Lots to do!:
The Praia D’el Rey Beach and Golf Resort stretches from a pine forest down to a 2.5km sandy beach. The championship golf course meanders its way between sand dunes and pine trees to the 12th, 13th and 14th fairways that skirt along the beachfront. Golf facilities include a driving range, clubhouse bar, restaurant and games room. Just opposite the apartment is a 7 court tennis centre. If golf or tennis is not your thing then water sports include surfing or local sea fishing. The 8km sandy Obidos lagoon provides a more tranquil location for windsurfing, swimming or sailing (perhaps more suitable for youngsters than the surf beach). The resort's hilly and wooded surrounds are ideal for mountain biking or walking coastal paths. The nearby town of Peniche offer day trips to the Berlenga islands where it’s also possible to scuba dive. Within Praia D’el Rey is a Marriott 5 star hotel with all the facilities that go hand in hand with that including restaurants, bars, spa and health club.
Interesting local heritage:
Within a 15-minute drive are the nearby fishing port of Peniche and the medieval town of Obidos. Obidos conquered from the Moors in 1148 is encircled by a ring of medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed houses; shops selling local handicrafts and in the spring, the town is ablaze with bougainvillea. The wife of Dom Denis (the 13th century King) fell in love with the place, so much so that the king decided to give it to her as a present. The tradition of the King of Portugal gifting Obidos to his wife continued each year up to the 19th century. Peniche is dominated by a huge 16th century fort that looks down on rows of fishing boats in a bustling ancient port. 10 minutes further from Obidos is the quaint old fishing town of Caldas Da Rainha – famous for its spa and pottery. Thanks to a history of famous artistic townsfolk it’s complemented by a surprising number of museums and galleries.
Authentic regional specialities:
Try bass and mussels from Ericeira; swordfish from Sesimbra; red mullet, clams and oysters from Setubal. Local cheeses from Malveria, gin cakes from Sesimbra, cheesecakes from Sintra. Colares, Bucelas and Carcavelos are the local wines along with Moscatel from Setubal. Highlights of local cooking include grilled sardines and fish soups ‘a fragateria’ style and clams ‘a Bulhao Pato’ style. Great local restaurants include Estelas a seafood favourite in Peniche, O Barco in Obidos and Restaurant Bar Museu Sau Rafael in Caldas Da Rainha. Don’t miss ‘cavacas’, the local sweet tarts which you can try at Pastaleria Machado. Obidos is rich with local craft shops selling hand made ceramics, embroidery and lace.
Golf:
The ‘Peugeot Golf Guide’ rated Praia D’el Rey No1. It was a Gold Award Winner for Best Golf Development by 'Homes Overseas' (magazine) and rated 13th best in Europe by ‘Golf World’ (magazine). The par 72 links style course has fairways that run parallel to the glorious beach and fairways that dogleg through the pines. Regularly a host for major competitions this is one of the most beautiful and interesting courses in Europe. Trolleys, buggies and clubs are available to rent and professionals are on hand for lessons. Savings in green fees can be made if you book in advance through 3dgolf.com. Other courses are within driving distance.
Other Activities:
golf, exploring unspoilt coastline and villages, places of historic interest.
