8 Best Places You’ll Want to Visit on the Portugal Silver Coast
The Portugal Silver Coast is a truly amazing part of Portugal that has it all – beautiful beaches, great surf, history, great weather and delicious food.
Whether you’re driving along the coast on a Portugal road trip, or planning some day trips from Lisbon to the Silver Coast in Portugal, you’re going to discover some super cute towns and stunning beaches.
Some of the towns on the Siler Coast include Nazaré, famous for the gigantic waves in the fall and winter that attract surfers and tourists from all over the world, or Obidos, home of Ginjinha and beautiful buildings are the top places to visit in Portugal.
There are also places like Peniche and Ericeira which are not only great for surfing but are super cute to walk around or just head to for a beach day somewhere different.
So, if you’re travelling around Portugal, make time in your itinerary for a trip to the Silver Coast!
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite towns along the coast that you should visit, what to do there and a few tips on where to stay based on your budget.
Table of Contents
What is Portugal’s Silver Coast?
Portugal’s Silver Coast, also called Costa de Prata in Portuguese, is a stunning stretch of coastline in central-western Portugal. It runs from the city of Porto Portugal in the north to Ericeira in the south. The Silver Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages, and historical attractions. It’s a popular destination known for its sandy shores, delicious seafood, and interesting places to visit like Aveiro, Coimbra, Nazaré, and Óbidos.
Map of these towns on Portugal’s Silver Coast worth visiting
Click the Silver Coast Portugal map below to open it up in Google Maps and get directions when you’re traveling in Portugal.
Surfing in Ericeira
Though technically not within the official boundaries of the “Silver Coast,” Ericeira isn’t far from the boundary and is well worth visiting so I felt I had to include it on this list.
Ericeira is a cool surf town just north of Cascais and Cabo da Roca.
Over the years, Ericeira has gained popularity as a hot spot for surfing, particularly for beginners and intermediate surfers but this little town has it all, from cute cafes to incredible surf beaches.
If you’re not into surfing because Ericeira offers plenty of other things to do including cool cafes and restaurants, beautiful buildings and beaches that are perfect for relaxing on.
Make time to explore the coastline south and north of Ericeira as it’s beautiful and you can find some true hidden gems along the way.
Where to stay in Ericeira
- Budget: WOT Ericeira Surf Hostel
- Mid-range: Casa das Conchas
- Luxury: Reserva FLH Hotels Ericeira
Aveiro
Aveiro is the northernmost city along the Silver Coast, and it’s definitely a must-visit spot in this part of Portugal. It’s also the biggest city on this list, so there are plenty of things to do in Aveiro.
What makes Aveiro special is its old town, which has a cool Art Nouveau style of architecture. The buildings are unique and colourful, giving the city a unique feel.
Aveiro is a popular place and draws visitors from all over. While it’s generally not associated with surfing to the extent that some of the other cities are (like Nazare and Ericeira), it does actually have some decent waves so you could do an afternoon surfing if you like.
One of the coolest things about Aveiro is that it has a canal. You can take a boat ride on a moliceiro boat, which is a bit like the gondolas in Venice.
Definitely don’t miss this! One of the best ways to experience this thing to do in Aveiro is to book this boat cruise and walking tour where you can learn more about the town from a local guide.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out the cute colourful houses by the beach for the photo ops!
Where to stay in Aveiro
- Budget: Veneza Hotel
- Mid-range: Costa do Sal Hotel Boat Lounge
- Luxury: Melia Ria Hotel & Spa
Nazaré big waves
Nazaré is a super cool city along the Silver Coast that has become well known for a few reasons (mostly due to the huge waves there!).
It’s not all about the waves though. The city itself is worth spending time in too. From great cafes, to cool shops and beautiful buildings. Going up (or hiking up) the Nazare Funicular is a fun thing to do too and you’ll get some great views once at the top.
When it’s time to go check out the waves, be sure to head to Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo. This is the best sport to see the waves in Nazare and the best time is from November – January.
The really big waves are on the north side of Nazaré at Praia da Norte. But don’t worry if you’re not a pro surfer, because you can still have a great time surfing at Nazaré Beach (Praia da Nazaré). There are surf schools and lessons available if you want to learn, or you can bring your own board and catch some waves.
Or, you could try jet skiing which is super fun!
Where to stay in Nazaré
- Budget: Nazaré Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Praia
- Luxury: Real Holidays Nazare
São Martinho do Porto
Places like São Martinho do Porto will leave you amazed by the beauty of Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Just 15 minutes south of Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto often gets overlooked but it’s well worth a visit in my opinion.
One of the highlights of São Martinho do Porto is the crescent-shaped beach with some awesome viewpoints on either side that I’d recommend walking up to.
Oh and stop off at the beach that faces the São Martinho do Porto Bay, it’s regarded as one of the best beaches in Portugal so it really cant be missed!
Where to stay in São Martinho do Porto
- Budget: Look nearer Nazaré or Obidos
- Mid-range: Hotel Concha or Hotel Atlantica
- Luxury: Storytellers Palace
Foz do Arelho
Foz do Arelho is just 15 minutes south of São Martinho do Porto (also on this list) and is another town on the Portugal Silver Coast which is worth visiting.
While it’s much quieter than some of the other towns on this list, it offers a nice break from the crowds and has enough to keep you entertained for half a day or so (more if you want to just have a beach holiday!).
Foz do Arelho boasts miles of stunning beaches. Two of the most popular ones in the area are Praia da Foz Arelho and Praia do Bom Sucesso, which are located on opposite sides of the lagoon. There’s loads of room on both these beaches to sunbathe or paddle in the waters too.
When you’re feeling the need to stretch your legs, you can walk some of the trails along the coast, into the town and around. Just stroll and take turns whenever you feel like it and you’ll discover some great views!
Where to stay in Foz do Arelho
- Budget: Agua d’Alma Hotel
- Mid-range: Casa do Mar
- Luxury: Quinta da Foz
Peniche
Peniche is another little gem of a town along the Portugal Silver Coast. It’s renowned for its beaches which are just as pretty (if not more so) than those in the Algarve, but far quieter.
If you’re keen to try out some watersports then you’ll love Peniche. The coastal winds here are great for kitesurfing, windsurfing and body boarding and don’t forget the surfing!
Visiting Fortress São João Baptista is another thing to do in Peniche that’s well worth doing. The castle is on an island just a short boat ride away and it’s got a pretty interesting history.
You also can’t miss taking a boat trip out to the Berlengas Islands which are absolutely beautiful. This boat trip takes you to some secret caves and on some cool walks too.
Peniche has some great restaurants too. I had a great meal at Restaurante D Raiz.
Where to stay in Peniche
Below are some options if you’re looking for Peniche’s best place to stay Silver Coast Portugal.
- Budget: Selina Peniche
- Mid-range: Casa do Campo
- Luxury: The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat
Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz, or Figueira, is a coastal city located just an hour south of Aveiro along the Portugal Silver Coast.
Since it’s along the coast, it also has a beautiful beach that is within walking distance from the town center. It’s so worthy of being on this list of the best places to visit Silver Coast Portugal has to offer.
The trend of incredible beaches continues throughout the Silver Coast, and Figueira da Foz is no exception. The beaches here are simply beautiful. Pack a picnic, a beach towel and perhaps a sunshade and get ready for a relaxing few hours on the beach.
Or, if you need some more activity on your beach day you can go surfing, body boarding and more.
When you’re finished at the beach, the main street connecting to the shore is lined with restaurants and cosy cafes for some food and drinks.
Another thing worth doing in Figueira is hiking to the Cape Mondego Viewpoint.
You’ll follow a trail along the coastline and then come to the end where you get amazing panoramic views of the coast and the town of Figueira too.
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, riding the waves, hiking or just enjoying some good Portuguese seafood and drinks, a trip to Figueira is well worth it!
Where to stay in Figueira da Foz
- Budget: Hostel 402
- Mid-range: EXE Wellington
- Luxury: Malibu Foz Hotel – La Maison Younan
Walled City of Óbidos
Óbidos is another town on Portugal’s Silver Coast but it sits a little inland.
While there are no beaches here, it’s still well worth visiting Obidos, and in fact, it’s probably one of my favorite places on this list and one of the prettiest Silver Coast Portugal towns on this list.
Obidos is a medieval town with a castle wall and that’s where you’ll find one of the main attractions in Óbidos: the castle. The town is considered considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal”!
Take a walk along the Óbidos castle wall to take in the views of the surrounding Portuguese countryside and then wander through the streets taking it all in.
This medieval tales and secret spots walking tour in Obidos is a great way to learn more about the town!
Where to stay in Óbidos
- Budget: Hostel Argonauta
- Mid-range: Casa Coloridos
- Luxury: Casa Senhoras Rainhas – Óbidos
FAQs about Portugal’s Silver Coast
Is Silver Coast Portugal expensive?
The cost of living and travel expenses on the Silver Coast of Portugal can vary, but in general, it is considered more affordable compared to some other popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Where is Silver Beach in Portugal?
The Silver Coast is a region in Portugal that stretches along the western coastline from Porto in the north to Lisbon in the south. It is not a specific beach but refers to the coastal area as a whole.
Where is the best place to go on the Silver Coast Portugal?
Some of the best places to go on the Silver Coast areNazaré for its impressive waves and surf culture, Óbidos for its historic charm and castle, and Peniche for its excellent surfing conditions!
Final thoughts on exploring the Silver Coast of Portugal
Portugal’s Silver Coast is full natural beauty, pretty towns, and exciting adventures.
From the beaches of Nazaré and Foz do Arelho to the charming streets of Óbidos and Ericeira, each destination along the Silver Coast has something to offerof
Whether you’re looking for world-class surf breaks, relaxing beach days, history and culture, or simply the joy of discovering hidden gems, the Silver Coast has something for everyone.
Pack your bags, and enjoy your visit to the Portugal Silver Coast!
Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Hannah
Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe, a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada, you’ll find posts on all of this.
Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.
Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.
