Welcome to the Villa Janelas da Varzea

This area of Portugal lies almost midway between the two largest cities, Lisbon in the South and Porto in the North. The coastal area is dominated by the Atlantic ocean which dictates a relatively temperate climate of long summer days with average temperatures between the mid 70's to just into the 90's Fahrenheit and gentle, cool nights. Even in the winter months, there is plenty of sunshine - wonderful golfing weather.
 
Listed below are some of the places to visit which are within easy reach of the villa.
(Please see the Gallery page for more photos).
 
 
Sao Martinho do Porto
Just a few minutes drive from the villa is the charming seaside town of Sao Martinho. Locally it is known as 'the children's beach' because it is so safe. It is a perfect crescent shaped bay which gently slopes down to the water edge. The town is a big favourite with local people and there are plenty of restaurants and bars along the front where you can park your car for free. To the south end of the bay is the little village of Salir du Porto where a boardwalk has been built through the dunes and the beach. A brand new open air swimming pool has also recently been opened just on the edge of the beach.
 
 
Obidos
The Jewel in the Crown for this region of Portugal is the medieval town of Obidos. You will have passed it as you drove up the motorway (it is just south of Caldas) and it is certainly a spectacular sight, sitting up high against the skyline surrounded by its walls and turrets. The old castle is now a Pousada (Hotel).
Obidos has a fantastic history boasting a Roman, Moorish and Viking past and it has now been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk the ramparts which has a perimeter of just over 1.5km and view the wonderful landscape or visit some of the beautiful, tiny 17th century churches within its walls.
The narrow streets are filled with restaurants, bars and gift shops. You can sample the local Ginga brew which is drunk out of little chocolate cups.
The old town is host to a number of festivals throughout the year. These include a medieval festival in July. There are numerous opera and classical music festivals during August and September. The Christmas festival from early December into the New Year is wonderful for children. The cobbled stoned streets are covered with artificial snow. You can skate on the ice rink high up close to the old castle and of course, visit Santa in his grotto! In February the world chocolate making festival is held here which features life size chocolate statues!
 
 
Alcobaça
Alcobaça is just north of Alfeizerao and up in the hills. It is home to a magnificent monastery which takes centre stage in the middle of the town. The guided trip around the monastery is well worth it, particularly the kitchens where the river runs straight through the middle and the monks would lift out a fish for their tea! This is an excellent town to buy examples of the local pottery.
 
 
Batalha
Further north up the old road from Alcobaça is the small town of Batalha which is totally dominated by the most breathtaking monastery. This is the route taken by pilgrims on their way to Fatima.
 
 
Tomar
Head off inland for the day and visit the town of Tomar (125 km by car). Here is the magnificent Convent of the Order of Christ (Convento de Cristo), originally a home to the Order of the Knights Templar and dates back to the 12th century. The Convent of Christ of Tomar is one of Portugal's most important historical and artistic monuments and has been in the World Heritage list of UNESCO since 1983.
Not too far away, on your way home, is the riverside town of Tancos. A lot of watersports take place on the river Tejo here, and you can safely swim or canoe on the river; see more about this under Things-to-Do.
 
 
Peniche
Peniche itself is a very busy port to the south of the Obidos lagoon. The very best fish restaurants in the area are to be found here. On a Sunday the restaurants are full of local families getting together to share the local dishes including the most wonderful enormous bowls of fish stew.
The beaches merge into rocky coastline here, and from the Peniche quayside you can book a trip to the nearby Berlenga Islands; see more about this under Things-to-Do.
 
 
Lisbon
A trip to Lisbon is a must but in our view is best undertaken by bus from Caldas da Rainha. The buses leave regularly from the Caldas Bus Station and the journey takes just over an hour. The bus station in Lisbon is very close to the entrance to Lisbon Zoo. We can recommend a visit - the dolphins and sea lions put on the most spectacular show which is well worth the trip.
Take the local metro to the centre of Lisbon and then you can pick up one of the open top trams which will give you a guided tour of this beautiful, vibrant city.