The wide beach of Foz do Arelho is only a few kilometers from our house. Located at the mouth of a vast natural Lagoa, which continues to the historic town of Óbidos.
The lagoon is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow passage and is constantly changing its shape. There are beautiful walking and cycling routes around it,or you can kite surf, sail and fish on the water. This is also a place where hang gliders like to use the thermals for long gliding trips. The calm water in the laguna is ideal for children. In Foz do Arelho you will find nice beach bars along the wide boulevard where it is great to stroll.
Foz do Arelho
The medieval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and best preserved fortified towns in Portugal. Within the city walls is a well-preserved castle between a labyrinth of narrow streets and charming whitewashed houses. Between the Manueline-style porticoes, the flower-decorated windows and the small squares, you will find various sights, good examples of the religious and civil architecture from the golden age of the town.
Óbidos
With no less than 4 golf courses on the other side of the lagoon, Casa Alegria is the ideal base for a week of golf. West Cliffs golf, Royal Óbidos Golf, Praia del Rei, and Bom Sucesso are a 25 minute drive away. The first three are among the top 15 courses in Portugal, with West Cliffs Golf at number 2 challenging top course.
4 golf courses
Caldas da Rainha
Calda da Rainha was named after the Queen Leonor who, on the advice of the residents, took a mud bath to improve her rheumatism. She improved to the extent that she built a spa there.
It is very nice to shop here and every day there is a market with fresh fruit and vegetables on the Praça da República. The Parque Dom Carlos is definitely worth a visit. Caldas is also known for its faience and the ceramics of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, one of Portugal's most famous artists.
São Martinho
do Porto
This lively resort with a spacious beach is situated on a circular bay with calm water and white sand, making it very suitable for children. There are many shops and good restaurants.
Via a wooden path you can walk to Salir do Porto and climb the famous sand dune that towers almost 50 meters high above the beach.
Nazaré is a popular seaside resort with a long beach. The beach and the higher Sítio are connected by a funicular train. From there you have a beautiful view over the bay. Praia do Norte is located on the other side of this rock. World famous among surfers for its high waves. The Nazaré Canyon, a channel off the coast, provides waves of up to 25 m in winter and autumn. As a result, many surf records have already been established here.
Nazaré
Batalha is a very culture-oriented city. The beautiful monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Batalha's most popular attractions. It is also one of the greatest masterpieces of the Gothic architectural style in the world. Construction of the monastery started in 1388. The monastery was commissioned by Joao I to commemorate the victory over the Spaniards after the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 and it took several centuries for the complex to be nearly finished.
Batalha
Lisboa
According to a legend Lisbon was founded by the Greek hero Odysseus
during his long journey home, the Odyssey . At an hour's drive from our house, Lisbon is an absolute must. In this most western capital of Europe, located on the Tagus, it is wonderful to stroll in the cozy streets and wide boulevards. It is difficult to choose between the many sights and parks. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Praça do Comércio radiate the grandeur of yesteryear. But the new part, with the Parque das Nações and the Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, is also beautiful.