About the Silver Coast
The Silver Coast is a treasure of beauty and gets it's name from the effect of the sun on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean . If you are looking for a relaxing place, where the people are genuinely friendly, the wine is superb and the weather is almost perfect - then there are few choices better than the Silver Coast of Portugal. The area is readily accessible from both Lisbon and Porto airports - with flight times around 2 hours from the UK.
Unlike it's more famous and populous cousin - the Algarve ...here you can discover pretty villages and a real Portuguese way-of-life amongst stunning coastal scenery fringed with some of the best beaches in Europe. This area has some of the most spectacular scenery in Portugal. Just inland there are sea-water lagoons, villages set in the hills, castles, forests including the beautiful pine forest of Pinhal do Rei, the Berlengas Islands where there is good sea fishing and Berlengas Grande - a National Bird Reserve and a wide choice of other interesting and historical locations.
Traditionally a Portuguese holiday area, the Silver Coast remains relatively untouched by the mass tourism market and, if you are prepared to drive and walk a little way, you can guarantee a beach almost to yourself even in the height of the season. More robust than the Algarve coast and open to the Atlantic Ocean - the seas here are more vigorous, and offer some unrivalled surfing conditions.
- Fantastic Beaches
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Golf
- Water Sports
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Natural, Cultural and Architectural History
- Food and Wine
- . . . or just relaxing!
The Silver Coast's Climate
The beach season is shorter than that in the south but summer temperatures remain on a par - with slightly cooler and damper winters.
Towns and Villages on the Silver Coast
ALCOBAÇA
Reputed to be one of Portugal's greatest architectural masterpieces, the 12th century Cistercian monastery, Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit. Equally, the Museu de Vinho (wine museum) warrants an hour or two...and gives you the chance to buy some of the local produce!
The town itself is pleasantly low-key and has shops bursting with blue and white pottery.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Cafés
- Post Office
- Market
- Banks
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour
- Porto - 2 hours 15 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 30 minutes
BATALHA
Approaching Batalha from Leiria , the first sight of the town is the Abbey - a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic Architecture.
This Dominican Abbey - Santa Maria de Vitória a Batalha - was built to give thanks to the Holy Mary for the victory over the Spanish at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Banks
- Cafés
- Post Office
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 20 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 5 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 35 minutes
BOMBARRAL
In the 14th century Bombarral was an estate belonging to the Cistercian monks of the Alcobaça Monastery and. being set in agricultural land, is famous for it's wines and fruits (particularly pears).
The town is also known for it's enchanting Railway Station, decorated in rich tiles portraying the region's tradition of vineyards and wine-making.
There is an annual Wine Festival which attracts hundreds of visitors. Regional handicrafts include "loiça artistica" (decorated crockery); works in wicker; wood and wire.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Hotel
- Cafés/Bars
- Post Office
- Railway Station
- Banks
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 45 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 30 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours
BOM SUCESSO
Bom Sucesso Design Resort, Leisure, Golf and Spa - currently in the construction phase. Some of worlds leading architects have been involved in designing this exclusive resort to blend in with the beautiful valley setting, close to the historic town of Obidos. Set in just under 390 acres, comprising of 601 houses with the total area covered by the properties being less than 6.5% of the land. Each property has been individually designed to maximise the benefits of each individual plot
Facilities include:
- Heliport
- Championship Golf Course
- Spa
- Luxury Hotel
- Water Sports
- Shopping Mall
- Horse Riding at the Equestrian Centre
- Botanical Gardens
- Swimming Pools
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour
- Porto - 2 hours 30 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 15 minutes
CADAVAL
A picturesque area with rural houses scattered amongst vineyards and fruit trees, against the backdrop of the Serra de Montejunto, which is also home to the ruins of a 12th century monastery where the Dominican monks built deep tanks, linked by narrow passages, to store natural ice to supply Lisbon.
The local cuisine includes "Pão de Ló" of Painho; roast lamb; and "cozida à portuguesa" - a variety of meats, sausages and vegetables served as a stew-like broth.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 50 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 20 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 15 minutes
CALDAS DA RAINHA
Literally translates as the "Queens Spa", Caldas da Rainha, established in 1485, is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. The old town contains many historic and architecturally fine buildings, a large and very beautiful park, which contains the old thermal hospital, museums and a boating lake!
The daily fruit and vegetable market sells fresh locally grown produce from the surrounding area. Caldas da Rainha has a great variety of shops and specialises in ceramic ware.
There are a number of superb beaches in the area - the closest about 10 minutes away.
Facilities include:
- Good range of Shops
- Daily fruit and vegetable market
- Fish market
- Supermarkets
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Schools, Colleges and Universities
- Theatre
- Museums
- Banks
- Cinemas
- Hospitals
- Railway Staion
- Bus and Coach Station
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 45 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 15 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 15 minutes
FOZ DO ARELHO
Situated approximately 8 kms from Caldas da Rainha, Foz do Arelho is a picturesque seaside village set in an almost unique location overlooking both Óbidos Lagoon and the Atlantic coast. It has a choice of beaches: the sheltered and child-safe beaches surrounding the Lagoon and surf beaches of the Atlantic.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bank
- Bars
- Beaches
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 55 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 25 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 25 minutes
LEIRIA
This is a charming town with houses straddling archways and spectacular fountains all nestling below the magnificent hilltop castle.
Easily accessed from the main Lisbon/Porto A1 motorway and the A8 motorway which runs from lisbon up the Silver Coast. The nearest beaches are about 20 minutes drive.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Cinema
- Banks
- Bars
- Railway Station
- International Football and Athletics stadium
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 20 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours
- Faro - 3 hours 35 minutes
LOURINHÃ
Believed to have Roman origins, Lourinhã really put itself on the map when the French noble D. Jordan from Lorient was given this area by D.Afonso Henriques as a reward for his help in reclaiming Lisbon from the Moors.
Famous for its brandy, sites worth visiting include: Fonte Lima Park; The church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciação; The Convent and Church of St. Anthony ; The Fort of Paimogo; The Lourinhã Museum and the site of the Battle of Vimeiro - where the Portuguese and English armies defeated Napoleon's troops in 1808 during the French invasion.
The town is set just inland from 12 kms of coastline which is characterised beautiful beaches,cliffs and quiet bays. This area is predominantly agricultural with vines, fruit trees etc..
Activities in the area include:
- Fishing
- Diving
- Marine Photography
- Surfing
- Jet Ski
- Riding
- Tennis
- Hunting
- Karting
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Local Market - first Monday of every month
- Banks
- Bars
- Handicraft, Antiques and Collections Market - second Saturday of every month
- Hotels
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 45 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 45 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 10 minutes
NAZARÉ
Arguably, the most famous fishing town in Portugal and one of the Silver Coast's more well-known beach resorts. Famous for not only its history with the sea and fishing but also for the "Seven Skirts of Nazaré" - the fisher-women here still wear seven layers of colourful skirts, wooden clogs and a mainly black headscarf. The town has a great choice of seafood restaurants and a the typical local cuisine includes "Caldeirada à Nazarena" - a rich fish-based stew.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Banks
- Bars
- Beaches
- Hotels
- Funicular Carriage
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 15 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 15 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 35 minutes
ÓBIDOS
Wthout doubt, one of Portugal's absolutely "must-see" World Heritage sites. This fortified hilltop village is entirely enclosed by high medieval walls and overlooks a 16th century aqueduct.
Until the 15th century, it overlooked the Ocean, then the bay silted up, leaving the spectacular Óbidos Lagoon and land-locking the village. Cobbled lanes wander through the village, passing homes and small shops selling their wares, and lead up to the castle, which is now used as a Pousada.
Guided Tours are available and it is possible, with care, to walk along the top of the medieval walls.
A number of festivals are held each year including a chocolate festival - with sculptures and artwork made from chocolate; a medieval festival - when the whole town, including the castle, takes a few large steps back in time; various opera and classical music festivals, often performed in the open-air and within the castle grounds;Over the Chistmas period the whole town becomes an animated nativity scene.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bars
- Museum
- Pousada
- Guided tours
- A variety of annual festivals
- The nearest Golf Course is approximately 20 kms
- The beaches surrounding Óbidos Lagoon are +/- 12 kms
- The nearest Hospital is at Caldas da Rainha (9 kms)
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 45 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 20 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 10 minutes
PENICHE
One of the Silver Coast´s better known seaside towns and working fishing ports. Peniche has a reputation for surf and sand.
Formerly an island, it was connected to mainland in the late 16th century when a narrow isthmus was created by silt. From the Marina, small passenger boats ferry people to and from the Berlengas isles - Berlenga Grande being a national bird reserve - and Peniche Fortress, once used as a politcal prison, is well worth a visit.
Inside the old walled town is a pedestrian centre where a market is
usually held on the last Thursday of every month.Famous for its bobbin
lace, you can often see it being made locally or at one of the nearby
specialised schools.
There are numerous excellent seafood restaurants throughout the town.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants (particularly seafood)
- Hotels
- Cafés
- Banks
- Bars
- Beaches
- Surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Surf Camps and Campsites
- Bus Services
- Water Park
- Marina
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 10 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 40 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 30 minutes
PEROLA DA LAGOA
This new golf resort is set on the edge of the Óbidos Lagoon and is surrounded by pine woods.It is close to the established golf resort of Praia D'el Rey and the proposed new golf resort of Bom Successo. The first phase of construction consists of 90 plots and properties and, when finished, the resort will have the following.
Facilities include:
- 9 - hole Golf Course
- Driving Range
- Club House with Restaurant and views across Óbidos Lagoon
- Tennis Courts
- Swimming Pool
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 25 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 40 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 30 minutes
POMBAL
The busy town of Pombal is set in the valley of the Rio Soura. It owes its fame to the Marquês de Pombal, who died there while in exile in 1752 and a monument to him stands in the main square near the church of Sao Martinho.
Overlooking the town is the castle, which was renovated in the 16th century, and also worth-seeing is the 12th century church of Santa Maria do castelo.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Banks
- Bars
- Schools
- Hotel
- Cinema
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 35 minutes
- Porto - 1 hours 45 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 45 minutes
PORTO DO MÓS
The town is dominated by a hilltop castle that has two turrets topped with green tiled cone-shaped roofs and a beautiful sculpted loggia.
In this area there are approximately 96,000 acres of Natural Park that has a limestone landscape with undergrowth, olive groves and pastures. There are a large number of underground caverns with interesting rock formations and impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
The best known are the Grutas de Mira d'Aire, about 17 kms from Porto de Mós, with underground lakes and a labyrinth of tunnels and passages at a depth of approximately 110 metres (360 ft); and the caves of St. Anthony, at the Serra de Minde mountain. You can take a tour which includes a music, light and water show.
another place worth visiting is the Jurassic Belvedere, with a height of about 500 metres (1,640 ft) and formed by 15 limestone blocks and rock formations at the Aire and Candeeiros mountains. it is situated near the parish of Alqueidão da Serra, it gives panoramic views to the distant castles of Porto de Mós and Leiria, the Batalha Monastery and the Ocean.
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Banks
- Cafés
- Post Office
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 25 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 15 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 40 minutes
SALIR DO PORTO
Salir do Porto is typical of a Portuguese seaside village. From the beach, it is a pleasant stroll along the boardwalk and around the horseshoe shaped bay into nearby São Martinho do Porto which has more extensive facilities.
Facilities include:
- Small selection of Shops
- Multibanco (cash machine)
- Doctors Surgery
- Bars and Cafés
- Nightclub
- Beach
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 5 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 20 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 10 minutes
SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz is about 17 kms from Torres Vedras and because of the rare natural beauty of its beaches, it is one of the most sought-after coastal resorts of the region. Around Santa Cruz are more than twenty (20) beaches offering many kilometres of golden sand, often sheltered in small bays and surrounded by majestic cliffs - a paradise for surfers
Facilities include:
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Cafés
- Beaches
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 55 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 55 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 15 minutes
SÃO MARTINHO DO PORTO
A lovely, small, yet picturesque seaside town with an almost totally enclosed horseshoe shaped bay - making the waters calm and warm surrounded by sandy beaches.
Facilities include:
- Good selection of local shops
- Daily market selling fresh produce
- Vareity of Restaurants
- Cafés/Bars
- Cafés
- Railway Station
- Banks
- Hotels
- Medical Centre
- Beach
- Hospital - 12 kms at Caldas da Rainha
- Nearest golf course 18 kms
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 1 hour 5 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 25 minutes
- Faro - 3 hours 15 minutes
TORRES VEDRAS
Nestling on the south-western edgo of Serra de Montejunto, Torres Vedras has been inhabited over the centuries by the Celts, Visigoths, Romans and the Moors and was a royal residence from the mid-13th to the early 16th century.
This town is best known for its light, refreshing wines and the Lines of Torres Vedras, a network of fortified defences built by the Duke of Wellington in 1809 to repel Napoleon´s troops during the Peninsula War.
Torres Vedras is also reknowned for its yearly carnival, it being one of the three biggest in the country and definitely the most Portuguese in style and theme. Thousands of people turn out to see this event and the partying and superb humour goes on for days.
The town is set about 20 minutes from the coast and beaches.
Worth seeing:
- The restored Fort of São Vincent
- Ingreja da Graça
- The Lines of Torres Vedras
- Chafariz dos Canos
- Passo da Corredoura
- Windmills
- Castro do Zambujal (Bronze Age site)
- Municipal Museum Leonel Trindade
- Termas dos Cucos
- Manuelin Portal
- Convento da Graça
- The Spa waters at nearby Vimeiro
Facilities include:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Bars
- Cafés
- Vast selection of Shops
- Supermarkets
- Hypermarkets
- Chemists
- Banks
- Post Office
- Railway Station
- Schools
- Medical Centre
- Football Stadium
Approximate driving times from Portuguese Airports:
- Lisbon - 35 minutes
- Porto - 2 hours 45 minutes
- Faro - 2 hours 45 minutes
