Let yourself be enchanted by the Silver Coast Portugal, rich in history, culture and unparalleled natural beauty. Here you'll find sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, historic towns and villages and, of course, a gastronomy that perfectly combines fish, seafood and meat - the perfect region if you're looking for adventure.
In this article we'll explore what this region has to offer, so follow along for tips that will increase your curiosity about this destination.
But where is the Silver Coast Portugal?
Silver Coast lies between three districts: Lisbon, Santarém and Leira, straddling both the Atlantic coastline and the interior of the country. As well as stunning landscapes and charming towns and villages, the region is close to the capital Lisbon.
Destinations in focus in the Silver Coast Portugal
Óbidos the most charming medieval town in Portugal
This town is one of the most picturesque in the country, surrounded in its entirety by medieval walls (well preserved), offering visitors narrow streets full of flowers and whitewashed houses creating a charming atmosphere.
These are some of the points not to be missed during a visit to the town:
- Town main entrance and its XVII/XVIII-century tiles
- Church of Santa Maria de Óbidos
- Santiago bookstore (ancient royal chapel)
- VIII century Moorish castle
Peniche, the surfers "Meca"
This is probably the best-known surfing destination in Portugal and abroad. This peninsula is home to some of the best waves in the world. Supertubos beach and Baleal are the beaches of choice for practicing this sport. You can always combine sport with the rich gastronomy associated with fresh fish.
Not to be missed in Peniche:
- Supertubos beach
- Baleal beach
- Carvoeiro cape
- Museum of Independence
Nazaré, the land of Giant Waves and fishing traditions
Yes, if Peniche is known for being the “Mecca” of surfers, Nazaré is no exception and in the last 15 years has become known as the land of giant waves. Today the town attracts professional surfers from all over the world who want to surf what are considered to be the biggest waves in the world.
Then, of course, there's so much more! Highlights include the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline, as well as the traditions associated with its people, such as the drying of the fish or where the oldest women still wear seven skirts. Caldeirada de Peixe (fish stew) or Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) are two gastronomic dishes to try.
What to visit if you're in Nazaré:
- São Miguel Arcanjo fortress
- Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
- Funicular
Caldas da Rainha and its centuries-old thermal baths
This city planted between hills and beaches is known for its thermal baths, where its thermal hospital is considered the oldest in the world. But not only that, the city is also known for its rurality, where the “Praça da Fruta” is the only traditional open-air market open every day of the year. Here you can find fresh fruit and vegetables as well as a variety of local cheeses.
Off the beaten tourist track, this is the place to visit:
- Thermal Hospital
- Street market
- D. Carlos I
- José Malhoa Museum
Alcobaça the city of love
Alcobaça is known for its monastery and for the love story of King Pedro I and Queen Inês de Castro. But there's more to discover in the city. In association with the monastery of Santa Maria, you can try the convent sweets, including the cornucopia.
Not to be missed in Alcobaça:
- Santa Maria monastery (UNESCO heritage)
- Wine museum
- Conventual pastry
Silver Coast Portugal: Culture and traditions
The Silver Coast Portugal is rich in cultural traditions, crafts and festivities, some of which are centuries old. These include:
- Ginja de Óbidos: A true nectar of the gods that today is drunk in a glass of chocolate.
- Bordalo Pinheiro: The master who revolutionized ceramics and the dynamics of the city of Caldas da Rainha.
- Dried fish: In Nazaré there is an open-air museum showing how this activity is carried out.
- International Chocolate Festival: This is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in the country and brings even more magic to the surroundings of Óbidos castle.
Gastronomy in the Silver Coast Portugal region
The Silver Coast is known as the “breadbasket” of the capital. Fresh ingredients abound, transforming the quality of any dish.
- Fish stew: in this stew, the star of the dish is the fresh fish
- Bacalhau à lagareiro: as it should be, here too we find the king of the Portuguese table (codfish)
- Pão de Ló de Alfeizerão: This delicacy of the gods is one of the most popular conventual pastries in Portugal (similar as a Sponge cake)
When is the best time to visit the Silver Coast Portugal?
- Summer: this is the ideal time to visit the region's long sandy beaches and also to enjoy festivals such as the Óbidos Medieval Market.
- Autumn: The mild temperatures will allow you to visit the historic towns, or go birdwatching in the Óbidos lagoon.
- Winter: Ideal for watching the giant waves of Nazaré
- Spring: If you like hiking or walking outdoors, this is the ideal time to visit the region
Events not to be missed in the Silver Coast Portugal
Let's make a list of events and activities that you'll want to visit in the Western region:
- Medieval Market: In the summer this is probably the most popular event. It takes place during July and August in the town of Óbidos
- Caldas Late Night: This is an art festival held by university students at Caldas da Rainha (late May)
- International Exhibition of Alcobaça Conventual Sweets & Liqueurs: takes place during the month of November
- World Surf League: Every March at the Supertubos beach in Peniche
Conclusion
In conclusion, this region north of Lisbon is the perfect example of how you can mix history, culture and nature in your trip, and is ideal for planning a shorter or longer visit if you have the time.
Either way, we're here waiting to show you the best we have to offer.
Get local with a local!