THIS guide offers a glimpse of just one of the five main beaches along the coastline of the region of Leiria/Fatima. On the Atlantic coast, Sao Martinho do Porto is the perfect place for a holiday. The shell shaped bay is a natural sandy harbour, protected by surrounding coastal hills and situated in the Estremaduran countryside. This land offers great beauty with miles of sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, sweet smelling pine and eucalyptus forests, mountains, grottos and nature reserves. Although now very much in the twenty first century and within easy reach of the busy capital Lisbon, the area is rich in history with plenty of reminders of Portugal's vivid past. It is still possible to experience the simple, rural life here amongst the orchards and vineyards. In some places traditional costume is worn and the old songs sung. A pleasant atmosphere can always be found in which to discover the splendid variety of regional wines and foods. The region is full of places to visit and included in this guide are three suggested tours from Sao Martinho do Porto to help the visitor explore the locality and to add interest to a holiday.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Sao Martinho is now a favourite summer resort of the Portuguese and the bay is surely one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Bathing here in earlier times was part of the water treatment at the Thermal Hospital in Caldas da Rainha. Nowadays, the sandy protected beach of Sao Martinho offers holiday makers safe water sports and a small fishing fleet still sails to collect the lucrative red seaweed used to make cosmetics and fertiliser. The origins of the village date back to 1257. It was later famous for its ship building activities in the 16th Century during the times of the Great Portuguese navigators, but the real heyday of the village, as a resort, was
during the fifty year span of 1880-1930.
Nestling between the modern buildings on the seafront there are still some of the original villas built at this time. Many were Constructed by returning Portuguese emigrants with the proceeds they brought back from their endeavours in Brazil. One such example is the large red building of Jose Bento da Silva behind the viewpoint that overlooks the bay from the old village.This building once housed a well known school which was instrumental in attracting wealthy families to the area. Nowadays, it is home to the local council offices and the Casa da Cultura, which offers evening classes and exhibitions.
On the road out of Sao Martinho and near the Post Office stands the splendid old Hotel Parque now closed, which was also once a family home. Not far from here is a busy little fruit and vegetable market and there are always restaurants and bars to be found. Many new shops and apartments an now opening as part of the modernisation of the seafront.
Outeiro. the oldest part of the town, winds it's way up to the Water Tower through cobbled streets and tiny houses.
The main church in the old village is dedicated to Sao Martinho and there is also the small coastal chapel of Santo Antonio, which is found near the lighthouse and a pleasant walk from the Old Town or from the Quay. This is a charming chapel built to oversee the harbour mouth and in bad weather fishermen's wives would collect at the chapel praying to Santo Antonio for the safe return of their men. The chapel has lovely blue and white tiles and good views ol the coastline and the bay.
From here you can walk on to the furthest point, the Facho, giving views towards distant Nazare over the beaches of Gralha and Salgado.
Near the small chapel of Santo Antonio there is a track to the Lighthouse. A steep path of steps descends to the Quay and exits near the Children's Holiday Home. At the end ol the ' Quay a tunnel cuts through the cliff to the Atlantic coastline where much of the dramatic rock strata has been eroded by the pounding seas.
The sand dunes along the bay are protected for their flora and fauna. Some older residents remember when the huge dune at Salir do Porto was as high as the surrounding hillside. Still a favourite with children, it is possible to walk from there to the ruins of the Old Customs House found at the base of the cliff. In the past, a part of each incoming cargo was levied as a tax. Next to the ruin there is still a natural spring to be found. Climbing the steep hill above the Customs House walk to the ruins of the Santa Ana chapel situated at the point and see a different view of the town and bay. Be careful of hunters on Thursdays and Sundays from October to December.
The windmills on the hills played an integral part in the once rich grain production of the area.The miller retained part of the flour ground in payment for the use of the mill.
As Sao Martinho do Porto was the only safe harbour for large sailing vessels in the 19th Century, an oxen drawn railway once served to haul cargo and connected the town of Marinha Grande to the sea. Although in disrepair, the old station house still stands at the central crossroads.
Around the corner is a square where the hotels, Al-bergaria Sao Pedro and Residencial Concha stand. From the square a traffic free street leads off into the centre of the town and holds many restaurants and cafes with open air seating and dining.
Evidence of earlier Arab occupation can be found throughout Portugal particularly obvious where the prefix AT occurs in a place name such as Aljubarrota or Alfeizerao and in the language itself with phrases such as "Oxala" meaning "God Willing". In Sao Martinho near the 18th century farm of Quinta dos Avellares the remains of an old Arab well still exists.
A famous house is the small palace of Casa das Pal-meiras (Palm House) where the original palm trees are still evident although the once extensive grounds and gardens are now occupied by modern apartment buildings.There is a local story that the last Portuguese king Dom Carlos made summer visits to the house which was then owned by a family of well known bull breeders.
Local
festivals (festas) go on all year round in all the villages.Whether it be a saints day celebration or fund
raising for the Fire Station and are always evident by the sound of fireworks. In June the town celebrates the festival of Saint Anthony. The beachfront is
lined with stalls selling their wares and there is also a fun fair with music and fireworks on the beach at night. Local associations par the streets and
there is a religious procession from the main church to the seafront.
At the height of the tourist season in August the town is full of visitors and many activities take place. Sailing regattas, music groups, beach gymnastics and football competitions take place. Sailing and diving lessons an also available. For those who are minded there are bullfights to be seen in Nazare.
Around 11th November the town saint is celebrated and more festivities are arranged in the streets with folk dancing, roast chestnuts, wine and 'tasquinhas' (little snacks).