Obidos may be the first Portuguese Eco-Town

The Municipal Museum of Obidos staged day 27, the conference "Town Sustainability", occasion used also to present the program “OB2" (Sustainable Obidos).

The main purpose of this conference was to develop efforts in the sense of stimulating the sustainability of Portuguese Towns.

The OB2 is born of the conjugation of efforts between the municipal company "Obidos Requalifica (Requalification)" and Ecochoice, a company of consultancy in sustainable construction that integrates the sector of the Tourism and Services of the Lena Group.

The project’s main goals are the implementation of planning practices and more sustainable construction, the fulfilment of the Program "Obidos Social Carbon", and to bring innovation to the land property sector and local construction as well as to provide service level of the practical eco constructive type. The aim is to turn Obidos into the first Portuguese Eco-town.

According to Isabel Santos, executive administrator of Ecochoice, "Obidos has conditions to position itself as an innovative center for the sustainable construction business and for the implementation of renewable energies which will turn itself unique in Portugal and the OB2 project personifies that will of change and differentiation of the town".

During the conference, prominent architect Selwin Wever spoke about energy efficiency of buildings and the presence of diverse specialists in this area was very significant.

These subjects are more and more popular by the day and definitely influence many opinions and choices of the property and construction perspective. The Silver Coast is all about these kind of values. We all certainly want to leave our children a better place…

Rio Maior, 26 “Tasquinhas” for the period of ten days…

The 23rd edition of the “Tasquinhas” Fair of Rio Maior, is scheduled to start February, the 29th, and ends on March, the 9th. This gastronomical feast is going to “shelter” the participation of 26 traditional restaurants and a program stuffed with animation.

Already considered an “institution”, even on a national level, the “Tasquinhas” reconciles the gastronomic traditions of the region, authentic relics secured in the memories of the more elderly, with the familiarity between people of the region and the endless visitors that, by these days, all head to Rio Maior.

As a result out of the dedication, creativity and pride that all of the people of Rio Maior have conferred to it, the “Tasquinhas” Fair achieved since the year 2006, the importante "Interest for the Tourism Statement", emitted by the Tourism General Direction Board.

The “Tasquinhas” Fair of Rio Maior is manly promoted by the Town Council of Rio Maior, but all takings revert for each participating community association.

The “Tasquinhas” Fair of Rio Maior will open to the public every day, from 7 PM to midnight and on weekends from noon to midnight.

The Silver Coast always has a “flavour” for everyone, in this case several, traditional and tasty flavours!

Airport discussion in Portugal: Comparison between Ota and Alcochete

Public consult can be done in several Town Council City Halls or by Internet

NAER – New Airport, INC. gave beginning on the 1st of February and by a term of 30 working days, a period of public consultation in the predicted assessment of Strategic Environmental Evaluation (AAE), on the basis of the "Study for the Compared Technical Analysis of the Alternatives of Location of the New Airport of Lisbon, in the Ota area and the Shooting Field of Alcochete area.”

The procedure of public consultation is one of the phases of the Strategic Environmental Evaluation (SEE or AAE) process, predicted in the LAW nº 232/2007, of 15th of June.

In this period, of public consultation that is in course, there can be sent to the NAER, observations and suggestions on the part of public entities, associations, organizations, non governmental groups and people of the public in general.

NAER, while promoter entity of the SEE (or AAE), has made available on the Internet, at www.naer.pt, all the documentation about the process, that can also be consulted at its own installations in Lisbon.

That same documentation is also available at several Town Council City Halls, such as Alcochete, Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos, Azambuja, Benavente, Cadaval, Cartaxo, Coruche, Loures, Mafra, Moita, Montemor-o-Novo, Montijo, Palmela, Rio Maior, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarem, Setubal, Sobral do Monte Agraco, Torres Vedras, Vendas Novas and Vila Franca de Xira.

The SEE will incorporate the environmental values in the decision process. The documentation for consulting includes the RCM of January the 10th, the Environmental Report, and the Non Technical Resume, elaborated by the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC).

Even though it’s seems like a “done deal” for Alcochete, Ota has it’s hopes and the definite outcome of this will result in the future major airport in Portugal, which has every investor in suspense…

Lena Corporation in contest for the Waves Energy Project

As in Peniche, the Lena Corporation is in contest for the Waves Energy Project

The Lena Corporation, through it’s participation in Eneolica, is going to present a proposal to the contest for the exploitation of waves energy of the zone delineated by the government for the coast of Sao Pedro de Muel, in the council of Marinha Grande, to the resemblance to what they already did in Peniche.

The entrance of the Lena Corporation in the waves energy business started last year, when, in partnership with the Finnish enterprise AW-Energy (that detains the patented Wave Roller technology), created a joint-venture, Seaner, to install a waves energy park at large of Almagreira beach, in Ferrel - Peniche.

History has demonstrated more than once that the Portuguese never chose to jeopardize their future on nuclear plants and radioactive spills…

The Silver Coast is all about sustained development, showing us the sign of things to come. Even though Portugal is a highly oil and energy dependent country, all efforts have been in order to protect the environment, investing in renewable energy sources such as the wind, sun and now… waves.

Why use a currency broker???

Many people do not plan or even realise the effect of currency fluctuations and take a significant risk with their finances when they buy property or invest abroad.
Currency fluctuations can affect a house purchase, savings or pension/mortgage payments, and every year many people lose money through lack of knowledge or good advice.

When transferring funds abroad people should consider the exchange rate, the costs involved in transferring large amounts of money and the personal service that foreign exchange companies are able to give.

There are a number of currency exchange services that these companies can offer to help clients moving money abroad. Along with competitive exchange rates, you have the option to:

1. Purchase a forward contract. We can fix the exchange rate for your purchase up to one year in advance
2. Make a same-day, urgent payment
3. Use our market watch service. We monitor the currency market for you and let you know when it reaches a pre-agreed rate
4. Set up regular transfers to cover, for example, mortgage payments or living expenses

The first mistake most people make is assuming their bank is the best option for transferring large sums of money. However, most banks charge hefty transfer fees and offer poor exchange rates. Savings can be between 0.5% and 3% of the amount being transferred.

This can mean that on a one-off transfer of €150,000, a bank may cost up to £2,000 more than a currency broker.

For further information here are a couple currency brokers that MovePortugal recommend.

http://www.worldfirst.com/
Tel: 0800 0305015
Contact: Elisabeth Dobson

http://www.sgm-fx.com/
Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 1740
Contact: Daniel Collier

Nazare received the “Love Fest”

In eves of S. Valentine’s Day, Nazare was invaded by love.

Between the 8th and 10th of February last, Nazare’s Cultural Centre was the main stage for the “Love Fest” (Festa do Amor), an event particularly destined to the more passionate couples, which approached the several sides of this human sentiment.

Homemade chocolates, pottery, teas and corporal oils are some of the available products that can also be good suggestions of gifts for upcoming Valentine’s Day.
For the boldest there where aphrodisiac cocktails and you could offer to your lover a full beauty service of or even a relaxing massage. Strolls in a limo, acupuncture treatments or personalized candles where other options to daze your better half. And as love and the magic walked side by side, it was still possible to “read the cards”, hear your fate or throw the shells, as well as get to know other esoteric products.

The "Love Fest" counted also with a cultural activities program. On Saturday, around 10 pm, a cross flute concert was held and an hour later a belly dance exhibition took place. On Sunday, the 10th, by 3 PM you could attend a violin concert. In addition was the thematic animation (a cupid with magical arrows) and an exposition of Andre Brito photography.

The "Love Fest" was an initiative promoted by Colectivo Relogio (local association), in collaboration with the Commercial, Industry and Service Association of Nazare, with the support of the Town Council, showing just how dynamic Nazare and the Silver Coast is, even outside the summer holidays.

Sparkling wine "Confraria" presented in Obidos

The Cooperative Wine Cellar of Cadaval presented last 24th of January, at the Pelourinho Gallery, in Obidos, the sparkling "Confraria".

This is the first sparkling with Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC Obidos) produced in the region and also the first one produced by this cooperative.

According to Alvaro Luis, President of the Wine Cellar Cooperative of Cadaval, "to produce a sparkling was an ambition that we had and the technicians of the Regional Wine Commission (CVR) said that it had excellent quality".

Already approved and in preparation period is the production of next year, which will give around 15 thousand bottles.

Of the 10 thousand bottles produced this year "alone at the store were sold six thousand already", advanced Alvaro Luis, that considers that the new sparkling "represents a tremendous business opportunity".

The presented sparkling, “Confraria", was produced from the chaste Arento Branco of the year 2006, from the slopes of the Montejunto Mountains and in range of the Demarcated Region of Obidos.

The Silver Coast and Obidos keeps proving us every day why it is, indeed, so special. Beach, wine, sun…. Can it get any better than this? Land property investors of the world, take a good hard look at this soon to be discovered paradise…

World Press Photo 2007 Photo taken in Nazare conquers award

A photo taken during the Sumol Nazare BB Special Edition (a big wave bodyboarding event), that took place in last December, at Praia do Norte (big wave spot), earned a distinction at the 2007 World Press Photo Awards (WPPh).

The awards where announced by the WPPh Foundation and the photo journalist Miguel Lopes Barreira was placed third in the "Sport Action" category with an amazing black and white image where bodyboarder Jaime Jesus is caught completely suspended in the air, about to fall in the massive whitewash.

The World Press Photo Awards are considered the most important awards in terms of international recognition of the work done by photo journalists worldwide.
The awards ceremony is to be held on the 27th of April, at Amsterdam.

Nazare and Silver Coast of Portugal are, once again, in the spotlight, as the potential for radical water sports that is found here starts to gain international attention. A natural consequence, which will obviously affect the property business in the most positive way, as every year, more, and more surfers and ocean lovers in general, make way for this beautiful stretch of coastline facing the mighty Atlantic, curious to see what all the fuss about…is.

A new airport is announced by Portugal’s Prime Minister

Jose Socrates, the Portuguese Prime Minister has made it official, and even though there has been some indecision and public discussion around where should it be built, there is no doubt that a new airport is on the way. The total cost of the new airport is estimated around 4.9 billion Euros, and the definitive location will be the Alcochete area (just under 12 miles from Lisbon), just south of the Tagus River.

This is excellent news for anyone who has his eyes set on investing near this area, especially the Silver Coast, or even the Blue Coast. The boost that this news will give to the value of properties in striking distance is huge. The gain in accessibility is bound to reward all the foreign property investors that seize this opportunity for new investments/ additions to their property portfolio.

Taking in order that the Algarve is now so priced out and with all the building restrictions down there, one can only expect that many investors should get hold of the best properties in the Silver Coast and even the Blue Coast of Portugal while they can.

Anyone receptive to a good opportunity in this business should contact Move Portugal, as it is pretty much the complete package. Any information just ask us.

Alcobaca wants to promote the local pottery industry

With the intent to promote, make known and rejuvenate the local pottery sector, the town council of Alcobaca presented a candidature to the Project CeRamiCa, in the scope of the Inter-Regional Cooperation Program, known as INTERREG IV C.

Alcobaca puts-itself beside others towns and non lucrative entities of countries as Spain, France, Romania, Slovenia and Greece, in a project led by the town of Hodmezovasarhely, in Hungary.

Overall, the project contemplates 2.140.600 €, of which 360,760 euros are destined to the national components. To the Portuguese entities fits a contribution of 85 %.

Experience exchanges of good practices, bench marketing actions, promotion of the pottery related industrial tourism and the accomplishment of a correct diagnosis of the sector, for which should participate all of the local industrialists are other proposals of the town council in the scope of this candidacy, that should receive an answer in the next month of June.

In conclusion, one should know that the pottery industry continues to have an important weight in the economy of the whole Silver Coast, as attested by the number of work positions related to all of the ceramics factories and tourism inflows that fine pottery generates. Ceramics is clearly an important asset to the Silver Coast, especially in areas as Alcobaca and Caldas da Rainha, where it attracts many tourists and art/ decor lovers.

Obidos Chocolate Festival scheduled to begin on Valentine’s Day

The Chocolate Festival is going to take place from the 14th to 24th of February in Obidos, embodying diverse activities, amongst these there will be three contests, “The House of Chocolate for kids”; “The Exposition of Chocolate Sculptures”, a model/ Fashion Show Runway and Courses of chocolate making.

For 12 year old’s and elder, the tickets cost five euros and the entrance at “The House of Chocolate for kids” will have the price of four euros.

Schedule

Monday through Thursday: from 3 to 11 PM
Friday: from 3 to Midnight
Saturdays: from 10 AM to Midnight
Sunday, the 17th: from 10 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, the 24th: from 10 AM to 8 PM
“The House of Chocolate for kids”: from 10 AM to 11 PM

News of the West Coast

Carnival in the Silver Coast heats up!

The theme for the Main Course of Nazare’s 2008 Carnival is already known and goes under the theme/subject: "Are you kidding". The song that won the contest promoted by the town council of Nazare has lyrics by Antonio Lopes and music by Francisco Taveira that also interprets; musical arrangements by Rui Amado.

As usually the Main Course obeys to the theme chosen for the year in force and is one of the symbols of the unique way of celebrating the Carnival by the local folks of Nazare.

Meanwhile, the first carnival festivities have already begun, with the first Masks Ball taking place at the Recreational Association of Planalto, in Sítio of Nazare. Last Sunday afternoon took place a Street Ball with public presentation of the Kings of the Nazare Carnival in the Sousa Oliveira Square.

In Torres Vedras the Carnival even has its own website (www.carnavaldetorres.com), with all the available information about the Carnival. Last Saturday took place the inaugural ceremony of the "Monument" in ode to the Carnival, at the Republic Square.

Following the spirit largely known, the Carnival of Torres Vedras proposes this year, in the launching of this year’s edition of the " The most Portuguese Carnival in Portugal", a statue that challenges all engineering, creation and audacity, in the scope of the main theme of the event – The Super Heroes – a Monument to the Comic Books. In the construction process, that contemplates 35 Comic Book characters, 80 artists were involved.

Carnival in The Silver Coast

As if the Silver Coast wasn´t interesting as it is, anyone visiting Portugal this time of year can't help but notice that this is the place to be!

Between Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos, Peniche and Torres Vedras, take your pick, as there is no shortage of festivities, and overall healthy fun. Mask contests everywhere and the espectacular Carnival Parades or Street Dances and Evening Balls.

Obviously, the Carnival is another important manifestation of the portuguese culture and yet again, another exemple of the economic and tourisitic potential of this part of Portugal.

Everyear, more and more people discover the Silver Coast (aka West Coast), and naturally, just can't find it in them to leave. Land property investments just can't go wrong here, because either it's for your own use or not, it's always a win-win situation here in sunny Portugal.