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The Silver Coast of Portugal, just about an hour north of Lisbon, is an area of protected and outstanding natural beauty with spectacular cliffs, pristine beaches and local towns and villages steeped in history. Sample mouth-watering local cuisine, in particular the seafood - accompanied of course, by the Region's excellent local wine. The West Region truly has something for everyone.
Nearby is Peniche, which as late as the mid-16th century was an island in the Atlantic. Siltation formed the long and narrow isthmus flanked by gently sloping beaches which now joins it to the mainland. Skirting the harbour, on the south face of the peninsula, is the sprawling landmark fortress. The environs around Peniche are equally attractive. On the peninsula's western headland, 2km from the town centre, Cabo Carvoeiro affords grand views of the ocean and the strange-shaped rocks along the eroded coastline. Nowadays, visitors are lured onto the pristine beaches, especially those near Baleal, a small community whose draw is an idyllic fishing cove across a causeway which boasts spectacular rock formations. From here, the diminutive Berlengas Island archipelago is clearly visible, rising up out of the Atlantic 12km offshore. Close by is Caldas da Rainha, famed for its spa which, with its warm sulphurous pools, enjoyed four centuries of noble and royal patronage. The Nearby towns of Cucos and Vimeiro are famous for their therapeutic waters. Most of the nearby towns date back to the 12th Century but the "jewel in the crown" is Óbidos. It looks and feels medieval with its many churches, built over the ages since the times of the conquests. The quaint and lovely houses are whitewashed with ochre or blue window and door frames. Flower pots sit on verandas, swing from walls or cascade from terraces. The castle, which nowadays houses the beautiful 'Pousada' (hotel), looks over the town ramparts towards the plains and the sea beyond. During the year Óbidos is the setting for numerous events, amongst which are classic and popular music concerts, the Annual Medieval Fare and Chocolate Fesitival. The region is temperate and offers sports lovers a wide choice of activities. Along the clear coastal waters there is good fishing. Surfers love to come and ride the breakers. The Berlenga Islands are unique in Europe for deep sea diving. They are also a lovely spot to visit because of their own particular fauna and flora. The calm waters of the Óbidos Lagoon are perfect year round for water sports such as windsurf and rowing. The surrounding hills and beaches make good walking country. Golf is now becoming an attraction in the region with three courses already operating, and others in the pipeline, in addition to the one at the Praia D'El Rey Resort. The region is also famous for its handicraft and folklore. Pottery, tiles, bobbin lace making , tannery, straw baskets and wood carvings are among the specialities. The new motorways have made the region easily accessible from most parts of the country, especially Lisbon Airport (50 minutes), as well as ensuring easy access to famous religious and historical centres such as Fátima, Batalha, Mafra and Sintra. The marinas in Nazaré and Peniche can now receive yachts coming down from northern Europe or the Caribbean on their way to or from the Mediterranean.
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