São Martinho do Porto is less than 10 km away. It is a cozy coastal town at a bay with a long beach. The bay provides protection from the high waves of the Ocean, so in the summer the water is much warmer than other Portuguese coastal areas and you swim much safer. Behind the bay is a beautiful dune and rock landscape where you can walk with some impressive viewpoints.
In Nazaré, the Guinness world record of surfing the highest wave is established. The town has a part below at the beach and the old town high on top of the cliff. The two parts of the city are connected by a tram. Cobbled streets lead from the beachfront, fishermen’s houses have been converted into stylish hotels, and old women still wear traditional dress. In the summer months, Nazaré is a bustling and vibrant holiday destination, which attracts a diversity of nationalities and range of ages.
One of the attractions in the region is Buddha Eden: the Garden of Peace. The garden of 35 hectares has been developed on the estate winery / vineyard Quinta dos Loridos. The garden is designed to be a safe haven for culture and large sculptures, in response to the destruction of Buddha statues in Afghanistan. The park is spacious, so you can walk around in peace between the cork oak, a terracotta army, imposing Buddha statues and creative modern art.
Óbidos is the finest example of a Portuguese walled town, and is one of the best tourist destinations of the Lisbon region. Historically, Óbidos was presented to the Queen of Portugal on her wedding day, a tradition that began with Queen Urraca in 1214 and continued until the 19th century. This royal patronage has left an enduring legacy of pride within the town, and today it is one of the most characterful towns of central Portugal. For visitors, Obidos is a charming town to explore; there are narrow-cobbled streets, traditional painted houses, and an imposing medieval castle. Óbidos may be just a small town, but there is no better example of a traditional Portuguese town than Óbidos.
Lisbon is a bustling and exciting city, that boasts a wide choice of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. The city has a welcoming and liberal atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history. Lisbon will appeal to a diverse selection of ages and tourists; it can form a cultural trip, a nightlife extravaganza, a family holiday, a relaxed city-break or even as a base for a beach holiday.
The Pena Palace is a delightful amalgamation of different design styles and influences, which range from North African to medieval gothic. The interior is as equally interesting as it has been restored to how it would have looked in 1910 when Queen Amélia spent her last night in Portugal before fleeing to Brazil due to the revolution. The forests that surround the palace continue the Romanticism ideals with hidden pathways, ornate features and great view points.