Region
Cities in the area
Obidos | Lisbon | Caldas da Rainha |
The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop and encircled by a fortified wall. Óbidos remains a rather well-preserved example of medieval architecture. Due to its streets, squares, walls and its castle it is a popular tourist destination. The castle now houses a pousada. The municipality is also home to the famous Praia D’el Rey golf complex. This is probably one of the top golf resorts in Europe, and Royal Óbidos – Spa & Golf Resort.
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The city of Lisbon is rich in architecture. Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern constructions can be found almost all over Lisbon. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Particularly in the upper districts; noteworthy among these are the Avenida da Liberdade (Avenue of Liberty), Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, Avenida Almirante Reis and finally Avenida da República (Avenue of the Republic).
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Caldas da Rainha is home to many cultural institutions. Therefore the city’s nine museums cover art, history, and cycling. Cultural and sports venues include Centro Cultural e de Congressos (CCC, Cultural and Conference Centre), a centre for performing arts, exhibitions, and conferences. Most of all Expoeste – Centro de Exposições do Oeste (Exhibition Centre of the West), which hosts exhibitions and festivals; a bullring; several football pitches; and a multi-sport municipal complex. Caldas hosts six professional and higher-educational institutions. Most noteworthy is her major arts and design school and another school devoted to ceramics.
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Peniche | Sao Martinho do Porto | Nazare |
First of all Peniche is known for its long beaches. It’s beaches which are popular for recreational activities and sports such as surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing. Because it’s consistently windy, there are good surf breaks with supertubos, (waves forming fast and powerful tubes). The breaks in Peniche are considered among the best in Europe. The area has been called the “European Pipeline”, after the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii.
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The parish probably has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. A bay, shaped like a scallop, with calm waters in addition with fine white sand. Due to this amazing bay, São Martinho do Porto was even considered the best beach to go with the family in the guide of 2015 beaches of eDreams. According to the online booking site for travel and hotels, the “natural bay of clear and calm water and surrounded by diverse shops and restaurants offers the ideal conditions for a relaxed family day”. In addition, eDreams says that “it is perfect for the baths of children, while adults relax in the sand or have a drink on a terrace overlooking the sea”.
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In November 2011, surfer Garrett McNamara, surfed a record-breaking wave: 78 feet (almost 24 m) from trough to crest, here. On 28 January 2013, McNamara returned to the same spot and successfully surfed a wave that appeared even larger. Then, October 28, 2013, Carlos Burle surfed another wave that is being scrutinized as probably the largest wave ever ridden. On that same day, big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira had a near-death experience as a result of a big wipeout, but was rescued after losing consciousness. Such very high breaking waves form due to the presence of the underwater Nazaré Canyon. The canyon creates constructive interference between incoming swell waves which tends to make the waves much larger.
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