Here is some information to help you during your holiday. We hope you have a fantastic time here and remember we are on hand should you need anything during your stay.
We recommend that you bookmark this guide or save it to your home screen so you can access the information during your holiday.
Keys are collected from our office located in Serra d’el Rey.
If the office is closed the keys will be in the key box on the wall of the office facing the church. The code is in your arrival email.
69 Avenida da Liberdade, Serra del Rey (click for map link)
If you have an emergency during the weekend or in the evening and need assistance, please call our office number which is redirected to a mobile outside of office hours
Office: +351 262 909 309
If it is to report a minor problem, we ask to please wait until the following day.
We kindly point out that the following costs apply:
Loss of keys 25.00€
Loss of remote control (where applicable) 60.00€
If you would like a housekeeping service please call our office to arrange a time. The charge is €11 per hour.
There is no domestic refuse collection in Portugal. Rubbish bins are enclosed by a wooden ‘fence’ and you will find one nearby. Please deposit your rubbish regularly, preferably every day, in the warmer months. Please don’t leave bags of rubbish outside as this is likely to attract mice, flies and stray dogs/cats.
It is very easy to lock yourself out when the front door blows shut during windy weather. The front doors do not have outside handles and you cannot get in any other way, unless another door or window is open. We keep a duplicate key for all properties. It’s a good idea to put our office number +351 262 909 309 into your mobile just in case you need to call us.
Many of the boilers in the houses and apartments are the Combi (combination) type, where there is no separate hot water tank. This means that if someone is taking a shower it is best that no other hot water taps are used otherwise the shower will run cold.
Occasionally, particularly during times of heavy rain or high winds, the electricity may be cut off momentarily or for longer periods. Do not worry. The connection is always re-established as soon as possible. If any devices such as the television or the internet do not immediately work again please turn them off at the wall, wait a minute and then turn them on again.
Being so close to the Atlantic we experience high levels of humidity and all properties have dehumidifiers. We would be grateful if you could leave any dehumidifiers running during the day or while you are out to help manage humidity levels.
All windows have blinds fitted which roll up and down on the outside of the windows. They are operated by slowly pulling the blind up or lowering it down using the cord. Please be careful and gentle with them as they can bounce off the rollers easily. Breakages have to be paid for.
In the cooler months the heating is set for 2 hrs in the morning and 4/5 hours every evening. Some properties also have electric heaters or a wood burning stove. Gas and electricity is extremely expensive here. During the winter we charge for gas by reading the meter & charging for exactly what is used.
Hot water will come on automatically. The boilers are combi type. Occasionally the pilot light goes out, but is usually easy to re-light by pressing in the ‘ignite’ button. If there is a red light flashing, press it in for a few seconds to re-start.
During busy times when there is a higher demand for water there can occasionally be problems with supply.
Please remember this is a hot country and uncovered food and rubbish will attract flies and ants. Keeping surfaces clean, food covered and put away, and rubbish regularly emptied will help to ensure you don’t get any unwelcome visitors.
Please don’t throw anything other than toilet paper down the toilet as other items may cause blockages. Use the pedal bin for cotton wool, sanitary items etc. and please empty this when you leave.
It is a sad fact that where people are stray cats and dogs will congregate on the look out for food. While it is tempting to feel sorry for stray animals and give them food it unfortunately encourages more so we please ask you not to feed them.
Run by the ever-welcoming Christian, 3House is situated right on the beach at Baleal (the first beach bar as you enter the car park). With great views over the beach, 3House is a lovely spot to enjoy lunch, a drink or a hearty breakfast before a day’s surf. Offering simple but good food such as burgers, pizza, omelets, smoothies etc
Sushi Fish is up there with the best sushi restaurants you are going to find. Excellent quality and delicous sushi prepared in front of you as you would expect, by professional sushi chefs. Traditional sushi and some with a local twist we eat here reguarly and definitley recomend it. The wine selection is really good too. It isn’t cheap (especially if you over-order, it all looks so good!) but is a great choice for a special night out.
Sushi Fish gets busy so book ahead to make sure you have a table
You can book a table online here
We don’t often eat here but we do love their bar on the roof! With great views down Avenida do Mar to the ocean, the Sunset Sessions on the roof is a great time to enjoy a pre-dinner drink with Jazz playing in the background as you watch the sunset.
Our favourite seafood restaurant in Peniche. Really impressive seafood platters and delicious daily specials caught that day.
We love the daily fruit and fresh produce market at Caldas da Rainha. It is on every day, including Sunday, until about 1:30 p.m. Stock up on fresh cheeses, tomatoes, nuts, olives, bread and pastries, flowers, hand made soaps, honey and all sorts of other lovely local produce. It’s very colourful and traditional and is a wonderful change to the impersonal supermarket shelves we have become so used to.
Read our guide to Caldas da Rainha, a lovely, traditional Portuguese market town with interesting local stores and a rich history in ceramics and art. The factory and ceramics shops at Bordallo Pinheiro is world famous and definitely worth a visit. The beautiful park in the centre of Caldas is lovely destination for a walk. Shaded by majestic trees and with 2 outdoor cafes and a large playground if you have little ones in tow.
Enter the walled town through the majestic gateway and follow the white washed streets up to the impressive castle at the top of the hill. Winding paths reveal stunning vistas over the surrounding countryside, and boutiques and cafes tempts visitors with their interesting and unique produce.
Free car parking is behind the Novo Banco bank branch outside of the walls (driving inside the walls is not advisable!)
The stunning natural landscape at Obidos Lagoon is a mecca for birdwatchers, walkers, cyclists, sailors, kite surfers and sunbathers! An expanse of golden sand divides the Atlantic Ocean from the flat calm serenity of the lagoon, and even in the heights of August there is acres of space for everyone to enjoy this truly special natural reserve.
Here are some of our regular taxi drivers:
José Pereira– +351 962 669 491
Carlos– +351 963 776 041
Sr Constantino – +351 965 022 03122
Baleal
In Baleal there is a good minimarket on Avenida do Mar, ‘Superlagide’, it is next to Peniche Surfcamp.
Peniche
Intermarché is just outside the city walls as you enter Peniche from Baleal.
There are many other supermarkets in Caldas da Rainha and Peniche.
They are open until 8 pm daily and later during the summer months.
The water is safe to drink, but bottled water may preferable for taste.
There is a regular bus service from the bus station in Peniche. From Peniche the bus takes 1 hr 35 mins. Forget the train, it’s single track and very slow!
It is easy to park in Lisbon and we suggest:
Drive up Avenida do Mar through the village of Ferrel. Continue across the roundabout then take the second exit towards the church, continuing forward, about 1km away you will find a petrol station on your right hand side.
While this area is relatively safe, don’t leave things on view in your car or your Satnav visible, as both are an invitation to thieves.
Shopping malls are very popular here and they stay open late. Those in Lisbon are usually open until 11 pm/midnight. Caldas da Rainha has a shopping mall called Vivaci. It is opposite the park and there is underground parking.
It also has a multi-screen cinema showing the latest films (in English with Portuguese subtitles).
The beaches at Baleal are also excellent and there is usually a sheltered bit perfect for paddling with small children over the causeway towards Baleal island. The beaches here are popular with surfers and the sand dunes are dotted with relaxed beach bars, the perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink while watching one of the stunning sunsets the area is famous for.
A stunning bay of golden sand. When the conditions are right Praia dos Supertubos is famous for the barrel roll waves that provide the perfect conditions for surfers to ride through the tubes. One of the beaches on the Rip Curl World Tour this beach is a great surf destination, but the beautiful golden sand makes this is a great choice for any beach lover.
For calmer conditions try the lagoon – follow directions to the restaurant ‘Edgars’. Drive out of the resort in the direction of the Beach Village. Continue until you reach Royal Obidos Golf resort and pick up the signs to Edgars. You can park in front of the restaurant and there is a huge expanse of sand before you reach calm water.
When the tide is coming in there is often a natural ‘lazy river’ where a calm channel of water flows in to the lagoon, its great for floating on a li-lo!
Further afield is Foz d’Arelho which also has a beautiful beach (follow signs on the A8 north to Caldas da Rainha and then pick up the signs). It is the opposite side of the lagoon to Praia d’el Rey.
At Sao Martinho do Porto (20 minutes north on the A8) there is a huge ‘horseshoe-shaped bay’ which is totally calm and protected and suitable even for small children.
Being knowledgeable of the risks can reduce the chance of accidents occurring. Here are some safety procedures you should follow:
There are lifeguards on duty on the beach in front of the Marriott Hotel and also at Villa da Praia, The Beach Village, during the summer months.
The water conditions and beaches in this area change frequently and therefore it is difficult to predict them. Factors affecting the beaches depend on the size of the waves; the wind direction; state and size of the tide. Please take care and stay in lifeguarded areas.
This area sometimes experiences sea fog which occurs when the cool air off the ocean meets the warm air off the land. This fog usually occurs in early summer, particularly in the mornings before the sun rises. It is usually gone by midday when the sun has heated the air.
We have beach towels at our office which are available to rent at 5€ each per week. They are also for sale at 15€ each.
If you want to wash your beach towels please give them a shake first, sand really clogs up the washing machine!
Book discounted golf with Portuguese Algarve Golf Service on+351 289 310 630. Ask them to email the payment authorisation and vouchers to the Praia d’el Rey clubhouse on [email protected]
The number for the Golf Reservations department for Praia d’el Rey is +351 262 905 005
Excellent surf beaches are at Baleal and Super Tubos. There are lots of places for instruction and board hire there. As a guide, the Ripcurl Shop at Baleal charge the following:
Surfboards: 15€ full day
Surfboards: 10€ half dayWetsuits: 7.50€ full day
Click here for all the information to arrange and book surf lessons
In an emergency dial 112
If you have a non-urgent medical query please feel free to call our office for advice and assistance
00351 262909309
The closest hospital is in Peniche. Follow the signs on entering Peniche. There is an A&E department, take your passport and any other documentation with you. The hospital in Caldas da Rainha is larger, has an A&E department and a paediatric department. Go up the hill past the fruit and vegetable market (Praça da Fruta) and the hospital is on the right.
Pharma Nossa Senhora, Ferrel. Located on the main road, Avenida do Mar close to Ferrel.
Avenida do Mar 42, 2520-111 Ferrel, Portugal
00351 262 769 283
When pharmacies are closed, there will be a notice in the window indicating the nearest one on duty, which is open 24 hours a day.
If you need to leave later please contact us to see if it is possible.
Please return the keys as early as possible to the Holiday Rental Portugal office, or you may leave them in the envelope in the key box in the wall if the office is unattended. The code is 4589A.
69 Avenida da Liberdade, Serra del Rey (click for map link)
If you have a late flight, please don’t hang on to the keys, but return them to the office. During the peak months we often have back-to-back bookings and we need the keys ready for the next guests.
Please ensure all the doors and windows are closed when you leave the property.
Provided no damages or breakages are found within the property, the security deposit will be returned as soon as possible after your holiday and within 7 days.
(This does not apply to HPB or James Villas guests)
We would be grateful if you would let us know of any accidental breakages so we can replace items for the next guests.
We would be grateful if you could please remove all rubbish and put in the outside bin. Empty bottles may be taken to the Ecoponto recycling area which is signed off the main road near to the children’s playground.
If the property is left in a very bad condition and requires extra cleaning, this will be deducted from your security deposit at 12€ per hour.
