Obidos, Caldas da Rainha and Peniche

Óbidos is considered to be one of the jewels of Portugal's national heritage and is World Heritage Site. Recaptured from the Moors in 1418, Óbidos was once the favourite retreat of King Sancho I and was a wedding gift from King Diniz to Queen Isabel. It's unspoilt beauty is reflected in the narrow cobbled streets, elegant whitewashed buldings with balconies decorated with flowers. Óbidos has dozens of restaurants, bars and cafes. Forty euros for a three course meal for two with a couple of bottles of wine and coffee is an average price. Óbidos has a year-round calender of events including Medieval Markets, Opera, a Piano festival and the famous Chocolate Festival.

Obidos Medieval Market takes place in July. For two weeks the town of Óbidos travels back in time to recreate the customs and spirit of medieval Europe. Flowing banners and heraldic flags, wizards, jugglers, court jesters, wandering minstrels and musicians provide the entertainment. The afternoon concludes with jousting knights on horseback and armed combat. Hearty soups, grilled meat and sausages, snails, cod, quail, rabbit, hog, lamb and squid are just some of the “medieval” style meals offered by almost 20 different taverns spread throughout the marketplace. The entrance fee is 6 euros a head but, if you are in medieval dress, it's free.

Peniche is a short drive from Praia D'El Rey. It is very much an old-style fishing town. Every evening the fishing boats leave harbour and return to port during the early morning with their catches of Sea Bream, Sole, Halibut and of course, sardines. The catches are on sale that day in the big covered market in the centre of Peniche and in the many fish restaurants throughout the town. You can book fishing trips and day trips to the Berlenga Islands in the harbour.
Our Silver Coast Restaurant Guide is a great way to discover the towns of Caldas da Rainha, Obidos and Peniche and downloads as a pdf.