Foz Do Arelho

Foz do Arelho is a small seaside town not far from Caldas da Rainha, roughly an hour north of Lisbon. Set between the Óbidos Lagoon and the wild Atlantic Ocean, it has long been a seasonal holiday retreat, once especially favoured by Portugal’s wealthy families.Where the lagoon meets the ocean lies a spectacular stretch of beach. On the lagoon side, the water is calm and ideal for swimming or paddle‑boarding. On the Atlantic side, the waves are powerful and the winds often strong, creating a dramatic contrast that makes this coastline so memorable.

During the summer holiday, the beach at the lagoon side is frequented by schools who play here during the cooler morning sun. This area of Foz Do Artleho has a lot of modern houses which are mainly holiday homes. There is also a camping which is very busy and in our view not the nicest one with the exception of the fabulous lagoon views. But the problem is that the camping is very busy and the campervans look a bit like a bunch of sardines squeezed into a tin.

As you follow the road toward Caldas da Rainha, the route climbs gently away from the Atlantic and leads into the most charming part of Foz do Arelho. This older section of town is where you’ll find traditional pastelarias, small bars, and a handful of unpretentious restaurants.
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​One of them is Café Central. It may not be the most stylish or atmospheric spot, but the food more than makes up for it. Classic Portuguese dishes are the highlight, and the place is especially popular with locals—always a good sign—particularly on weekends.
This region of Portugal couldn’t be more different from the Algarve. It’s quiet, authentic, and blissfully free from crowds. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy warm hospitality, delicious food, and plenty of sunshine without the noise of mass tourism.

The area of Foz do Arleho lends itself perfectly for walking. In particular, an evening stroll from the old town towards the beach and from there uphill along the R. Visc. Morais along the new boardwalks is perfect to see the last glimpse of the evening sun.

Another lovely walk we enjoyed was along the Óbidos Lagoon. Here, small fishing boats rest quietly on the water, waiting for the next day’s catch. The lagoon is also a popular spot for watersports, offering opportunities to try kayaking, surfing, stand‑up paddling, and more.
What we appreciated most about this area was the tranquillity. It’s the kind of place where you can mingle with locals in a neighbourhood bar or pastelaria and feel the authentic, unhurried rhythm of everyday life.
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A place where you can enjoy the Portuguese friendliness, the hospitality or just the beauty of the rugged coastline.
With easy flights to Lisbon, iot is a must visit location. The short drive from the airport to Foz Do Arleho is easy and quick, and it must be said that the greater area around Foz Do Arleho is one that needs to be discovered.
From monasteries ( http://www.outdoorfitnesssligo.com/destinations-further-afield-travel-blog/alcobaca-monastery) to the fabulous Berlenga Islands off the coast of Peniche ( http://www.outdoorfitnesssligo.com/destinations-further-afield-travel-blog/berlengas)  , there is something new to discover every day of the week.