Silver Coast Portugal also known as Costa de Prata, is the name of a region in Portugal.
Less popular and less crowded than its neighbors, the coast is diverse and varied treasures are found in the cities near the ocean but also in its inland.
Today, the Silver Coast of Portugal is growing in popularity because of its gorgeous coastlines, historic villages, and towns.
This magnificent region, full of contrasts, with its seaside, its historical villages, and castles, is very extensive.
Where is the Silver Coast Portugal?
The Silver Cost Portugal runs along the Atlantic coast for 280 km.
The Costa de Prata extends over more than 200 km of beaches between Costa de Lisboa and Costa Verde.
The Silver Coast extends more or less from the city of Espinho, 30 km south of Porto to the city of Peniche, about 100 km north of Lisbon.
It also lets you perceive unexpected lakes that emerge from the mist and the light on the water makes silver reflections.
The rivers meander gently through winding valleys where medieval castles, hillside villages, lagoons, and exuberant forests stand.
Why live on the silver coast in Portugal?
Cities with multiple treasures
The region of the Silver Coast – Costa de Prata, has, as its name indicates, many coasts and many beautiful beaches. This region has even more to offer.
Indeed, this one benefits from a strong cultural heritage including numerous treasures.
Some of its cities have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a recognition that is not the least important.
This region includes indeed many cities with different charms but all filled with a culture, a history, and marked wealth.
Beautiful beaches and scenaries
The Silver Coast offers a wide choice of beautiful beaches which have the advantage of being a little less crowded than the beaches of the Algarve or those near Lisbon.
Mass tourism is, therefore, less present there, offering more tranquility and a more marked presence of Portuguese customs and traditions.
Mild weather all year long
If you decide to move to Portugal, one of the reasons you might want to do so is the weather.
So you probably want to live in the sun and therefore choose a sunny region.
Many will tell you that for the sun you have to go to the “south” and will almost invariably direct you to the Lisbon and Algarve regions.
The northern region of Portugal and the silver coast are, of course, a little less sunny and warm than those of the south of Portugal, but they are still much more sunny and warm.
Located in between two big cities
Another advantage of the Silver Coast is that it is located between the capital, Lisbon, and its little sister, Porto.
These big cities are therefore easily accessible thanks to multiple highway networks that cross the Silver Coast.
Indeed, as you can see on the part I circled below, the A1, the A8, the A17, the A29 from north to south, and the A25, the A23, the A14 from east to west are intertwined within the silver coast and allow to quickly serve many destinations.
More affordable real estate and cost of living
The fact that the Silver Coast in Portugal is less well known and touristy than the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto regions has an impact on the cost of living and real estate prices, which are more affordable than in other regions.
The Silver Coast in Portugal is very large so prices can vary.
Regarding real estate, the price per m2 is also much lower than in other regions.
Top 10 silver coast Portugal stops
Peniche
Peniche is almost an island, a peninsula, where Cape Carvoeiro is located.
The small peninsula, with a diameter of ten kilometers, has some of the most beautiful coasts of Portugal, with breathtaking landscapes: gigantic cliffs, unique biodiversity.
This exceptional geographical situation has meant that Peniche has always been inhabited and that it is one of the oldest protected areas in the world.
Must see:
- The fortress: the most western city in Europe has an old fortress that stands out on the port from where you can see the beautiful Berlengas islands.
- The “Caldeirada de peixe”: a kind of delicious fish stew that is the specialty of the city.
- The “Renda de Bilros”: the city is famous for its bobbin lace, a craft that has been perpetuated over the years and that is very interesting to observe because of its meticulous work.
Nazaré
Nazaré is a big town along the ocean coast between Lisbon and Porto.
The city is famous for its fishing port, its huge sandy beaches, and its Sitio district located on the top of the cliff that dominates the city.
The place is charming but in summer, Nazaré is extremely touristy.
The immense beaches which skirt the city make it a pleasant halt to benefit from the joys of the sea.
Must see:
- The huge waves: The city is well known for its waves, which are prized by surfers from around the world.
- The exceptional view from the Sitio: For a magnificent panorama on the ocean and the beach of Nazaré, we strongly advise you to go up to the promontory which is situated in top of the city.
- The fishermen, a well anchored tradition: Old village of fishermen, Nazaré offers a still very typical spectacle. You can see the fishermen and their wives, dressed in traditional costumes, gutting, drying and selling the fish on the beach. 100% zero intermediary: from the sea to your plate!
Torres Vedras
Torres Vedras is the name of a town and municipality in Portugal, located about 50 km north of Lisbon, the country’s capital.
The area surrounding the municipality of Torres Vedras is essentially an agricultural area and mainly a wine-growing area.
Must see:
- The castle of Torres Vedras, was originally built by the alains; later it was enlarged by the Moors and it was repaired several times by different monarchs, such as the kings Dom Fernando (in the XIV century) and Dom Manuel I (in the XVI century); after the earthquake of 1755, it still needed new restorations which never took place.
Óbidos
Óbidos is one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal. This beautiful medieval village is located about 100 km from Lisbon.
The historic center of Óbidos is surrounded by crenelated walls and guarded by large towers.
This fortified village is a real maze of old paved streets, whitewashed houses, and painted borders in ultramarine blue and golden yellow.
Must see:
- The village which will charm you for sure: You have to go there to discover the particular atmosphere which emerges from this place. A village built in the middle of a wall. Within the wall, narrow paved streets are intertwined with small houses of an immaculate white and a touch of blue or yellow.
Coimbra
The beautiful Coimbra, which is attached to the banks of Rio Mondego, is one of the most historical cities you can visit in Portugal.
The city was once the capital of young Portugal from 1143 to 1255. To visit Coimbra is to visit the oldest university city in Portugal. Coimbra, or Coimbra, is located in the center of the country.
This old city, which seems to have stood still through time, is relatively small, but it is home to a great selection of monuments and buildings like cathedrals and convents.
Must see:
- The University of Coimbra and its famous library which inspired J.K. Rowling, the writer of Harry Potter for the Hogwarts library.
Aveiro
Aveiro is the second most important city in the Central Portuguese region, just after Coimbra. It is distant from Coimbra by about sixty kilometers, and from Porto by 70 kilometers.
It benefits from a strategic situation, in the middle of the Porto-Lisbon axis, on the coastline.
The differentiating element of Aveiro is mainly the Ria de Aveiro, which contributes, and in what way, to the beauty of the city.
Must see:
- “moliceiros” (typical boats): if you take a trip to Aveiro, think of boarding one of the pretty boats that sail in the canals of the city and that explain the nickname of “Venice of Portugal” that is given to it.
- “house-pyjamas” (also called “palheiros”): near Aveiro, in Costa Nova, by the sea, you can admire beautiful houses with colored stripes.
- “ovos moles”: a pastry made with eggs and sugar that I talked about in detail in my article on gastronomy that you can find by clicking here.
Alcobaça
The city of Alcobaça takes its name from its geographical position since it is located between the Alcoa and Baça rivers.
It would have been so named by the Moors, who occupied the area until the Portuguese reconquest in 1147.
Alcobaça has a varied craft industry, which revolves around cutlery, ceramic manufacturing, and crystal work, which is very famous.
A walk through the city will be an opportunity to discover an authentic Portugal, with a quiet city center and the ruins of a castle that dates back to the Visigothic era.
Must see:
- Alcobaça Monastery: in the church there are the tombs of King Dom Pedro and Ines de Castro, lady-in-waiting of his wife Constança Manuel, whose forbidden love story has inspired many books.
Batalha
The small town of Batalha, located in the district of Leira in the center of Portugal does not lack charm, but it must be admitted that few visitors would stop here if not to admire the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, more commonly known as the Monastery of Batalha.
It is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal!
Must see:
- The monastery of Batalha: Built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians in the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, this monastery is imposing.
Tomar
Tomar, the city of the Templars, is an exceptional city with a magical atmosphere and a vast historical heritage.
This charming city of about 40,000 inhabitants is located on the banks of the Nabão River in central Portugal.
Must see:
- The Convent of Christ in Tomar is a symbol of the reconquest of Portuguese territory under Muslim rule. The huge convent around the Templar church includes four magnificent cloisters.
Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha, known as the “Portuguese capital” of ceramics.
It is also an important thermal city, where one of the first thermal hospitals in the world is located.
The town was established on a hot thermal spring, whose sulfurous smell escapes through the sewer openings of the streets surrounding the thermal hospital, in the center of the town.
Must see:
- Thermal springs: Caldas da Rainha means “Queen’s spring” about Queen D. Leonor. The city has a hot spring that gives it the status of a thermal city, where the first thermal hospital in the world was built.
- Art of ceramics: The handicrafts are strongly represented in the region of the Silver Coast, especially those related to ceramics, of which one of the national emblems is the factory of Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro in Caldas da Rainha. The city is famous for the “louça das caldas”.
Is the Silver Coast cheaper than the Algarve?
When it comes to budget-friendly destinations in Portugal, the Silver Coast is often touted as a more affordable alternative to the Algarve.
While both regions offer a range of accommodation options and activities, the Algarve tends to be more popular with tourists and therefore can come with a higher price tag.
On the other hand, the Silver Coast boasts stunning beaches, charming towns, and delicious seafood at more reasonable prices.
Of course, costs can vary depending on the time of year, specific location, and travel style, but overall, the Silver Coast may offer better value for those looking to save money while still experiencing all that Portugal has to offer.
What is the weather like in Silver Coast Portugal?
The weather on the Silver Coast of Portugal is mild and pleasant throughout most of the year.
Summers are warm and sunny with temperatures averaging around 25-28°C, making it an ideal time to hit the beach and enjoy the outdoor activities the region has to offer.
Spring and autumn are also great times to visit, with comfortable temperatures in the mid to high teens and fewer crowds.
Winters are generally mild, with average temperatures around 10-15°C, but it can be rainy and windy at times.
Overall, the climate on the Silver Coast is pleasant for most of the year, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking sunshine and outdoor adventures.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of living in Silver Coast Portugal?
The Silver Coast of Portugal has become a popular destination for expats seeking an affordable and relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful coastal setting.
However, as with any location, there are both advantages and disadvantages to living in the region that potential expats should consider.
Advantages
- Stunning beaches and beautiful coastal scenery
- Relaxed and affordable lifestyle compared to other European countries
- A rich cultural heritage and friendly local community
- A mild climate with comfortable temperatures throughout most of the year
- Easy access to major cities like Lisbon and Porto
- Excellent food and wine
- A range of outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and golf
Disadvantages
- Can be crowded with tourists during peak season
- The job market can be limited, particularly outside of the tourism industry
- Some areas can experience heavy rain and wind during the winter months
- Public transportation can be limited in certain areas
- Some ex-pats may find it challenging to learn Portuguese, which is the primary language spoken in the region
- Medical facilities may be limited in some areas, particularly for specialized care
Overall, living on the Silver Coast of Portugal offers many advantages, including a high quality of life, beautiful natural scenery, and a welcoming community.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider, such as limited job opportunities and seasonal crowds.
Nonetheless, for those seeking an affordable and relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful coastal setting, the Silver Coast is a fantastic option.
