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The West Region, a fertile area, imbedded between Atlantic and the mountains of the Serra do Aire, just a few kilometres north of Lisbon, is subdivided into the districts Lisbon and Caldas da Rainha. It is an area of mostly maritime character in which you find little villages, isolated fields and rocky hills all over the area. In the moderated, maritime climate combine tradition and modern to an unique, attractive mixture.  Peniche is one of the centres of the West Region. The village, idyllically situated on a former Atlantic island, in the meantime connected to the mainland by a natural sand dam , is starting point for many tourist activities. Begun by the lovely white sand beaches, the modern yacht harbor, the idyllic old town with its well conservated old fort, up to the Lagoa de Óbidos. Peniche is also harbour for the ferry to the Berlenga-archipelago, an island group in front of the coast whose fauna and flora is under severe environmental protection and is unique for the whole Portugal.  A few minutes by car away, further in the country interiors lies Óbidos, a pearl of the Portuguese history. The Village has survived the last centuries almost in the original condition and is highly recommended for a visit. A few kilometres up in the north , Caldas da Rainha enchants also with its historic old town. Especially the Therms, that belong to the oldest ones throughout Europe, are well known.
 There are lots of other leisure opportunities in the region. For friends of the golf-sports, there are some attractive places, the newest in Praia d' El Rey, fans of horse-riding find a great centre in Atouguia da Baleia, surfers may choose from different waves along the coast, at the Lagoa de Óbidos, a lake behind the coast, is a nice place for windsurfing and sailing, you find several schools there, at the reservoir at Atouguia da Baleia you can kayak..... To list all possibilities would exceed this side. The regional cooking is abundant and varied. Be surprised by "matança do porco", "cabrito no forno", "coelho guisado com arroz" or one of the other delicious dinners, made of meat or fish. The pastries are also very delicious an worth to be tested. The culinary offer also includes a great variety of regional wines, starting with tasty light white wines up to the heavy, aromatic red wines.
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West Region 
