Prestige Portugal Property Blog

Sea View apartments

2011-09-27T16:40:00.005+01:00

Some of the most breath taking sunsets happen right here on the Silver Coast, due to the west-facing coastline we are privileged enough to watch the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. With that in mind Prestige Portugal are proud to present our two latest property listings.

This two bedroom apartment is located in the heart of Sao Martinho do Porto, literally just a few minutes’ walk from the beach this apartment has lovely views of the bay. An absolute bargain!

Also recently listed is this 3 bedroom apartment, also located in Sao Martinho do Porto, again just minute’s from the bay with stunning sea views, located in the much sort after Bayside Resort. A must see.

Latest Silver Coast Property Lisiting

2011-06-22T16:09:00.003+01:00

Located in the heart of beautiful Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast, our latest property listing is this spacious apartment with loft in the ideal location. Located literally 50 meters from the beach front this apartment is the perfect holiday home with great rent potential due to it’s amazing location. Enjoy all Sao Martinho do Porto has to offer, beach, restaurants, shops and pubs a minute from this lovely apartment. Oops! I forgot to mention the bay views :)

MORE...

Lights on, Shirts off, hello Silver Coast summer!

2011-06-15T19:16:00.003+01:00

It is here, the Silver Coast summer has begun, amazing weather, beautiful beaches and more. The beautiful street lights are up and people are already flocking to the beach. This last weekend was the Santonio festival which signifies the beginning of a busy summer. Sao Martinho do Porto has been celebrating in style, with a food tent serving up amazing sardines, live music and huge street market.

The summer is a wonderful time on the Silver Coast with each village hosting its own unique party on various weekends and no matter whether you are in Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho or Obidos, the recipe is the same, great food, great music and great people.

Visit soon!

Silver Coast Stories

2011-05-26T17:47:00.007+01:00

Some quick Stories from Portugal and the Silver Coast .

The bridge near Nazaré has been completed, in time for a busy summer. This will not only give travellers better access from Sao Martinho to Nazare, Alcobaça and Fatima but will also lessen the heavy summer traffic in Nazare itself.

In football: Coach of Europa league finalists Braga, Domingo Pacienca, has finally joined Sporting Lisbon after months of speculation as the Portuguese giants look to end years of under-achievement. In addition, Benfica have slapped a heavy price tag on left back Fabio Coentrao as interest from Europe’s biggest clubs mount. If Chelsea, Man City or Real Madrid wish to purchase the gifted youngster they will have to pay no less than €26 Million.

The annual ‘Bombeiros’ parade will take place this Sunday 29th May in commemoration of all the hard work done by the Fire Fighters and Emergency services in the Silver Coast region. The parade will take place in Sao Martinho do Porto as fire and emergency services from here, Nazare and Obidos will also be represented.

And finally a little bit of publicity, on the same day as the parade, Prestige Portugal will be holding an open house at our latest bargain apartment listing.

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast Shorts

2011-04-29T17:26:00.005+01:00

A few interesting stories from the Portugal;

Portuguese football history was made this week when 3 Portuguese football teams played in this seasons Europa League semi-finals. Porto, Braga and Benfica have all enjoyed a successful run in the European competition. The first leg of the 2 semis were played last night with Benfica taking a slender 2-1 lead into the second leg tie against Braga. Porto all but guaranteed their final berth with a convincing 5-1 victory ove Spain’s Villareal. If Porto makes it to the final, history will be made again as it will be the first time 2 Portuguese teams have faced off in the final of a European Football competition. The final to be played in Dublin will be eagerly watched in coffee shops and bars in Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho, Obidos and all over the Silver Coast.

At today’s Royal Wedding one Portuguese guest was on the much talked about guest list, Portuguese Ambassador to the Uk Mr. Joao de Vallera was the Portuguese representative at the biggest wedding of the decade.

The Music season is upon us! Portugal is famous for it’s live music scene and this year looks to be no different with the very best international musicians and bands performing in Portugal. Fatboy Slim, 30 Second’s to Mars, The National, Skunk Anansie, Pearl Jam and Cold Play are just a few of the acts lined up to entertain audiences.

New Listing: Luxury apartment near Silver Coast beach

2011-03-17T18:41:00.003Z

Our latest property listing is this Luxury 3 bed 3 bath apartment in the heart of beautiful Sao Martinho do Porto. Minutes away from the gorgeous beach front with it’s fantastic beach, shops, pubs and restaurants. The is the perfect investment property and holiday home with good rental potential.

The quality finishes include; exotic stone and marble finishes, a fully fitted open plan kitchen, air conditioning, central vacuum, built in surround sound and access to a gorgeous heated pool and decking area.

All of this luxury just minutes from one of Portugal’s most sought after Silver Coast locations.

Find out more...

St. Paddy's day on the Silver Coast

2011-03-15T15:38:00.002Z

St. Patrick’s Day is well celebrated all over the world but Portugal is one place that most people would not associate with the Irish holiday. That is something that is changing very quickly here on the Silver Coast. The Portuguese people here love a good party and I have met many local people who enjoy a pint of Guinness or three. So with St. Paddy’s day just around the corner, two of the more well known Irish bars on the Silver Coast are gearing up for a few good nights of live music, laughs and of course alcohol.

Caravela Irish bar in Foz do Arelho will be hosting a live Irish band who are touring Irish bars in Portugal as part of the St. Paddy’s day celebrations. They kick off their tour right here on the Silver Coast in the beautiful beach side town of Foz do Arelho.

The other well known Irish bar on the Silver Coast is Donahue’s, located on the beach front of the amazing town of Nazare, this will be another setting for the wonderful St. Paddy’s day celebrations with live music and the Guinness flowing like honey.

Residents from the nearby towns of Caldas da Rainha, Sao Martinho do Porto and Obidos will be taking part in the festivities as only these wonderful people know how to.

Happy St. Paddy’s day! Visit soon.

Silver Coast 'Evil Knievel' celebrates 10 years

2011-02-21T18:25:00.003Z

For those of you who don’t know Ricardo Domingos you are missing out, Ricardo is something of a celebrity on the Silver Coast. ‘Arrepiado’ as his stunt team is locally known, is the ‘Evil Knievel’ of Portugal, famous for his amazing stunts on motor bikes, four wheelers and even in smart cars.

Arrepiado held another amazing event in Caldas da Rainha yesterday (Sunday 20th February) in celebration of 10 years of incredible stunts and racing. Hundreds of admiring spectators from surrounding areas like Foz do Arelho, São Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Obidos flocked to Caldas da Rainha bowling to see the dare devil in action and once again no-one left disappointed as the local hero thrilled everyone, something that he has been doing for 10 years.

In a few months time Arrepiado in conjunction with Silver Coast Hospitality and Prestige Portugal will be burning rubber right here, in the streets of São Martinho do Porto.

From all of us here at Prestige Portugal we would like to congratulate Arrepiado on 10 wonderful years of high velocity entertainment.

Para bens Ricardo!

By Dylan Herholdt

European football could be coming to the Silver Coast

2011-02-14T18:33:00.004Z

There is a real sense of excitement on the Silver Coast at the moment and for once it is regarding football. For many years the Silver Coast has never had a local football team perform very well, Nazare, São Martinho do Porto and Obidos all have local teams but the clubs are very small and none of them have reached the top tiers of Portuguese football.

However, all of that is about to change. União de Leiria, the football team based in the biggest city on the Silver Coast is doing the region proud as the team is enjoying a fantastic run in ‘Liga Sagres’, Portugal’s premier club competition. They narrowly avoided relegation last year but this year has been a complete turnaround, as it stands U.D Leiria are placed 5th in the Liga Sagres table, if it stays that way U.D Leiria will be playing in next season’s Europa league.

This is great news for the Silver Coast, not only is the team drawing more support from the surrounding areas of São Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Caldas da Rainha but it also means that teams from all over Europe will be coming to the Silver Coast, as well as their supporters.

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast and Portugal shorts

2011-02-07T16:31:00.006Z

Lisbon has been chosen as the venue for the new Aston Martin advert. The luxury car manufacturer said they were delighted to be shooting the commercial in the Portuguese capital.

Former Benfica star David Luiz made his debut for Chelsea at the weekend, coming on as a substitute in the club’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool. He looks to be a fine acquisition for the London based club.

We are in! Our stunning new office is finally ready, our new location is a minute’s walk from the gorgeous bay of Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast, don’t be jealous just come visit.

By Dylan Herholdt

Exciting news from the Silver Coast

2011-01-31T17:55:00.008Z

it's official, this week we at Prestige Portugal will be moving into our stylish new offices in the heart of the breath taking Sao Martinho do Porto. Located literally 200 meters from the magnificent beach front and shell shaped bay. Being next to the train station in Sao Martinho do Porto puts us in the perfect position to find our clients the dream home they have been searching for in the surrounding Silver Coast areas; Salir do Porto, Nazare, Obidos, Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho and more.

Pop in for a cup of tea anytime.

By Dylan Herholdt

Cavaco Silva wins on the Silver Coast and Portugal.

2011-01-24T14:57:00.007Z

The incredibly popular Presidential candidate Cavaco Silva dominated Sunday’s presidential election here in Portugal, easily winning with over 50% of the nations votes. Cavaco Silva was the comfortable winner 11 districts, taking up his second term as Portuguese President.

He once again proved to be the popular choice in the Leiria district, home to, among others; Nazare, Obidos, Sao Martinho do Porto, Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto, winning with a massive 61,6% of the votes.

He was also the winner by some distance in the Lisbon region with just under 50% of the votes.

The great man was humble in victory and re-affirmed his commitment to building a better Portugal.

We think it’s pretty great already.

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast Shorts

2011-01-19T12:30:00.006Z

Here are a few quick stories from the Silver Coast:

Alfeizerao held yet another great festival, the little village drew visitors from nearby Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare, Salir do Porto and Caldas da Rainha with its live music, delicious food and of course alcohol.

In my travels I stumbled across a fantastic Irish pub in the pretty seaside town of Foz do Arelho. The Guiness and Magners flows like honey, live music on weekends, great service and great food. Visit Caravela soon.

Portugal’s premier airline ‘TAP’ has just announced a new link between Lisbon and Manchester, bringing the Silver Coast that much closer to the rest of the UK.

Finally for the football fans, Chelsea have reportedly been in negotiations with Benfica over the services of their Brazilian super star Davide Luiz, the central defender will cost Chelsea in the region of €25 million. Apparently if you are a football club money does grow on trees.

Totally unrelated, today’s weather on the Silver Coast; 15 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.

Visit soon!

by Dylan Herholdt

A Silver Coast Weekend

2011-01-12T15:51:00.002Z

We are mid way through the week and this is the time when most people begin to plan the weekend. Here is a suggestion; catch an early flight into Lisbon on Friday morning, see a bit of the great city, take a car bus or train one hour north to the spectacular Silver Coast region, this is the place to be for the weekend. Get settled into your accommodation in Sao Martinho do Porto and then head out for a gorgeous beach front fish meal followed by drinks at Pato Bravo, a stylish cocktail bar on the promenade in Sao Martinho do Porto. Go to bed early because Saturday is going to a busy one.

Wake up early on Saturday and enjoy a coffee and array of pastries at one of many beach front coffee shops. Then head out on your adventure, 20 minutes in land and you will find the amazing world heritage sites of Alcobaça and Batalha. While you are in the area, stop off at the Porto de Mos castle and the world famous Fatima. No matter where you are in Portugal there is always a local diner which serves divine lunches and snacks, bon appétit! Head back to the beach for the afternoon and bake in the Portuguese sun. Saturday night you have your pick of things to do; Theatre, bowling or cinema in Caldas da Rainha or for a variety of pubs and live music take a trip into the vibrant town of Nazare.

Sunday, on your way back to the airport stop off at the incredible Obidos castle for a snack and traditional ‘Ginja’ liqueur, served in a chocolate cup. Then catch your flight back home.

Sound like a good weekend?

By Dylan Herholdt

Silver Coast Property - January Sale!

2011-01-04T17:03:00.015Z

Here at Prestige Portugal Property on the Silver Coast of Portugal we have decided to throw an extravagant January sale, so look no further for the best deals on Silver Coast property!

Jardins da Salir, Salir do Porto
The luxury three bedroom, three bathroom villas at this stunning development overlooking the bay sold like hot cakes off plan. But now that the development is complete one of the off plan buyers has had to pull out of the deal due to a change of circumstances leaving the developer with the deposit already paid.

This now means that there is an opportunity for one lucky buyer to benefit from a generous discount.

Bayside – Sao Martinho do Porto
A fabulous two bedroom apartment in this popular development just a few steps from the beach in Sao Martinho do Porto. This is a great investment opportunity as two bedroom apartments in this development would usually sell for around €250,000. Bayside enjoys excellent rental returns from holiday makers in the summer.

Atlantico Golf – Sao Martinho do Porto
The owner of this fully furnished two bedroom apartment is looking for a quick sale and is therefore offering the property at a huge discount. Don’t waste any time if you are interested in this one.

4 Bedroom Duplex – Sao Martinho do Porto
This is a rare opportunity to buy a four bedroom apartment within a 5 minute walk of the beach in Sao Martinho do Porto. The property is arranged on two floors and has been cleverly divided into two self contained units, ideal for letting. The price has been reduced from €160,000 to just €145,000.

Beautiful Villa with Pool in Landscaped Grounds – Serra das Mangas
Reduced in price today from €460,000 to €430,000 this lovely property would make a great family home. It has the advantage of two self contained letting apartments in the grounds creating useful income for the owners.

Contact me now for more information on any of these exceptional deals on first class Silver Coast Properties – they won’t be around for long!

Happy New Year from us all at Prestige Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

A Cracking New Year's on the Silver Coast

2011-01-04T11:31:00.010Z

We ended 2010 in style here on the Silver Coast, amazing fireworks, live music on every beach, dancing in the streets and alot of drinking and being very very merry. It was a wonderful way to end the year and begin 2011.

So what does 2011 hold in store for you? Changes? Risks? Resolutions?

One thing that will not change in 2011 is the fact that the Silver Coast and places such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Obidos remain prime investment locations and the best places to acquire that dream apartment or villa.

Here’s to an incredible 2011.

By Dylan Herholdt

Ready for a Silver Coast Christmas

2010-12-22T12:36:00.009Z

So it's that time of year again. The lights are up the, santa hats are everywhere, Christmas songs fill the air and the smell of roasted chest nuts linger in every Silver Coast town.

I have never enjoyed the Christmas season more than right here on the Silver Coast.

The beautiful beach front of Sao Martinho do Porto, the lively street market of Caldas da Rainha, the magic of Obidos and the vibrant night life of Nazare, the Silver Coast is an amazing place to celebrate Christmas and bring in the New Year.

Why would I want to be anywhere else?

By Dylan Herholdt

A Silver Coast Christmas Poem from Prestige Portugal

2010-12-20T11:54:00.009Z

Christmas on the Silver Coast is something to behold,
With clear blue skies and lots of sun you will not feel the cold,
We have chestnuts roasting as we speak and lots of wine and beer,
So come along to Portugal and have your Christmas here!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Prestige Portugal Property on Portugal's glorious Silver Coast.

Come and see us soon. . .

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

More Silver Coast Christmas News. . .

2010-12-15T16:02:00.005Z

Our weather here on the Silver Coast may not be quite as chilly as it is in the UK, but we are still feeling very Christmassy!

Lights and decorations have been put up in all the towns and villages on the Silver Coast, giving a jolly and festive feel.

The trunks of palm trees, wrapped in lots of twinkling lights in Sao Martinho do Porto look particularly exotic, especially in combination with the sound of the waves gently lapping in the bay.

North of the Silver Coast in Portugal’s second city, the famous Santa Parade took place last weekend. This is an annual attempt by the citizens of Porto to break the world record for the highest number of Santas at a gathering and also raise money to give Christmas gifts to needy children.

For every Santa who passed the finish line the organizers gave €1 to charity, and as the total came to almost €15,000 that’s an awful lot of Santas - who did indeed break the world record!

Portugal is a magical place to visit at any time of year so why not give yourself an extra Christmas present and plan a trip over to see us here on the Silver Coast?

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

The Silver Coast Deal You've Been Waiting For. . .

2010-12-10T10:23:00.004Z

Christmas has come early here on the Silver Coast, well for one lucky buyer anyway!

Our favourite Silver Coast developer, Leisure Launch, is offering a beautiful three bedroom, three bathroom attached villa at Jardins de Salir at a huge discount for a quick sale.

This fabulous property was originally reserved off plan for a sale price of €267,000 and a substantial deposit was paid. Unfortunately the buyer had a change of circumstances and reluctantly decided not to go ahead with the purchase leaving Leisure Launch in the position of having the deposit paid but the property still available.

Being the generous company that they are, and in the spirit of Christmas, they have decided to pass their bonus onto you!

So if you have been considering investing in property here on the Silver Coast but were waiting for the type of opportunity that only comes along in a recession – this could well be the deal you have been waiting for!

Take a look at our website for full details of Jardins de Salir, a stunning new low density development of luxury villas in a peaceful setting on the edge of the village with views over Sao Martinho Bay.

Contact me now for more information – first come first served. . .

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Another Christmas on the Silver Coast!

2010-12-07T17:19:00.006Z

Everywhere you look here on Portugal’s Silver Coast preparations are being made for Christmas.

The decorations are going up in all the Silver Coast towns and villages and places such as Sao Martinho do Porto are lit up with colourful lights creating a festive atmosphere after dark along the sea front and in the pretty cobbled streets.

Christmas in Portugal is a magical time, it is a wonderful combination of celebration and religion and a perfect opportunity for families to get together.

The main focus of Christmas celebrations takes place on Christmas Eve when families gather for a huge traditional dinner of Bacalhau (dried salt cod), boiled potatoes and cabbage, delicious in its way. . . But you may not be surprised to know that roast turkey and chestnut stuffing is now becoming fairly popular too.

The majority of people will head to midnight mass and then come home to more celebrations and exchange gifts.

There are many special foods associated with Christmas in Portugal and Bolo Rei (Cake of the King) has to be one of the most delicious. A circular, yeasty cake, similar to Stollen from other parts of Europe, is decorated with crystallised fruits and traditionally contains a tiny gift and a dried bean. Whoever gets the gift is sure to have good luck for the whole of the year while the receiver of the bean is obliged to buy the cake the following year.

The end of Christmas is celebrated on January 6th, known as the Dias das Reis or Day of the Kings.

I am truly looking forward to another jolly Christmas on the Silver Coast especially as my parents are coming over to join us. With the flight time from the UK a mere 2½ hours to Lisbon it is an easy journey and means that moving to a new life in Portugal does not mean saying goodbye to family get togethers.

Feliz Natal!

By Stephanie Johnson
stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

No Snow on the Silver Coast!

2010-11-30T11:19:00.005Z

I am sitting here in my office on the Silver Coast this morning looking out at a bright sunny day and reading on the BBC website about the terrible weather throughout the UK.

At the risk of sounding smug it is times like these that confirm my decision to move to Portugal’s Silver Coast was one of the best I have ever made.

Weather aside, there are so many other reasons to live here on the Silver Coast where a greater quality of life comes at a much more reasonable price.

We enjoy a much more ‘down to earth’ lifestyle where simple pleasures such as a walk on the beach in the winter sunshine or dinner with friends at a local restaurant are everyday occurrences.

Choosing to live in a place such as Sao Martinho do Porto will give you the best of all worlds – welcoming and friendly neighbours, beautiful surroundings and the convenience of all the local amenities close to hand.

And with Lisbon and the airport just a quick drive up the motorway it is very easy to pop back to the UK, weather permitting!

By Stephanie Johnson

stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

William and Kate's Silver Coast Honeymoon. . .

2010-11-17T17:12:00.006Z

Here on the Silver Coast of Portugal we are all very pleased to hear the news from the Palace of the impending marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

We love a good wedding here in Portugal!

But the question is, where will they spend their honeymoon?

There is nothing more romantic than a twilight stroll around the shell shaped bay in Sao Martinho do Porto with the sound of the waves gently lapping against the sand as the sun sets into the ocean.

The Silver Coast is a perfect honeymoon destination and if William and Kate decide to come here then I can guarantee they will have an enjoyable, relaxing holiday and definitely be treated like royalty!

By Stephanie Johnson
www.stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Celebrating Sao Martinho on the Silver Coast

2010-11-08T11:12:00.007Z

Here on Portugal’s Silver Coast we like to make the most of the changing seasons, and this time of year heralds the start of the chestnut season, with roasted chestnuts everywhere you look.

The little cobbled streets of Sao Martinho do Porto have clouds of gently wafting smoke emanating from the glowing barrows of chestnut sellers, a scene worthy of any Dickens’ novel.

The Silver Coast, and indeed the whole of Portugal, will celebrate the feast of Sao Martinho on Thursday 11th November, along with many other European countries. This is an annual celebration of the life of this well known Roman knight who is the namesake of this pretty seaside town.

There will be parties in all the towns and villages along the Silver Coast with roasted chestnuts and wine being consumed in copious quantities.

Legend has it that Sao Martinho showed mercy to a beggar who was suffering from cold in a snow storm by cutting his thick cloak in half to share with the dying man. Later that night he had a vision that the beggar had actually been Jesus and after that he dedicated his life to the church.

Now a days the celebrations that take place on 11th November each year have less to do with religion and more to do with the fact that Sao Martinho is credited with establishing Europe as a major wine producing part of the world.

The Silver Coast is a great place to visit at any time of year and very easy to get to from the UK, with reasonably priced flights available all year round. Why not come and see the Silver Coast for yourself and experience the famous Portuguese hospitality.

The Silver Coast is the Real Portugal.

By Stephanie Johnson
www.stephanie@prestigeportugal.net

Bargain Property on The Silver Coast

2010-11-04T15:23:00.011Z

Our latest property listing is an absolute steal. Properties like this one usually go for around €150 000 to €160 000. Today we have this incredible 2 bedroom apartment going at the unbelievable deal of
€135 000!!!

This stylish apartment is located in the gorgeous town of Sao Martinho do Porto, the property itself is just a few minutes walk from the breath taking shell-shaped bay, beaches, restaurants, shops and pubs. It is the ideal location for a holiday home and due to its rental potential is an incredible investment

Find out more . . .

By Dylan Herholdt