Activities

Recommended Places to Visit

• Obidos: An enchanting, restored, picture-postcard town enclosed within 14th century walls and dominated by a castle dating from 1148. Famous for its chocolate festival in November and musical events in the summer. Only 20 minutes drive away, unique Obidos makes a wonderful day out.

• Foz: Also 20 minutes away is the picturesque coastal resort of Foz. Here the ocean meets the spectacular Obidos lagoon. For those who love water sports Foz offers variety - or sit and watch the sun set from the bar on the beach.

• Nazare: A modern, highly popular resort adjacent to São Martinho, with a glorious beach in a sweeping bay, backed by steep cliffs. High on the cliff above the town is Sitio, reached by road or a fernicular railway. The views make the journey worth all the effort.

• Lisbon: One of Europe's most enjoyable cities, situated on the banks of the impressive River Tagus. It has a vibrant nightlife with excellent restaurants and bars. It is a city with a rich cultural heritage and it has many renovated palaces, magnificant churches and castles. This is a place of contrast, combining tree-lined boulevards, interesting narrow streets full of art nouveau cafes, with ultra-modern shopping arcades. The largest shopping mall on the Iberian peninsular is on the outskirts of the city. Alternatively you could ride the monorail overlooking the Tagus, take a trip on the tram, visit the chic shopping area of the Chiado district or go on a sight-seeing tour on the red line open-top bus - this is highly recommended.

• Alcobaça: A 20 minutes drive from the Villa is Portugal's largest church. This magnificent building was founded in 1153 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a ryal but tragic history.

• Batalha: This abbey is another World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Portuguese gothic architecture. This is the burial place of the ancient kings of Portugal.

• Fatima: This religious shrine and pilgrim destination is on a par with Lourdes in France. The basilica has an esplanade twice the size of St Peter's Square in Rome, where thousands of candles are lit during the pilgrims' festival.

• Mafra Palace: A massive baroque palace dwarfing the small town of Mafra. The palace has opulent state rooms extending across the whole of the monumental west façade with the king's and queen's apartments at opposite ends. This is an easy drive and, for those who love history, this spectacular palace is highly recommended.

 
• Tomar: A charming town with a lively shopping centre. Founded in 1157 and dominated by the 12th century castle. On the island in the middle of the river Nabao there is a shaded park with pleasant walks.

• Peniche: Known for deep-sea fishing, diving and surfing opportunities. Close by there are stunning views from Cabo Carvoeiro of both the ocean and very unusual rock formations.

• Sintra: An hour away is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sintra with its pretty cobbled streets. The Palacio Nationale de Sintra is a magnificant palace in a stunning setting on the slopes of a mountain , among wooded ravines. Once occupied by Moorish rulers, its interior is opulent in design. On the highest peaks of the Serra de Sintra stands the spectacular summer palace of Peña, surrounded by a park. There is a dramatic circular car journey from Sintra, which takes you to seven other exceptional destinations, including Peninha, Colares, Praia da Adraga, Banzao, Monserrate, Seleais Palace and returning to Sintra.

• Cascais: A holiday resort for over a century built by wealthy Lisbotas during the late 1800s. It has a new marina and 10km to the west is a magnificent beach which is a paradise for experienced windsurfers/surfers.

• Estoril: A lovely resort with a number of good golf courses. The town has a 3km promenade and a riviera-like beach. A palm-lined park with fountains leads to Europe's biggest casino where Ian Fleming was inspired to write the James Bond story, Casino Royale.
Sporting Activities There are many activities located in and around São Martinho including:-

• Sailing, canoeing and fishing: Available in the bay by contacting the Nautic Clube near the harbour. Nearby at Nazare there are fishing trips. Alternatively, take a trip to the beautiful beach resort of Foz de Arelho on the Obidos lagoon, 20 minutes drive away.

• Walking: There is a weekly programme of walks around São Martinho and other places such as the beautiful medieval town of Obidos. See www.walkinginportugal.eu

• Cycling: Bicycles may be rented near Obidos lagoon tourist information centre - there is a weekly organised cycle trip around the lagoon. Mountainbiking is available from Caldas de Rainha every Sunday.

• Lido: Brand new facility located on the Salir do Porto side of the bay.

• Boat Trips: Available from Peniche to the Berlengas Islands.

 
• Diving: Qualified instructors operate from a diving company near Peniche. Diving takes place in the clear, Atlantic waters off Berlenga Island. Training and instruction are given.

• Deltaplane: This exhilerating sport takes place at Praia do Salgado, between São Martinho and Nazare.

• Fitness Centre: There is a gym and fitness centre at Caldas da Rainha.

• Horse Riding: The stables, Associcao Hippica O'Cavalo, run by English-speaking owners are just ouside Obidos. They offer a great opportunity for both experienced riders and novices. Enjoy riding through the pine and eucalyptus forests and along the cliffs with sea views.

• Surfing: Widely recognised as the best and most consistent surf spot in Portugal. The peninsula of Peniche offers both north and south facing coastlines - the result is the finest surfing conditions everyday, with perfect waves. There are 20 surf spots for all levels of surfer, from beginners to advanced.

• Kite Surfing: The Atlantic waves at the entrance to the obidos lagoon make an ideal location to experience this sport. The Lagoon Sailing School has an excellent training programme for all ages and experience.

• Golf: World class courses are within 40 minutes of the Villa: Praia d'el Rey, ranked 13th in Europe, Golden Eagle (Quinta do Brincal), CampoReal, the recently developed Bom Sucesso and other high quality local courses. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators in recent years named the Lisbon Silver Coast as Golf Destination of the Year, with courses which are generally cheaper than the Algarve’s.

Other Activities

• Cinema: A new, excellent multiscreen cinema with films in English released at the same time as London.

 
• Markets: There is a small but excellent market held every day except Mondays, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, bread and cakes. The large nearby town of Caldas da Rainha also has a vibrant market every day in the central square. Obidos has a market every Saturday.

• Shopping: Sao Martinho has attractive local shops. A new shopping mall opened in the centre of Caldas da Rainha in 2009 and the side streets are packed with small, traditional shops. Further inland Tomar is a charming town with a lively shopping centre. Lisbon is a wonderful city for shopping and is just over an hour away by express air-conditioned coach, 5 minutes drive from the Villla.