Introduction
If you have ever looked at Portugal as a destination for travel, you probably have heard of The Algarve or The Golden Coast. Well, we would like to present to you a hidden treasure in Portugal called The Silver Coast or Costa de Prata.
The Silver Coast stretches over the western side of Portugal. It boasts many coastal towns neighboring the Atlantic Ocean. What’s special about this region, is that it’s quite unknown. This means it has not yet been taken over by tourism. So if you would like somewhere that is naturally majestic and extraordinarily pristine, continue reading this article where we explore The Silver Coast.
The Silver Coast of Portugal
The Silver Coast has earned the title The Algarve of the North. This coast has some of the best pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and water sport activities. As mentioned above, this area is yet to be discovered by holidaymakers. This means you have first dips on some of the most intriguingly undiscovered holiday locations yet.
Not a big fan of the beach? That’s not a problem. The Silver Coast has many traditional Portuguese villages, some of Europe’s best golf courses, and an enchanting amount of mountain views.
Best Places To Visit in The Silver Coast
So where to visit if you are going to the silver Coast? In this section, we are going to explore some of the quaint towns and various villages that stretch over this miracle of nature.
Nazaré
Nazare is mostly known for its fantastic surf scene. Beach umbrellas scattered all over the coastal resort, gigantic waves, and happy friendly faces are what you can expect in Nazare. However, this town has much more to offer. It is a popular destination for Carnival and it is usually bustling during New Year’s celebration.
Óbidos
If you ever wanted to travel back in time, you can simply take a visit to Óbidos. This historic village is surrounded by a city wall and feels like something out of a 17th-century novel. It looks like a stage decorated with whitewashed homes and cobblestone streets.
So if you want a break from the big cities, you can just pop over to this picturesque town, and absorb the magic of that old-world charm.
Peniche
Whether you are a surfer, outdoor enthusiast, history lover, or art lover, this town has something for you. There are many talented artists specializing in making handmade lace that will simply blow you away. Let’s not forget the seaside fort where Salazar detained political prisoners.
Moreover, you can take a trip with a charming little boat if you are into fishing. Alternatively, you can head down to the beach with your surfboard and hit those waves all summer long.
Torres Vedras
This town tends to be where most locals come to celebrate Carnival. Carnival is one of the biggest parties in the world and usually there is a very big celebration right here in Torres Vedras. It is also known for its multiple wine vineyards and it’s surrounded by green hills and valleys.
What About The Weather in The Silver Coast?
Much like the rest of Portugal, The Silver Coast is blessed with Mediterranean clear year-round weather.
Average Temperatures in The Silver Coast, Portugal
The weather is always perfect around here. It reaches as high as 30°C in the summer. Yet, it never dips below 13 °C even in the winter. The autumn and spring go from 14 to 20 °C. This means that basically, you can visit this amazing coast all year round without worrying about the weather.
What To Do in The Silver Coast?
The Silver Coast is basically a jack of all trades. It has endless recreational activities and you can always find something to fit your personality, taste, and budget.
Most of the activities around the silver Coast tend to be outdoors, as the weather is basically what it would be like in heaven. Some of these activities are as follows:
- Wine tasting all the delicious wines that come from these local regions. These are basically a luxury around the world
- Playing golf at some of Europe’s best golf courses
- If you’re a brave surfer, you can try to tackle the enormous waves in Nazare
- There’s a natural reserve island home to seagulls and various other wildlife. It’s called Berlenga Island
- One of the most common activities in this region are water activities such as:
- Kite surfing
- Parasailing
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- There is an ancient university founded in 1290 that you can visit called the University of Coimbra
- Last but definitely not least, is the Buddha Eden sculpture Gardens. These are Gardens that are inspired by African and Oriental cultures in which you can find sculptures made up of trees and natural materials. It is simply captivating.
Best Beaches on the Silver Coast
Portugal has so many amazing beaches That it actually has a Golden Coast and a Silver Coast. Almost every picture of “Idyllic Haven” consists of clear blue skies, crystal shining water, and sandy beaches. If you like surfing, swimming, or simply laying down and enjoying the warm sun on your face, here are some of the best beaches on The Silver Coast:
Praia Tocha
This beautiful beach offers some of the most pristine, untouched sandy dunes. Additionally, it has fantastic waves for surfing. It is located north of Figueira da Foz.
Praia da Nazaré
Surfing on this beach is not for the faint of heart. It is world-renowned for massive waves and competition to see who can survive this miracle of nature.
Foz do Arelho Beach
This is unique as it is a Lagoon beach. It can offer crystal clear waters, incredible surrounding cliffs, and a massive collection of restaurants and beach bars.
Praia do Carreiro do Mosteiro
This is a comparatively small beach surrounded by big cliffs. It has plenty of fish if you like fishing, or you can just watch them swim in the water and appreciate nature’s beauty.
Medão Peniche
This is mostly a surfing beach known for perfect size waves for beginners to get used to surfing.
What About the Food in The Silver Coast?
Being in Portugal means being on a gastronomical journey of worldly pleasures. What’s interesting in Portugal is that each region has specific culinary practices that mix together to create a perfect palette.
What Are the Best Dishes on The Silver Coast?
The culinary practices in the Silver Coast heavily feature seafood. Some of the best dishes are:
Bacalhau
Bacalhau means codfish. Codfish is a classic recipe usually served with a combination of onion, chips, parley, olives, and eggs. You can find this delicious dish at most restaurants around Portugal Servo Coast.
Caldeirada de Enguias
This is a fried eel stew seasoned with saffron and peppers. You might want to pair this with a nice glass of white wine.
Arroz de Tamboril
This excellent Portuguese dish is prepared using monkfish. It is often cooked in garlic, tomato stew with rice, and laurel.
Polvo a lagareiro
This is one of the most awesome dishes you’ll probably ever try. It is a whole octopus first boiled and then roasted in the oven. It is usually dressed in garlic, olive oil, and often served with potatoes. It goes extremely smoothly with a nice sauvignon blanc.
Excellent Restaurants on The Silver Coast
Here at LisbonGo, we want you to have the best experience in Portugal. This is why we gathered a list of the best restaurants on the silver coast:
Dom José
Dom Jose restaurant is in the town of Bombarral. The friendly service, excellent food, and fantastic local wine will never disappoint. Additionally, there is a wide range of fabulous desserts that will leave you always wanting more.
A Tasquinha
A Tasquinha is a classic Portuguese restaurant located in Nazare. It is a little bit popular, so you might have to wait a little bit for a reservation, but it’s well worth it. It is reasonably priced, serves nothing but delicious dishes, and it’s extremely cozy. Some of the meals they offer are Sea Bass, Grilled Squid, Pork Cheeks, and Seafood Rice.
Tibino Casa de Petiscos
This charming little restaurant is located in Foz do Arelho. It is frequently visited by tourists and locals alike. One of the best dishes they make is the cuttlefish so make sure to try that.
Pangeia Restaurante
This restaurant located on the hill above Nazare will offer you sea views and sunsets that will melt your heart. Fortunately, it won’t melt your pocket, because the meals range from €20 to €60. They offer spectacular cuisines such as Sea Bass, Octopus, and Tiger Prawns.
Cost of Living on the Silver Coast
Portugal stands out in not only having a very high standard of life, but also a decently low cost of living. The Silver Coast is much like the rest of Portugal when it comes to the cost of living.
You can have a good life quality at about €800-1,100 per month. Additionally, utilities are quite cheap there. Between gas, electricity, and internet/cable TV you should expect to pay around €200.
Moreover, when it comes to eating and drinking the cost is very low as well. A meal in an average restaurant will cost you about €10-15 and a beer should run you between €1-3,50.
Finally, if you want to own a car, you might have to pay a little bit extra. The petrol cost will go between €200-250 a month. However, public transportation is excellent with a reasonably cheap cost. A monthly pass will cost you about €36, and a one-way ticket starts from €1,50.
What If I Want to Buy a House on The Silver Coast?
The Silver Coast is between Lisbon and Porto. This means that it boasts a lot of small towns away from the bustling city life. Life there tends to be slow and breezy.
Many expats choose to retire to this Silver Coast as it has the right amount of modern commodity mixed with old-world charm. Around The Silver Coast, you can find apartments starting as low as €70,000 going all the way up to Luxurious villas costing about €1 million.
So if you’re looking for an alternative residence or a holiday away from home, the Silver Coast is the perfect solution for your problems.
Make sure you speak to licensed real estate professionals in Portugal before you make a decision.
Hotels Around the Silver Coast
Being a haven, the Silver Coast has many beach resorts and hotels that you can stay at when you’re visiting.
Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
If you feel like splurging maybe you should check out Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort. It is located only 15 minutes away from Peniche.
This five stars hotel has the best pampering services that you can think of. In addition, it has ocean views and a championship-size golf course. The commodities go on and on, spa facilities, a bar, health club, a Turkish bath, a sauna, swimming pools, a kids club, and more! Basically, it has everything you can ever want.
Obidos and Peniche are super close to this resort. You can access the beaches of Peniche and the castle of Obidos very easily. A weekend at this resort might cost you about €400.
Peniche Beach Hostel
If you’re looking for a more pocket-friendly option you can check out Peniche Beach Hostel. This quirky little hostel costs only €30 a night. While it might not be super luxurious, it does have enough commodities to have fun for a weekend.
It is located just a five-minute walk from a beautiful white sand beach. If you would like to check out some activities, you can ask the reception for water sports facilities, surf lessons, kite lessons, and bicycle rental. This is a fantastic place if you’re traveling solo and would want to enjoy the best of The Silver Coast on a budget.
For more options for hotels and hostels in Peniche, check this out.
Conclusion
The Silver Coast is one of the most enchanting places on earth that has not yet been spoiled by tourism. If you’d like to dance hand in hand with nature and have the sun tickle your face as you soak up the old-world charm, then you should visit the Silver Coast.
Make sure you check out the hotels in the Silver Coast before you plan your trip.
