Silvercoast

There are few places on earth more beautiful than the Silver Coast of Portugal. When people think of Portugal, usually they think of the Algarve, yet the relatively unknown Silver Coast has so much more to offer than just sun and sea.

The “Costa da Prata” (as it is known to locals) is famous for its ancient towns, breathtaking beaches, and rugged coastline.

Beautiful unspoilt beaches alternate with slightly more touristy beaches and magnificent rocky cliffs. This region also contains many cultural cities that are recognised by UNESCO World Heritage. Surfers and golfers are also well served here.

Below, you can find an overview of various places that are definitely worth visiting during your holiday in the beautiful Silver Coast.

Medieval Obidos village and its castle

Whether you dare to walk along the uneven citadel walls or content yourself with a stroll through the central cobbled streets, the picturesque village of Óbidos will charm you.

Beautiful Berlenga Island

If you’re prone to seasickness, or have a phobia of birds, Berlenga shouldn’t be on your itinerary. This nature reserve island belongs to the seagulls and other creatures that thrive here. We humans can enjoy wildflower walks, boat trips to visit the caves and snorkelling, as well as an offshore fortress. Ideal to combine this with a visit to Peniche.

Peniche fishing village and fortress

If you’re going to Berlenga island, you’ll set off from Peniche but even if you’re staying on the mainland, Peniche is worth a stop.

The fortress was used as a political prison during the Salazar dictatorship and currently houses a museum with a collection of local boats and bobbin lace. By visiting the museum, you also get the chance to visit the cells and visiting room of the prison. Plans have been approved to transform this space into a national museum for the fight for freedom and democracy.

The marina and fishing harbour are hives of activity and the nearby beaches are popular with surfers and families.

Alcobaça and its world heritage museum

The historical centre of Alcobaça is dominated by the 12th century Cistercian monastery which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only is the architecture stunning, it contains two of the most important tombs in Portugal, those of its beloved star crossed lovers, Pedro and Inês.

The town centre holds other points of interest, such as a folk museum and a wine museum as well as intriguing squares.

Caldas Da Rainha

Once popular for its curative thermal waters, Caldas da Rainha is better known these days for its ceramic production. You can get a broad understanding and appreciation of local ceramics at the quirky Museu da Cerámica or visit the famous Bordallo Pinheiro museum and shop.

Visit Caldas on a weekday morning and you’ll catch the colourful flower, fruit and vegetable market in Praça da República.

Afterwards, you could take a stroll around the pretty Dom Carlos I Park, have a picnic amid the trees or hire a rowing boat to spend time on its lake.

Foz do Arelho beach & Obidos Lagoon

The beach at Foz do Arelho is a natural wonder. To one side of the large sandy strip is the Atlantic Ocean, to the other side are the tranquil waters of the Óbidos Lagoon. The warm salty waters of the lagoon are ideal for kids and a variety of watersports, they are even said to have therapeutic properties.

On the seaward side of the beach the water is considerably colder and the waves can be much bigger. This is a fairly popular surf spot and the waves can get pretty good here.

Buddha Eden sculpture gardens

If you like gigantic sculptures, especially those of an oriental, African or contemporary nature, Buddha Eden is worth a visit.

Owned by the Berardo Foundation, it offers yet another opportunity to share the vast art collection with the public as well as wines from the adjacent Quinta dos Loridos and other wineries in the Bacalhôa group, such as the one in Azeitão.

Nazaré

Nazaré is a traditional Portuguese coastal town best known as the home of some of the world's biggest waves. Although most people see this place as an amazing and memorable surf hotspot, Nazaré has much more to offer than just huge waves for the most adventurous surfers.

Wine tasting

The unique micro climates of the Silver Coast mean there are several wine regions within this area, which is good news if you fancy touring a winery and doing a spot of wine tasting.

Special experiences include wine tasting in a windmill and an original brandy distillery in the 18th century family-run Quinta do Sanguinhal.

Hiking

The Silver Coast is a fantastic area for hiking. In the surroundings you can enjoy the varied countryside on foot.

Some tips:

In Salir do Porto you can follow the signs "Miradouro" and then make beautiful walks on the cliffs. In the dunes of Sao Martinho/Salir do Porto, you can walk on a wooden hiking trail.
The wooden walkways in Foz do Arelho offer spectacular panoramic views over the lagoon of Obidos.
Around the lagoon of Obidos, you can also make beautiful walks or cycling.