Last month we went back on the road as a family to get to know the West region better.
The apartment at the Evolutee Hotel - Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort was our home these days, where we woke up with a view of the sea, breathing tranquility and, of course, the typical climate of the West.
Óbidos Lagoon
Baleal and Peniche
We spent the morning enjoying the sun at Danau Baleal Bar and with our eyes on the dozens of boards in the sea. This small peninsula of white sand is a recognized area for lovers of water sports, such as surfing or windsurfing, and is of particular beauty as we can both be facing and have our backs from the sea.
In Peniche, we had lunch at Popular, a restaurant that was recommend to me and that I can confirm that the fish is very fresh.
Then we went to the historic Peniche Fort. The fort was built in the 16th century and functioned as a high-security political prison during the “Estado Novo”, and here were arrested several relevant figures in the resistance to the dictatorship, including Álvaro Cunhal, who led the “Escape from Peniche” in 1960. The interior of the building is currently the National Museum of Resistance and Freedom – closed for requalification works at the time of my visit.
From the port of Peniche it is possible to take a boat to the Natural Reserve of the Berlengas archipelago. We didn’t have the time to do it but we will do it soon, in the next visit.
Óbidos Castle
As we approach the village of Óbidos, we are surprised by the image of the imposing medieval castle, built about 80 m above sea level. A part of this monument, which was a wedding gift from King D. Dinis to Queen St. Isabel, currently works as a Pousada/hotel and both the castle and the village are classified as a National Monument.
We strolled through the labyrinthine streets, well preserved and full of life within the walls and, of course, we couldn't help but taste the typical Ginja.
We ended the day at Foz do Arelho, which connects Óbidos Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean.
Ericeira
Before returning to the Algarve, we took the opportunity to visit Ericeira. The restaurant where we had lunch doesn’t have a sea view, but the space is well decorated, with traditional Portuguese elements, and the food is divine!
