Have you ever considered Portugal as a holiday destination?

Have you ever considered exploring Portugal away from the Algarve? Here are some very good reasons why you should visit the west coast (Costa de Prata):

- The climate is pleasantly hot in the summer and mild during the rest of the year

- The beaches are fantastic

- There are many opportunities for leisure activities:

    - There is a world class golf course at Praia d’El Rey.

    - You can surf at many beaches, especially at the world famous Baleal beach.

    - You can hire a jet-ski or pedalo at São Martinho do Porto

    - You can swim and sunbathe at many different beaches, some of which are very quiet. Most have lifeguard posts.

    - You can visit historic places and towns, such as Obidos, Alcobaça, Batalha and Fátima.

    - You can shop 'til you drop and go clubbing in Lisbon.

    - You can go walking and visit caves in the Serra dos Candeeiros.

    - You can go fishing (local licence needed)

    - You can go cycling / mountain biking

    - You can enjoy the local countryside.

    - You can experience Portuguese culture.

    - You can enjoy the local cuisine, particularly if you like seafood.

    - It doesn’t cost a fortune to have a relaxing holiday here!

Baleal has got to be a surfer's paradise. The area is a magnet for surfers from Portugal and all over Europe. Depending on the wind and tides,you can surf at the Praia d'El Rey beaches or take the unmade road along the cliff top to Praia Almagreira, on to Baleal, Praia Alfaroba in the huge Peniche bay, and then on to Supertubos on the other side of the Peniche peninsular. At Baleal there are plenty of places to hire boards and wetsuits and get surfing and body boarding lessons.

   Obidos, a mediaeval walled town, once the gift of the Portuguese King to his Queen, is a World Heritage site. The Castle is also a Pousada and you might consider enjoying a meal at its renowned restaurant.

   The Praia d'El Rey resort is over 500 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain, located in a region with numerous sites of outstanding historical interest. The cultural diversity, outstanding stretches of virtually empty sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, wines, and local gastronomy all need to be experienced to be believed!

   Often visible from the southern beaches of the Costa Prata are the Berlengas Islands, where you can find at least one completely unique species of bird. The Berlengas are a world famous nature reserve, and your holiday may also include the sport of diving there, or you could take a boat trip to the islands from Peniche.