Sports and local transport:
Paragliding and hang-gliding can be done ‘just in front of the door’. Just under our villa lies the coastal area most prized by passionate anglers, reached easily in a few minutes on foot. Easily accessible Baleal beach (north of Peniche) is wonderful for surfing and riding the waves. Walking in the unique landscape of the Serra de Aire and Candeeiros nature park is something to treasure, even if you’re not interested in geology. From the A8 motorway take the exit marked ‘Alfeizerao / Sao Martinho do Porto’, luckily in the same direction as Lisbon airport, the north and south of the country, as well as the rest of the Portuguese road network. Another alternative: Sao Martinho do Porto is also part of the bus and rail networks.
Journeys into the past:
The very highly regarded archaeological excavations of Conímbriga lie about 15 km south west of the university town of Coimbra. The oldest finds here date from the Bronze Age. During the time of Roman occupation Coimbra was a flourishing town, as the excavations at this site are witness to. The adjoining museum illustrates the development of the town from the end of the second century BC till the 6th century AD. An excursion to the present-day site of Conímbriga provides a relaxing, informative and pleasant day away. Near the town of Ourem there is a park containing extraordinary traces of dinosaurs that once existed in Portugal.
Further attractions and excursions:
In Peniche harbour there are lots of daily ferries to the unique Berlinga islands – for a glimpse of pure nature. Serra dos Candeeiros displays the biggest chalk formation in Portugal and fantastic dripstone caves. Ancient, spreading olive groves in the eastern part of Serra dos Candeeiros are waiting to welcome you. If you visit the unique church and crusader castle of Tomar you’ll be transported back to this once important centre of the Knights Templar. To reach it, and the pilgrimage centre of Fátima, you’ll pass through a countryside similar to Tuscany. In Óbidos there’s a beautifully preserved mediaeval township. Caldas da Rainha (lots of museums) and Nazaré have excellent fish markets with really fresh bargains, and there are interesting weekly markets too. You’ll be enchanted by the unique palaces of Mafra, Sintra and Queluz. Lisbon and its old town are just in front of the door, just asking you to give them a visit.
Golf:
Golf & Spa in Praia d’el Rey Marriott golf & beach resort: One of the best golf sites in Portugal, direct on the coast. Prize-winner course with view of the majestic cliff over the Atlantic coast. Very varied course, designed by American architect Cabell B. Robinson. Details of Praia d’el Rey Championship Golf Course: 18 holes, length 6467 m, 72 par, opened 1997. It is a typical links course. Its spaciousness allows lots of varied play. It is superlative for relaxation and de-stressing: there’s a deluxe wellness centre and salon, saunas, steam baths and a fully equipped fitness centre. Exquisite gastronomy in the unforgettable atmosphere of Praia d’el Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, a unique 5 star Portuguese resort on the breath-taking Atlantic coast. Approach from the A8 in the direction of Óbidos, take exit 14, and then drive along the EN114 in the direction of Peniche. In Serra del Rey turn right at the ‘golf’ indicator sign. Apart from this one, there is also Atlantico Golf at Botado. Between Lourinha and Peniche is situated this 9 hole links course (length 2486 m, 36 par) with many water obstacles and a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.
