place to visit with not only beautiful beaches and award winning golf courses but also so much history and culture - in fact something for everyone!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Our Wholesome New Life on the Silver Coast

2010-07-16T15:19:00.006+01:00

When we made the decision to move to Portugal’s Silver Coast just over five years ago one of the things we were trying to achieve was a more wholesome lifestyle.

We sold our house and packed all our belongings into an 80 foot container and moved lock stock and barrel to the Silver Coast to start a new life in the Portuguese countryside.

We haven’t looked back since that day back in 2005 and quickly settled into life in Portugal making lots of friends, both Portuguese - who are extremely friendly and welcoming people - and ex-pats from around the world.

The Silver Coast has so much to offer both holiday makers and those of us who choose to live here permanently with stunning beaches and countryside but also important infrastructure such as excellent health and education systems which are free for European Union members like us Brits.

The language is proving to be a bit of a challenge but I do my best and that is truly appreciated by my patient Portuguese friends (most of whom speak perfect English!). As I have mentioned in previous blogs the Portuguese government offers free Portuguese lessons to ex-pats with intensive courses held in the evenings in schools throughout the Silver Coast.

We love our life here on the Silver Coast which never fails to delight and amuse me –there are little things that you only notice once you live here such as the take away food shop that closes for lunch or the way our son’s teacher gives him a hug and a kiss at the end of the school day.

Come and visit the beautiful Silver Coast soon and I can promise you will be as enchanted as I am. . .

By Stephanie Johnson
Stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Some Advice on Investing in Silver Coast Property

2010-07-15T10:55:00.008+01:00

Investing in a holiday home on the Silver Coast will give you and your family the opportunity to enjoy many relaxing, fun packed holidays for years to come – but you will need to choose the location and the property with great care.

There are several considerations to be made before taking the plunge and spending your hard earned cash on a Silver Coast property.

Firstly, you will want to ensure that your investment is safe and secure with no risk to your money. When dealing with an unfamiliar country and language you will clearly need to take advice from someone you can trust who can translate and guide you through every step of the way.

Secondly, you must ensure that the property you buy has been built to a high standard and will provide comfort all year round. Building regulations in Portugal are fairly strict but property built some years ago before these regulations were in place can sometimes fall a little behind in features such as insulation and double glazing so don’t just fall for a pretty picture when making your decision, be aware of the pitfalls of an older property and get advice.

Finally, you will need to be certain that the property you buy will be somewhere you will be happy to return to year after year and enjoy different experiences on each holiday. You may also be hoping for rental income from letting your property, so the location is vital.

All things considered, it is a good thing that you have found us here at Prestige Portugal Property!

We are proud to be considered the number one real estate agent here on the Silver Coast and can offer sound advice and assistance throughout your search and purchase of your dream holiday home. Ensuring you make a worthwhile investment that you will treasure and enjoy.

If you would like advice or have any questions about investing in a Silver Coast property, contact me now.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

A Golden Opportunity on the Silver Coast

2010-07-13T10:47:00.006+01:00

The beautiful development at Salir do Porto on the Silver Coast we are marketing is now finished and looks absolutely spectacular.

Jardins de Salir (Gardens of Salir) is a unique complex of three bedroom, three bathroom linked villas that enjoy stunning views over Sao Martinho do Porto and the bay.

This lovely gated condominium is set on the hillside above the little village that shares the bay with Sao Martinho do Porto and is surrounded by protected woodland giving a peaceful, country feel.

However, a 15 minute stroll or short bike ride around the bay brings you to all the facilities of the popular seaside town of Sao Martinho do Porto, so a villa at Jardins de Salir really does give you the best of both worlds.

The top quality build and finish of these villas ensures comfort all year round making the villas ideal as either a holiday home or a permanent place in which to start your new life on the Silver Coast.

The complex has lots of grassy areas with a gorgeous swimming pool and leisure lounge which enjoy more stunning views over the bay. The surrounding countryside and woodland has lots of pretty footpaths including a path down to the beach below which is safe and sandy and perfect for swimming.

Should you prefer not to venture into Sao Martinho do Porto you will find a choice of bars and restaurants in the little village of Salir do Porto including an excellent fish restaurant by the beach.
Investing in property in Portugal is currently an excellent move and with quality properties like these villas selling quickly, an improved exchange rate and the unbeatable currency exchange deal we are able to arrange for you – surely now is the time for you to buy!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

The Complete Overseas Investment Service on the Silver Coast

2010-07-12T10:41:00.006+01:00

Here on the Silver Coast of Portugal, we at Prestige Portugal Property are constantly striving to find new ways to offer the best service to our clients which is one of the reasons why we are considered to be the number one overseas real estate agent on the Silver Coast.

Along with our experienced team of English speaking professionals who are available to assist you throughout the buying process, we have added a new service and can now guarantee you the very best deal on your currency exchange, making your property in Portugal even cheaper.

With the exchange rate sliding in favour of overseas buyers and now this fantastic deal available to our clients, buying an apartment or villa here on the Silver Coast is a very viable option and an excellent opportunity to invest.

Contact me now for more information of this new service which comes with a guarantee that you will not get a better exchange rate when you transfer your pounds into euros - and therefore a guarantee that you will not find a better price for any of the villas or apartments that Prestige Portugal Property has to offer.

Check our website for your perfect ‘place in the sun’ or enquire about our property finding service.

Prestige Portugal Property is now the complete overseas property service.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Medieval Fun and Games in Obidos on the Silver Coast

2010-07-09T11:39:00.005+01:00

Since moving to Portugal and starting our new lives on the Silver Coast we have found that we have much more time to spend together as a family. Leaving the rat race behind was definitely one of our better decisions!

So yesterday, being our son’s 6th birthday meant that we all headed off to Obidos and the annual Medieval Fair. Obidos is a beautiful place to visit at any time with the Moorish castle keeping watch over the pretty walled town. It is a delightful place to wander around whether you live here or are just visiting the Silver Coast.

The enterprising council of Obidos have hit upon the very successful idea of holding events at different times of year with different themes, all of which are done in an extremely professional way and get better and better every year. The subjects of these events include Vila Natal (Christmas town), the Chocolate and Opera Festivals and the Medieval Fair which is currently taking place from Thursday to Sunday each week until the 18th July.

We arrived in Obidos in the early evening, and having bought our tickets made our way through the rear entrance to the huge space behind the castle where we found ourselves transported back to the days of medieval Portugal. There was jousting and sword fighting, lots of stalls selling trinkets, plenty of taverns and actors roaming the streets with horribly realistic make up – the lepers being particularly gruesome!

We tucked in to some delicious hot pork sandwiches with bread that had just been baked in a wood fired oven, played medieval games and watched a fascinating demonstration by a blacksmith.

The Silver Coast is full of fun things to do including these fantastic events at Obidos.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Your Own Holiday Home in Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast

2010-07-08T14:35:00.004+01:00

Sao Martinho do Porto on Portugal’s Silver Coast is buzzing with activity today with holiday makers out in force enjoying the glorious Silver Coast sunshine.

Sao Martinho do Porto has been a favourite holiday destination amongst Portuguese and Spanish families for centuries, and the many reasons for this clearly include the town’s fantastic location in a unique shell shaped bay.

The protection offered by the cliffs at the bay’s entrance makes the sandy beach a safe place for children to play and as the water in the bay is always calm with no more than the gentlest of waves, it is perfect for leisure activities including swimming, canoeing, sailing or perhaps exploring in one of the pedalos that are for hire during the summer months.

The Silver Coast has so much to offer that most visitors return year after year and still find plenty of new places to discover and fun things to do, so it therefore makes sense to own your own holiday home here and really get to know the place.

Property on the Silver Coast also has a way to go before the prices catch up with more widely known holiday destinations and so it is still perfectly possible to pick up a bargain and ensure you have a sound investment that will appreciate in value and also provide rental income for you at the same time.

How about a luxury apartment in this beautiful new development in the heart of Sao Martinho, just a short walk from the beach?

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.com

Don't Miss This Fantastic Opportunity to Invest on The Silver Coast

2010-07-07T10:42:00.004+01:00

Here at Prestige Portugal Property we are constantly striving to find fantastic Silver Coast villas and apartments to offer to our clients with the best deals on the best properties in all the best locations.

And so today’s blog is about exactly that, an unbeatable deal on a superb townhouse in the popular Silver Coast seaside town of Foz do Arelho.

This beautiful contemporary designed three bedroom property is in an elevated position and enjoys stunning sea views. There are a total of five spacious balconies in all giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Silver Coast sunshine.

Along with the three bedrooms the townhouse also has four bathrooms, a fitted kitchen and spacious living accommodation all finished to a very high standard.

The sunny grounds include a large swimming pool and in addition the property has its own private garden at the rear.

Foz do Arelho is a very popular holiday destination, especially with Portuguese and Spanish families. It is situated at the mouth of the beautiful Obidos Lagoon and boasts one of the largest beaches on the Silver Coast. This property is ideal for letting throughout the summer generating excellent returns for the owner.

The townhouse is being sold fully furnished at a fantastic price significantly below market value and will definitely not be around for long!

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to invest in a superb property on the Silver Coast, contact me now for more information or to arrange a viewing.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.com

Plenty of Sunshine on the Silver Coast of Portugal

2010-07-06T11:03:00.004+01:00

Portugal is the most westerly country in Europe and as such is one of the sunniest. Here on the Silver Coast we are particularly spoilt with long sunny days and mild evenings throughout most of the year.

Being that much farther west we find that the sun on the Silver Coast sets around an hour later than it does in the UK and so we are lucky to have a bit more time to enjoy relaxing summer evenings.

The most westerly point in Portugal, and therefore Europe, is Cabo da Roca, a rocky headland a few miles south of the Silver Coast that attracts visitors every evening who can claim to be the last people in Europe to watch the sun set.

Just down the road from where we live is the beautiful seaside town of Sao Martinho do Porto, set in a pretty shell shaped bay lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. Sitting on a terrace on the seafront and watching the sunset over the bay has just got to be the very best way to end a busy day on the Silver Coast.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Green Living on Portugal's Silver Coast

2010-07-05T11:54:00.003+01:00

I was driving out of the little village where we live near Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast over the weekend and I couldn’t help notice that a new wind turbine had suddenly appeared in a distant field, seemingly overnight!

These elegant structures are sometimes a contentious subject and never popular if they are right on your doorstep, but I have to say that I am rather pleased with this one.

The Silver Coast has a diverse and beautiful landscape which should clearly be preserved where ever possible, but the occasional wind turbine can be quite pleasing to the eye and, after all, is only a temporary structure which can be dismantled just as quickly as it is erected.

The government in Portugal is very keen on green technology and plans to have 45% of the country’s electricity produced through renewable sources by 2015, and is well on track to do so.

Portugal doesn’t just use the wind it also uses hydro, solar, geothermal and wave power to produce electricity.

The Silver Coast is full of the beautiful traditional windmills from the past, so now perhaps Portugal is showing the way forward to create a safer, sustainable planet for all of us with these modern windmills of the future.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Anyone for Tennis in the Silver Coast Sunshine?

2010-07-02T10:42:00.003+01:00

We might be a thousand miles from London but even here on Portugal’s Silver Coast talk is of the Wimbledon men’s semi final due to take place today between Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.

Tennis is a popular sport here on the Silver Coast with municipal courts in the pretty park in Caldas da Rainha and plenty of private courts too.

The Silver Coast weather is perfect for tennis, being warm and sunny but never oppressively hot. So if you have access to a court here there are plenty of opportunities for you to get out there and play.

Prestige Portugal Property has several properties for sale on the Silver Coast complete with tennis courts including this stunning villa near Sao Martinho do Porto and a three bedroom, two bathroom apartment in this luxury development.

So when you are considering your investment on the Silver Coast bear in mind the hours of enjoyment and exercise you would get from a tennis court, having fun, getting fit and perfecting your backhand in the Silver Coast sunshine whenever you feel like it.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Invest in Your Dream on Portugal's Silver Coast

2010-07-01T11:47:00.005+01:00

Portugal’s Silver Coast is a wonderful place with dramatic landscapes and historic towns and villages and as such is a perfect place to either live or visit.

Whether you are planning to sell up and move to the Silver Coast permanently or just invest in a holiday home here Prestige Portugal Property are able to help you.

We have a fantastic selection of apartments and villas for sale here on the Silver Coast ranging from rustic ruins to fabulous state of the art villas in stunning locations.

Investing in property on the Silver Coast is straight forward and rewarding, especially if you use our team of English speaking professionals to advise and guide you throughout the process.

With the exchange rate moving in your favour, Euro mortgages still at extremely low rates and property prices staying so competitive it is now a perfect time to invest in your dream home on the Silver Coast.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Summer Visitors are Arriving in Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast

2010-06-30T12:51:00.003+01:00

The Silver Coast is returning to normal this morning after Portugal’s exit from the World Cup last night.

In an exciting match between Portugal and Spain watched avidly by all of us here on the Silver Coast the 1 – 0 defeat has brought Portugal’s hopes of a trophy to an end.

So, with the football out of the way my blogs can get back to my favourite subject, The Silver Coast!

I was in Sao Martinho do Porto yesterday and noticed plenty of visitors had arrived to enjoy the Silver Coast sunshine. Sao Martinho is a favourite holiday destination with holiday makers from many countries throughout Europe and in recent years has become more widely known amongst the British.

Apartments in Sao Martinho do Porto make an excellent investment as this popular town has very few hotels and the strict planning laws mean that the large hotel chains are never going to be able to build here.

Of course all this means that Sao Martinho do Porto is able to retain its character however popular it becomes, which can only be a good thing.

Luxury apartments in developments such as Baia Residence in the centre of town are very popular with holiday makers as they offer first class accommodation within a short walk of the beach, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and therefore let very well bringing good returns for owners. The third phase of this high quality development has just been completed and the happy owners are starting to move in.

These beautiful luxury apartments are finished to a very high standard with polished stone in the fitted kitchens and exotic marble in the bathrooms. The apartments also have air conditioning, a central vacuum system and surround sound. The complex is complete with a swimming pool, sun terrace and leisure lounge and has a general luxurious feel throughout.

If you are looking for a sound investment on the Silver Coast, then look no further than Baia Residence in Sao Martinho do Porto.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

The Silver Coast is Still Football Mad!

2010-06-29T10:33:00.002+01:00

The Silver Coast is once again buzzing with excitement as everyone prepares to watch the clash between Portugal and Spain in last 16 match of the World Cup this evening.

This Iberian derby kicks off at 7.30pm local time and will undoubtedly be avidly watched by anyone with access to a television set with all the bars and cafes throughout the Silver Coast expecting a very busy night.

Spain are the definite favourites to win but ask the opinion of any Portuguese person and they will have no doubt that Portugal will win tonight and go through to the quarter finals for only the third time ever.

The last time Portugal met Spain in a competition was in Lisbon as part of Euro 2004 and resulted in a 1-0 victory for Portugal.

So once again all of us here on the Silver Coast will be dusting off our red and green football shirts and scarves and cheering for Portugal.

Viva Portugal!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Make the Most of Your Holiday on the Silver Coast By Buying Your Own Holiday Home!

2010-06-28T11:09:00.008+01:00

After a busy weekend rushing around doing all the usual household chores it is quite a relief to come back to work at Prestige Portugal Property and settle down to the important business of marketing top quality property here on the Silver Coast.

With everyone preparing for their summer holidays and so many visitors expected to choose the Silver Coast this year it is probably a good time for me to remind you of the excellent investment potential of this beautiful part of Portugal and maybe consider the option of buying your own holiday home.

If you are planning to come over to the Silver Coast for this year’s summer holiday why not take a look at some of the fabulous deals we currently have to offer and see just how easy and affordable it can be to own your own place in the sun.

Let me know when you are coming over and I would be delighted to meet you for a coffee and a chat about your options.

Your summer holiday on the Silver Coast of Portugal this year just might be the first of many. . .

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Start Your New Life on the Silver Coast as a Film Star!

2010-06-25T16:21:00.006+01:00

Here is a great opportunity for anyone looking to start a new life here on the Silver Coast of Portugal.

The makers of the well known TV programme A Place in the Sun are currently looking for couples and families who are serious about moving to Portugal and starting their own business.

The ideal candidates will be planning to move from the UK within the next six months and start or buy a business here on the Silver Coast. The show’s presenter Jonnie Irwin, and the research team will research the project and seek out viable business opportunities. They will also offer practical advice and tips on relocating abroad.

The type of business you are looking for is not important but you must be serious about your intentions and be available for filming.

Please contact me here at Prestige Portugal Property for more information and take the first step towards your new life on the Silver Coast!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Secrets From Sao Martinho do Porto on Portugal's Silver Coast

2010-06-24T12:03:00.005+01:00

Sao Martinho do Porto on Portugal’s Silver Coast is a picturesque seaside town with lots of fascinating features that make can surprising discoveries for adventurous visitors.

Take a stroll around the old town at the top of the town and gaze at the beautiful view over Sao Martinho bay. The old town has a charming atmosphere with tiny cobbled streets and squares lined with white washed cottages. Getting down to the sea front from here can be via several steep lanes or in the shiny new glass elevator recently provided by the council to link the old and new parts of Sao Martinho do Porto and make the town more accessible to everyone. The elevator is free to use and gives great views as you travel up or down.

Down on the seafront you should take a stroll around to the ‘Cais’ or harbour end of the bay. Here you can see fishermen unload their catches, usually crabs and lobsters, and maybe pick up a fishy bargain if your Portuguese is up to the negotiations.

While you are at the harbour you should venture through the tunnel which has been carved right through the cliff to the rocky beach the other side. It is a mystery as to why anyone should go to so much trouble and I have yet to hear a creditable story as to why it is there. I can’t believe that it is just for fishermen and it’s hardly a discrete route for smugglers to take.

A few yards towards the town from the tunnel you will find a set of stone steps tucked away behind the sailing school that will take you up the top of the cliff. Here you can marvel at the panoramic view of not only the town of Sao Martinho do Porto, but also the whole of the bay and the open sea the outside. There is a little red and white stripy lighthouse that guards the narrow entrance to Sao Martinho bay and a lovely walk down via a track back to the sea front.

So visit Sao Martinho do Porto on Portugal’s glorious Silver Coast and discover some little secrets of your own.

By Stephanie Johnson

stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Portuguese Passion on the Silver Coast

2010-06-23T11:26:00.003+01:00

Things are really hotting up at the World Cup and here on the Silver Coast talk is of nothing else!

The often referred to ‘Alliance’ between Portugal and England means that great interest is taken in England matches as well as the Portugal games – although to be honest, the football mad Portuguese will avidly watch anyone play! So once again the bars and cafes throughout the Silver Coast will no doubt be showing the match to an excited crowd.

Friday afternoon however, is due to be even more explosive as Portugal take on Brazil. The friendship between the two countries means that interest in the match is huge, with business’ here on the Silver Coast and throughout Portugal closing early.

It seems extremely likely that Portugal will go through to the next round but the match will still be played and watched with enthusiasm and analysed and discussed for days afterwards.

The passion of the people of Portugal makes them a lively bunch and is part of their culture making life here on the Silver Coast interesting, funny, charming and above all very Portuguese!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Invest in a Growing Silver Coast Golf Destination

2010-06-22T11:33:00.005+01:00

Golf enthusiasts are flocking to the Silver Coast of Portugal in order to make the most of the glorious weather and state of the art courses.

The area to the south of the Obidos Lagoon is now home to some award winning courses with several more planned for the near future and with the benefit of such a fabulous setting it is no wonder that this is fast becoming the Golf Centre of the Silver Coast.

The Obidos Lagoon is situated just an hour’s drive from Lisbon and is therefore an easy journey from the airport attracting golfers from all over the world.

After a round or two you will be more than happy to relax in one of the bars and restaurants in the area, some of which are in idyllic settings with stunning views of the lagoon or the sea. Or maybe you would prefer the beach? There is a choice of excellent beaches all very close by.

Finding a worthwhile investment in Portugal is something that should be thoroughly researched and it goes without saying that in this buyer’s market you will be looking for a good deal with favourable prices.

At Prestige Portugal Property we are marketing some luxury villas with private pools and gardens next to the Obidos Lagoon and very close to all the best golf courses in the area. Contact me now for details and grab the opportunity to invest in this growing golf destination on the Silver Coast.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net