Love São Martinho Do Porto
Welcome, bem-vindo, to the celebration of my home-town and happy place, where I am delighted to share with you the many marvellous features and attractions of this beautiful, Portuguese Silver Coast town.
Here, you'll find my ongoing blog about local life, as well as sections showcasing community & networking, real estate, food, drink and accommodation. So please have fun finding out more about visiting or moving to SMdP and do let me know if you need help here or if something is missing.
Carl Munson - Contact me: carl@goodmorningportugal.com or message me on Whatsapp
Can you see your house?
Thanks to Henry for this 🙂
New Beach Playground 😀
It's been a while in the wanting, but it looks like SMdP has a new children's playground, which is a massive improvement on the old one (that the Munsons were delighted to find on the beach in 2017).
Martinho Men's Shed?
"It gets you out of the house to meet new friends and learn a new skill" - starts Wednesday 17th April and runs every other week.
Contact Josh - MensShedSmp@gmail.com
Prohibition hits Óbidos!
We're BIG fans of this venture in that has risen from the ashes of the Rex Bar that GMP! guest Simon Gotto once ran.
Lovely to see the Communities Unite connection here too!
"Summer music, food and sports" in Caldas municipality
"The summer program of the three parishes linked to the sea and lagoon in the municipality of Caldas da Rainha will feature two music festivals, a gastronomy festival and more than a dozen sporting events."
Connect: Caldas meetup with Boots on The Ground
Join Heather and friends in Caldas, Tuesday 19th March at Toca.
Sign up for alerts - +351 913 351 140
Drink: Caldas Craft Beer Festival
As mentioned in our most recent GMP! Craft Beer Corner 'podcask' 😉
The first signs of Carnation celebration?
With the aim of involving the educational community in the municipality of Alcobaça in the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April, the Municipality challenged schools to create posters alluding to this seminal date in the history of democracy in Portugal.
Check out the winning students and their schools in the images.
The works demonstrate well the creativity of their young authors, but also all the work that the schools and families of these students have developed in order to convey to them the importance of the April Revolution in the country's recent history.
I therefore congratulate all the participants in this competition and the entire school community for getting involved with such creativity and democratic spirit.
The President,
Hermínio Rodrigues
Event: Epicurean Extravaganza #3!
The Storytellers Palace has its third '13 at The Table' wine pairing event later this month, 22nd March.
These extraordinary gatherings - featuring Portugal's most exciting wine producers - are in a class of their own, featuring Marco in the kitchen, who has risen to the spectacular sense of occasion and excellence at the previous two celebrations of Portuguese culture (the first of which, pictured below).
Read about the first event here featuring Tecedeiras and Covela
And mention of event two's wine partner - Malhadinha - here
"Come and enjoy a sublime evening of pairing a unique tasting menu with wines and teas at the exquisite Hotel Storytellers Palace, in São Martinho do Porto, in partnership with the excellence of Adegamãe and Infusões com História.
A gastronomic experience that will awaken all your senses," say The Storytellers.
RESERVATIONS: (+351) 917 632 020
Fun: Coming soon , Prohibition in Óbidos
Details: richard@irrifence.co.uk
Wellbeing: NEW acupuncture clinic for SMdP
It's looking good for a new monthly (or more regular) acupuncture(+) clinic in town.
"Hello!" from Konrad, "My number is 918 222 601. I can provide acupuncture, physiotherapy, family constellations, and energy healing.
I have Portuguese credentials for acupuncture (cedula professional) and Polish qualifications for physiotherapy."
Event: Would you come to this in SMdP?
What's the first rule of 'Portuguese Club'?
Só falamos Português!
Ready to stop making excuses and start one of these here? Can you think of a café that would like to host an event of this kind, say on a Monday evening, around 6pm?
Blog: Farmers mobilise in Caldas Da Rainha
Carl and Louisa Munson catch the farmers on the move, 15th February, 2024.
Event: Caldas meetup
In the company of Heather Binder of Boots on The Ground Portugal and team, and friends.
Sushi may be involved later that evening!
Contact Heather to join her 'Social Connections & Event Sharing to Get People Connected!' WhatsApp group.
Event: Carnaval in SMdP!
Event: Ayurvedic Dinner & Lifestyle Class
Nancy Medwell is happy to announce the first of a series of classes she'll be doing at Cocos Veggie e Tal in Foz do Orelho, together with her host, Julia, on February 10th. Reserve your spot to join them for a special class on how you can optimize your health and well being through simple principles from the ancient medical science of Ayurveda.
Julia will be preparing a delicious Kitchari, a nutritive dish to incorporate in your weekly meals that is a complete protein and easy to digest while nourishing the body. Before the meal, Nancy will share why food is the best medicine and provide tips on how to incorporate certain flavors, spices and ingredients in order to improve your health and sense of well-being.
Reservations: email Nancy: nancy@nancymedwell.com or call Cocos: +351 262 979 712
Event: Pizza with Strangers (Caldas)
At the amazing Dona Branca!
"The vibe is excellent!"
"In this episode we visit another gem on Silver coast - São Martinho do Porto 🇵🇹 Stay tuned and enjoy!!! 🙂
Facts about place: São Martinho do Porto is a Portuguese parish in the municipality of Alcobaça and the Portuguese West region , with an area of 14.64 km² and 3111 inhabitants. District is Leiria district. [WKP]
From Lisbon its about 100km away and you can get here in about hour.
In the summer it is pretty busy, because it is beach/resort destination.
Lot of restaurants, we will visit some also.
Real estate average price is about 3000- 3500 euros per square meter.
I would say - visit this place, especially in January, February, March, April. For other months, I'm not sure how many people are here."
Event: Óbidos chocfest!
The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival had its first edition in 2002 and, since then, it has been held annually in Vila de Óbidos. It has been showing (almost) all the potential that cocoa molecules allow, from the sweetest to the purest, also featuring famous chocolate sculptures, renowned chefs, show cooking and many other entertainments.
Connect: 'Beach, brunch, clean'
Beach clean and brunch with our pals over at A Quinta in Salir Do Porto.
#togetherwemakeadifference
Fun: It's official! (swimming in the Bay)
Connect: Alcobaça meetup
Eat: Pesca no Prato - "Top notch seafood" (review)
We had some friends visiting us in SMDP who love seafood. I am so happy that I asked Carl for his recommendation – Pesca no Prato did not disappoint! We enjoyed some of the most delicious starters I have ever had (melted cheese with herbs served with lightly toasted bread, tasted just perfect). The freshly caught assortment of sea bass was on display and we chose our own fish, perfect for 4 people. The service, the atmosphere, the view and the food were all 5 stars! We will definitely go back.
Thanks to Sarah & Dan for their review 😍
Shop: Market in Salir?
An interesting development for makers and buyers alike?
More details to follow, as we discover more.
Drink: Storytellers NEXT legendary wine event!
Highly recommended! Here's what happened last time...
Blog: Meet the locals who keep SMdP looking so good!
A film made by the town's council
Blog: Town icon tragedy
Anyone who's walked the streets of São Martinho Do Porto will have noticed the beautiful belle epoque building, albeit in a major state of disrepair, that is 'Hotel Parque'.
Sadly, this afternoon (Sunday, 21st January) saw this iconic and historic establishment smouldering and ultimately ablaze.
Townsfolk looked on, while local Bombeiros firefighters assisted by personnel from neighbouring Nazaré, did their best to contain the fire.
LIVE footage can be found here
Drink: Business opportunity
As seen in SMdP, last Summer and now for sale!
Obituary: 'Irish' Pete
We were sad to hear of the recent passing of Peter or 'Irish Pete', who many of us enjoyed hanging out with at our weekly meetup. I first met him in a supermarket car park, a chance encounter that lead to a coffee, right there and then, and hitting it off.
Wayne, friend and neighbour of Peter and his wife Isabel, shared this tribute:
Remembering Irish Peter: A Neighbour Lost, but Memories Forever Treasured
In the quiet anticipation of new friendships and shared moments, the sudden passing of Irish Peter casts a shadow over our new year celebrations and local community. Scheduled to become our nearest expat neighbour, Peter’s absence will be deeply felt, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams of poolside beers and shared experiences and with Annette and Isabel in gardening and culinary pursuits.
Peter’s eyes held the timeless perspective of someone who cherished the world through the lens of analogue cameras. His passion for tinkering with and repairing these classic devices revealed not only his technical prowess but also a unique ability to capture moments with a nostalgic charm. His vision painted a canvas of memories, and the shutter clicks echoed the rhythm of a life well-lived.
As we envisioned lazy afternoons by the pool, swapping stories and savouring the camaraderie that often arises between neighbours, Peter’s absence now creates a void. The laughter and shared expertise in planting and vegetable growing that we had looked forward to are tinged with the bittersweet realisation that Peter won’t be there to share in these moments.
Beyond his technical skills, Peter’s warmth and camaraderie were evident in his eagerness to connect over shared interests. The prospect of exchanging photographic secrets and learning from each other’s expertise added an extra layer of anticipation to our upcoming neighbourly gatherings.
In remembering Irish Peter, we hold onto the memories we could have created together. His passion for life, analogue photography, and the simple joys of friendship will inspire us to forge connections, honouring his spirit through the bonds we build within our community.
As we embark on the journey of completing our home, Peter’s absence serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the present and those we hold dear. Though he won’t be physically present by our poolside, his legacy lives on in the collective memories of a community touched by his warmth, kindness, and the shared dreams that now linger in the air.
Event: Wine tasting (great cause, great venue)
Thanks to Heather Binder and the 'Social Connections & Event Sharing to Get People Connected! Heather & Boots on the Ground Portugal' for the heads-up on this one...
A good cause (more about CRAPAA) and a great venue - Infusion restaurant and accommodation - just outside Obidos, and sounds like a lot of fun with SIX wines AND tapas.
Shop: Need a mechanic?
David at Electro Concha comes highly recommended by GuMPer Jac, who recently experienced outstanding service and value at this local car servicing, maintenance and repair operation. And she's not the only one. #highlyrecommended
Blog: Brown sea, Silver Coast
Does anyone understand what is going on in the bay today?
Event: BeRosey live at A Quinta (Salir)
A Quinta de Salir De Porto: "Join us for a very special Thursday evening Members only Dinner and Live Concert" (15 Euros each. Places are limited and must be booked in advance)
Welcoming ON a Roll Records all the way from Montreal with BeRosey...
BeRosey, is a Montreal artist with an upbeat, funky sound delivered with catchy pop hooks and diverse hip-hop flows. Inspired by Southern Rap, Tones and I, Crocs, Cartoons, and the city of Dallas. A high-energy performer that aims to spread positive messages and life experiences with every track. The hard-working artist spends most of his days at On a Roll Records where he writes, records and practices to ensure that his growth is consistent. And if he’s not there, he is usually out supporting other artists in the scene.
The talented rapper has been gaining exposure and growing his fan base with tracks like “Pas le Choix” which is his first time putting out a French song in the name of Montreal, and its culture, and of course, “Play My Role” from his EP “Stewart Hall”.
Blog: São Martinho in the news (Portugal Resident)
Read Carl Munson's article about how São Martinho gave its name to a problem faced by many trying to decide where to live in Portugal
Shop: Print-on-demand/merchandise
SIO Print are our official merch' and print partners over in Salir Do Porto
São Martinho do Porto in 60 seconds
From Expat's Portugal's 1000 Things to Enjoy in Portugal...
Eat: Tasca Do Largo
Great authentic tasca, where we had 4 mains, 4 (not 5) desserts, a beer, soft drinks, a couple of coffees and bread & olives for just under 70 euros.
This is one of Carl's favourite places and the family mixed and matched Porco Alentejano, Bacalhau (cod) and Frango (chicken) dishes in a house style, plus seasoned quid in olive oil and garlic. Family-pleaser desserts and ice creams to follow with excellent friendly, family service in the heart of town, a block baclk from the sea front.
Shop: SMdP has a new 'health' store
Next to the market, you can find the newly opened Health Food Shop. Louisa, who loves to mooch around these places was delighted to find one within walking distance from home. She reported back with a big 'thumbs up'. All of the brands and products that she would normally travel to a city to buy, were all here for her in this shop. She is delighted, and also delighted to be supporting the local economy.
Fun: Paragliding at Gralha
Who knew there were rules?