Alfeizerão, Leiria, Portugal
Overview of the area
Sao Martinho Do Porto: Retaining its Portuguese charm and character, Sao Martinho do Porto, where the nearest beach is located, is a remarkably picturesque seaside town. The town is built around the sheltered bay that provides for safe bathing away from the strong Atlantic currents. The bay also benefits from warmer waters thanks to its sheltered location which are ideal for practising a variety of water sports available. There are life guards on the beach during the summer and the beach is cleaned most days showing off its beautiful iridescent silver sand which is where the area gets its name from. Surrounding the bay there are numerous cafés and restaurants where the majority of the food on offer is typical Portuguese (superb seafood), though there is also a very good Italian & also a Swiss restaurant along the front of the bay too (with English translation on their menus). We can recommend:
Acasa – Excellent service & fresh fish you can choose.
Carvalho – In Main St – Old Town centre. Level with the back of Hotel Atlantica. Very good value.
O'Farol - located on the beach itself with the best views and good value.
If relaxing on the green is what takes your fancy there are a number of excellent well established golf courses in the surrounding area, and more are planned.
There are a few small supermarkets in Alfeizerao and Sao Martinho, which also has larger supermarket (Intermarche) for the weekly shop. Alternatively, another large supermarket – Modelo – located in Caldas da Rainha is very well socked with fresh local produce, meat and fish, as well as covering all other shopping needs.
Climate & vicinity
Sao Martinho do Porto enjoys an idyllic climate that tends not to reach oppressive extremes of hot or cold. Daytime temperatures mid-summer tend to range between 26ºC and 34ºC. Mid-winter daytime temperatures typically range between 14ºC and 18ºC.
Within the vicinity of Sao Martinho is the beautiful historic town of Obidos (approximately 10 min drive) which overlooks the Obidos lagoon (the largest lagoon in Europe). Similarly to Sao Martinho, the lagoon provides safe bathing away from the strong Atlantic currents. Sao Martinho's other neighbouring towns include Nazare and Peniche, typical Portuguese seaside towns which offer a good number of cafés, bars and excellent restaurants.
Suggestions for exploratory days out:
You must visit the beautiful medieval castle of Obidos with its quirky little streets, only 10 minutes by car, were you find a range of fine Portuguese restaurants and experience fine dining at its best.
The exquisite Berlangas archipelago is also a must. It is a natural reservation with fantastic opportunities for bird watching and there is also an amazing beach between the cliffs. To get there you must catch the boat from Peniche that is 15 minutes' drive from the property.
Peniche is also fantastic for its fresh fish market and surfing. The beaches of Peniche and Baleal are considered the best in Europe for surfing.
If golf is your passion, then Royal Obidos Golf Resort, Golfe do Bom Sucesso and Praya del Rey, with its immaculate greens, great location and beautiful private beaches, will offer you a great experience.
And don't forget that beautiful Lisbon is 50 minutes' drive away. This is an amazing city waiting to be discovered: do include the characteristic Fado (traditional portuguese music) and regional cuisine in a typical Bairro Alto taverna, a visit to Sintra palace (amazing views over the city) and also some time in the Alfama area (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos), where most of the old architecture is centred.
