[JMBroad]

Interesting to hear everyone's opinions on where to buy in Portugal.

Óbidos as I mentioned somewhere else has to be my favourite spot in mainland Portugal simply because it's ... well... special. Don't really know how to explain it, you need to go there and see. However, on the downside, I can't imagine living there all year because I need access to a city to feed my cultural needs like opera, theatre, musuems etc and Óbidos doesn't really seem to have enough of that kind of "brain food" to keep me busy 365 days a year.

On the other hand, Tomar is also beautiful, the little lake running through the town, the castle, also a very special place and there is a little village just outside of Tomar where everyone knows everyone and if you manage to get a seat in the local restaurant (normally packed) then you can enjoy a fabulous lunch for a true pittance. The appeal of Tomar for me is the fact that it is so secluded and there is a great neighbourhood feel, with the tiny shops peppering the town square.

Ericeira I don't know well enough to comment I'm afraid.