Destination Silver Coast
The Silver Coast, or Costa da Prata in Portuguese, is located between Lisbon in the south and Porto in the north. This is the central region of Portugal. The beautiful Atlantic coastline provides many opportunities for a stunning sunset in the ocean, hence the name Silver Coast representing the sun’s reflections in the sea.
This is the Silver coast
The region’s exact boundaries is a subject for discussion – you will see many different definitions depending on whom you ask. Some say that even the central parts by the Spanish border should be included while others believe that the Silver Coast refers only to the parts near the Atlantic Ocean.
We believe that the coastline between Santa Cruz, in the south, up to São Pedro de Moel, is the best coastline in Portugal and perhaps in all of southern Europe!
The coastline is about 240 km long, from Santa Cruz – just south of Peniche – in the south up to Espinho – just south of Porto – in the north.
Portugal Agent focuses on the southern part of the Silver Coast
Portugal Agent is specialised in the southern parts of the Silver Coast. From Santa Cruz, in the south, to São Pedro de Moel, in the north, with an extra focus on the coastal strip between the three small towns of Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho, as well as the dramatic coast around Santa Cruz in the south.
We also work with the areas and larger cities up to 30 min inland from the coastline. Places like:
Torres Vedras – a genuine Portuguese city with 87 000 inhabitants and about 20 min from Santa Cruz. The town is surrounded by hilly landscape with many vineyards
Óbidos – a town and castle dating from the times of the Roman empire, 20 – 30 min inland of Peniche and Foz do Arelho. Wander around the cobbled lanes with whitewashed cottages. Or climb up on the large castle wall – fabulous views of the historical centre and the surrounding countryside.
Caldas da Rainha – a city with 51.000 inhabitants and about 15 min from Foz do Arelho, 20 min from São Martinho do Porto. Known for the hot springs and its pottery, particularly ceramic cabbage bowls. Caldas da Rainha actually means “the queen´s thermal baths”.
Alcobaça – with a population of 58.000 and about 15 min from Nazaré. The fabulous monastery in the center of the town right by the rivers Alcoa and Baça (therefore the name Alcobaça) is on the UNESCO world heritage list. Worth a visit!
We believe that the coastline between Santa Cruz in the south up to São Pedro de Moel is the best coastline in Portugal and perhaps in all of southern Europe! Check out what we have for sale here.
Living all year around
The scenery is fantastic and you will find living towns all year round. It is only during a couple of summer months that the beaches and hotels will be busy, however never as crowded as for example the French riviera. During the rest of the year the area is ”Authentic Portugal”. No closed restaurants during the winter and no charter hotels.
Instead, a lot of culture, fantastic green nature and many different sports opportunities all year round.
Ocean sunset – also inland
The Silver coast is well know for the fabulous ocean sunset. Many homes in the area offer a sea view as the entire coastal strip is located on a slope in which the upper region is more than 100 meters above the sea level. You often see the Atlantic ocean even if you do not live right on the coast.
Endless beaches, hilly terrain, vineyards
Vast beaches (you will always find a private beach if you like), hilly terrain with expansive views in many locations. Hiking trails, forests, sand dunes, agricultural landscape. And past the coastal strip: vineyards and traditional agriculture with crops and livestock.
Many activities – surf, golf, MTB, hike…
Fantastic in every way! Surfing is world class. Peniche has one of two stops of the World Cup surfing, which says a lot about the quality of the surfing waves there. Here, you will also find everything that a beginner as well as the experienced surfers need with regards to shops, surf schools, rentals etc, always surf waves! Lately, Nazaré has become famous for the biggest surf waves in the world – they typically come during the winter. A most spectacular view.
World class golfing, mountain biking, racing biking, hiking, jogging in the amazing scenery and the fresh ocean air, to mention a few of the things that you can do on the Silver Coast.
On the World Heritage List
The region has four attractions included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites: the Monastery of Alcobaça, the Monastery of Batalha, The Convent of Christ of Tomar and the University of Coimbra.
Highest mountain and ski resort
Besides the World Heritage Sites, there are a number of other things to explore around the area. In the eastern part of the area, near the Spanish border, you will find Portugal’s single ski resort located in the stunning National Park, Serra da Estrela. Here, one also finds the mainland’s highest mountain with its 1991 meters above sea level. Portugal’s highest mountain is located on the Azores, Pico, 2,351 meters above sea level.
National park great for hiking and MTB
About 35 km north-east of Nazaré is a large national park “Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros” with beautiful scenery in the mountains, hiking trails and just north of there, in Pia do Urso, amazing mountain bike trails – 265 km of signed trails from green (easy) to black (experienced bikers only). Pia do Urso also offers the only footpath for the visually impaired throughout Europe.