Visitors are lured to the pristine beaches of nearby Baleal, a small community whose draw is an idyllic fishing cove across a causeway which boasts spectacular rock formations.

Surfing and kitesurfing are also extremely popular here, and the beach is lined with laid-back cafes serving refreshments throughout the day. Surf Schools offer lessons and board rental, and the long 2 mile beach is the perfect place to unwind and watch the sun go down.

Peniche is an old-style fishing town, which as late as the mid 16th century was an island in the Atlantic. Siltation formed the long and narrow isthmus flanked by gently sloping beaches which now joins it to the mainland. Skirting the harbour, on the south face of the peninsula, is the sprawling landmark fortress.

The environs around Peniche are equally attractive. On the peninsula's western headland, 2km from the town centre, Cabo Carvoeiro affords grand views of the ocean and the strange-shaped rocks along the eroded coast.

There are many good restaurants in Peniche and Baleal, lining the harbourside, nestled in the dunes and lining the beach - serving a range of food options.

The Peniche Waterpark - Parque Aquatico - offers plenty of lawned spaces for relaxing and slides for thrill seekers of all ages!

Óbidos - A wonderful wedding present

Dating back to the 12th century, beautiful Óbidos a 15 minute drive away is the 'jewel in the crown' of the Silver Coast. The town looks and feels medieval with its many churches built over the ages since the times of the conquests. The quaint and lovely houses are whitewashed with ochre or blue window and door frames. Flower pots sit on verandas, swing from walls or cascade from terraces. The castle, which nowadays houses the beautiful 'Pousada' (hotel), looks over the town ramparts towards the plains an the sea beyond.

Once the wedding present to a Queen, the preserved medieval town of Óbidos is without doubt one of Portugal's most interesting walled settlements. When strolling along the maze of narrow cobbled streets of Óbidos, at each step, one comes upon vestiges of different civilizations.

From the hidden corners and high walled gardens of the old medina area, to the gothic, Renaissance and Baroque features, the Town is an extensive work of art carved, destroyed and rebuilt throughout many centuries.

Besides its material heritage, Óbidos is full of historical tradition is today one of the main jewels of the country. During the year Óbidos is the setting for numerous events amongst which are classical and popular music concerts and the annual Medieval Fair and Chocolate Festival.

No visit to the Silver Coast is complete without spending many hours wandering around Óbidos, soaking up the unique atmosphere and sampling many of the excellent dining options.

A fantastic area for sports and history loves alike

The West Coast of Portugal is a temperate region and offers sports lovers a wide choice of activities. Along the clear coastal waters there is good fishing. Surf lovers come and ride the breakers. The Berlenga Islands (accessible by boat trip from Peniche) are unique in Europe for deep sea diving. They are also a lovely spot to visit because of their own particular fauna and flora. The calm waters of the Óbidos lagoon are perfect year round for water sports such as windsurfing and stand up paddble boarding. The surrounding hills and beaches make good walking country. Golf is a large attraction to the region with, in addition to the course at Praia D'El Rey three championships courses operating and a fourth opening in 2017.

From your base at Praia D'El Rey, within an hours drive, you have easy access to famous historical centres and religious landmarks such as Fatima, Batalha, Alocabaca, Tomar, Mafra and Sintra. The attractions of Lisbon with its trams, beautiful architecture and pavement cafes make a fascinating day trip.