“The Silver Coast in Portugal, or Costa de Prata, is a stunning stretch of coastal towns on the western side of Portugal, neighbouring the Atlantic Ocean.” “The region remains largely unknown and therefore untouched by tourism, meaning those who do visit can bask in the extraordinary “silver” sand.”
Beaches
“Praia da Nazaré”
“Located north of Figueira da Foz, this beautiful beach offers visitors the best of unspoilt sandy dunes and top-notch waves for surfing.”
“A small beach surrounded by big looming cliffs with gorgeous aqua waters, and plenty of fish to watch or catch.” “Situated north of Peniche, this is a popular location for surfing.”
“Foz do Arelho Beach”
A beautiful lagoon beach with crystal clear waters, surrounding cliffs, and buzz of beach bars and restaurants.”
The area
Peniche
Peniche is a popular seaside location for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. It has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defence and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. And since Peniche is still a fishing port, the fish and seafood could not be fresher.
Nazaré
Known for its gigantic waves and surf scene, Nazaré is a picturesque coastal resort filled with beach umbrellas in the summer months. The town isn’t all beach and waves, but also a popular destination over Carnival and New Year’s celebrations too.
Óbidos
[Surrounded by a city wall, a walk through the city centre feels like a walk back in time. Óbidos is a historic village, decorated with cobblestone paths and whitewashed homes. A place that will make you feel like knights and princesses.
Obidos lagoon
Obidos lagoon (Lagoa de Obidos) is a beautiful beach and saltwater bay close to the pretty walled city of Obidos. The beach is a popular tourist destination as it offers both calm bathing waters and more exciting surfing swell. Lagoa de Obidos is the largest saltwater lagoon in Portugal with the lakes and waterways extending inland for 6 kilometers.
São Martinho do Porto
São Martinho do Porto is a nice village at a beautiful and calm bay. This bay is a shell-shaped lagoon. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a small passage between the hills.
Around the bay is a wide sandy and family-friendly beach, and next to the beach hills and dunes. During summer season there are many blue-white tents on the beach, you can rent them to store your beach gear or relax in the shade. The port is at the north-side of the bay, all the boats are located around this area.
Alcobaça
Alcobaça lies in the valleys of the Rivers Alcoa and Baça, which according to some authors is the origin of its name. It has also been suggested that it was the Arabic name of the place which was split to name the two rivers.
Alcobaça owes its fame and development to the Monastery or Royal Abbey of Santa Maria, founded by the Order of Cistercians in 1153. Building began in 1178 on land donated by Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, to Friar Bernardo of Claraval, founder of the Order of Cistercians, in fulfilment of a vow made after the Christian reconquest of Santarém, held by the Moors until 1147.
Typical Portuegese dishes
in the Silver Coast
Arroz de Tamboril
A Portuguese dish prepared using monkfish, and cooked in laurel, garlic, and tomato stew with rice.
Polvo a Lagareiro
A whole octopus first boiled and then roasted in the oven, dressed in much garlic and olive oil.
Bacalhau
You cannot visit Portugal without trying one of its most famous dishes, Bacalhau, or codfish.
Caldeirada de Enguias
A fried eel stew, seasoned with saffron and often peppers and wine.
One of our favourite restaurants in the area
Pangeia Restaurante
Located on the hill above Nazare, serving spectacular Portuguese cuisine. The sea bass, octopus, and tiger prawns are dishes all served to perfection, amongst others on their mouth-watering menu. You also get the best ocean view, which is great for sunset. (Meals range €20 – €60) Rua Abel da Silva 50, Nazaré.
“Visit Website” “http://pangeiarestaurante.com
]You can find more information in the local tourist brochure or you can contact our property managers Stoffel and Moshi for more tourism tips.
Sporty adventures
Biking
Although the Portuguese are not very keen cyclists, the number of cycling paths is increasing and the government is working on the promotion of cycling.
If you would like to explore the area by bicycle, you can contact for example Buka Bike, or Bikerent Silvercoast . You can pick up the bikes at their place, but they also deliver the bikes at your holiday rental.
Hiking
OESTE, or the west, is an area in the centre of Portugal, and is part of the Costa de Prata or Silver Coast. This mainly green area knows bright light and a mild climate.
The landscape is very varied: ocean, woods, fields, lagoon, vineyards, rivers and bay, alternates with small white villages, ruines, windmills, white churches and typical hamlets. All of that in landscape with beautiful hills, from which you have stunning views.
There are lovely hiking possibilities in the nature park of Serras de Aire e de Candeeiros, or around the Lagoa de Óbidos. You can also get hiking routes at the tourist offices.
You can find more information in the local tourist brochure or you can contact our property managers Stoffel and Moshi for more tourism tips.