Silver Coast tour: Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha, Peniche & Nazaré

Óbidos, a charming medieval town
Explore the most charming medieval town of Óbidos with an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly guide who will take you through the history and the tales, the streets and the alleys, the castle and the churches, the fine art, and (last but not least) an authentic taste of this ancient Portuguese land: the tour includes a free tasting of the famous local liqueur called “Ginjinha de Óbidos”- served on a chocolate cup!

Don’t miss out on the trendy bookstore “Ler Devagar” located on a former royal chapel, the 1300-year-old Muslim castle, the old Moorish and Jewish quarters, the superb “pietá” of renaissance master Nicolau de Chanterene and the works of  celebrated XVII century local painter and global talent Josefa de Óbidos. She was the first Portuguese female artist to have her works exhibited in the Louvre Museum, in Paris.

Learn about how Óbidos was, for centuries, a special place for the queens of Portugal. Queens like Catherine of Austria, Isabel of Aragon (aka “Queen Saint Isabel”), and Leonor de Avis all left a lasting legacy in Óbidos. Leonor, wife of the great King John II, created in Óbidos one of the earlier branches of her brainchild, the “Holy House of Mercy”. It is the oldest surviving hospital and relief network in the world and it was spread overseas during the days of the Portuguese Empire. She is remembered as the “Most Perfect Queen”.

Come and dive deep in Óbidos with us and take some gorgeous photos along the way.

Peniche´s unique landscapes
Cabo Carvoeiro, the second westernmost cape on the Portuguese, and European, mainland coast, protected by an iconic 25-meter lighthouse. Prized for its natural value, this cape offers one of the greatest panoramic views of the Portuguese coast – to the west you can see the small Berlengas archipelago, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve 2011. From Nau dos Corvos, you will see a vast geological and paleontological heritage in eroded limestone cliffs and fields of lapiás, forming unique landscapes of incredible beauty.

Nazaré´s traditions and giant waves
Nazaré is a Meca for adventurous surfers all around the world. This is the place where the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed was set- more than once.  We will take you to what is now a  true “temple of surf”, the old and iconic Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo. You will be able too see an exhibition of boards used by fearless surfers that surfed Nazaré, including McNamara and Sebastian Steudtner- the former and the current world record holder. Know all there is to know all about the Nazaré big waves and surf culture.

But Nazaré is not only about surf. After taking in a truly massive view at Miradouro do Suberco, you will also visit the ancient Sanctuary of Nazaré and the Memory Chapel, two most beautifl sites. They are both related to legend of Our Lady of Nazaré, a story that revolves around a 1400-year-old statue- that you will be able to see up close on this tour. The legend and the statue are at the center of very popular and centuries-old religious celebrations in Nazaré. Great Portuguese navigators, like Vasco da Gama, famously came to Nazaré before and after their epic journeys across the oceans that opened up the world.

Learn about many other traditions of this one-of-a-kind historical and (still) traditional fishing town like the “Dry Fish”, “Arte Xávega” fishing style and its unique boats, or the famous seven skirts that local elderly women still wear.