Vineyards

The undulating terrain found between the sea and hill ranges of Candeeiros and Montejunto is green and fertile, bathed in intense light and gentle climate given the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This area is small but has impressive diversity both in agriculture, of which vines figure largely in a number of crops, and culture, dating from pre-history to Romans to Moors. The result is a wealth of medieval castles, churches and monasteries, Moorish castles, walled towns and coastal forts.

A visitor to the Oeste region is spoilt for choice between the natural beauties of a coastline with sandy beaches such as Baleal and the Berlengas islands nature reserve, and the historic charm of medieval walled towns like Óbidos. There are over one hundred kilometers of paths to hike, water sports to practise at the Lagoa de Óbidos lagoon, and any number of scenic golf courses on which to swing a club.

Interesting towns to visit include Caldas de Rainha, Peniche and Alenquer, each with restaurants serving delicious locally-produced food, the specialty here being fresh-caught fish from the cold Atlantic waters. There is also a tradition of “conventual” confectionery – age-old recipes created by nuns in their convents, along with a centuries’ old tradition of vine growing.