The Algarve Of The North: 5 UNMISSABLE Silver Coast, Portugal Towns

Known as the Algarve of the north, the Silver Coast, Portugal may well be the country's last kept secret. With unspoiled beaches, friendly villages, and surf as good as other well-known beaches dotted around the country.

The biggest pull of the Silver Coast is that it remains (at least for now) a hidden gem, meaning that no matter the time of year you visit, you're guaranteed to experience the REAL Portugal, grab the best spot on the beach, share a beer with the locals, and catch all of the best waves.

It's not just for keen surfers- the Silver Coast is an up-and-coming hub for digital nomads, as well as being popular with retirees. 

In this post, we'll be letting you know 5 places on the Silver Coast that ooze Portuguese charm and will leave you aching to return.

Where Is The Silver Coast, Portugal?

Silver Coast stretches over 150km along the west coast of Portugal and is situated in between the cities of Porto and Lisbon. The start and end points are well debated but the general consensus is that it starts around the town of Peniche and ambles its way up the coast, finishing just south of the city of Porto.

It might surprise you that the Silver Coast doesn't just encompass beach destinations but inland villages and towns too. Some of the most notable locations on the Silver Coast include Nazaré, Óbidos, and Peniche. 

The Silver Coast, Portugal gets its name from the mesmerizing sight of the sun as it hits the waves, and turns the azure water to a shimmering silver, before rolling lazily into the bays along the coast. 

Just a 1-hour drive from Lisbon, the Silver Coast is easily accessible to anyone arriving in the country and makes the perfect getaway from the city.

The Silver Coast is known to locals as the Costa Del Prata and the lack of development makes this collection of ancient towns and rugged coastline all the more special. If you loved the Algarve before it exploded in popularity, consider the Silver Coast, Portugal for your next trip.

When To Visit Silver Coast, Portugal

 The Silver Coast experiences a similar climate to the rest of southern Europe, with summertime temperatures of over 30°C/ 86°F and winters that usually don't drop any lower than around 14°C/ 57°F.

The Silver Coast faces out onto the Atlantic Ocean, meaning the area can experience some winter winds, so we recommend visiting either in the summer, or if your tolerance for hot weather is low, consider visiting in the spring or autumn when daytime temperatures average around 18°C/ 64°F.

5 Towns To Visit On The Silver Coast

The Silver Coast is full of quaint villages and relaxed beach towns that will delight anyone who sets foot on them, but these are 5 of the best spots you can visit while on the Silver Coast, Portugal.

Nazaré

Starting with the most well-known town on the Silver Coast, Nazaré has a reputation among surfers as one of the best destinations in Europe to head to in order to catch some gnarly waves. 

While some of the beaches in the town are suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers, it's advanced surfers who will love the surf scene around Nazaré.

Alongside surfing, this relaxed coastal town serves up delicious street food and holds festivals for Our Lady Of Nazaré, which brings travelers to the town.

Nazaré also has a funicular which is fun to ride on and reaches 328 meters, giving those aboard panoramic views of the town and ocean beyond.

There is also a funicular hike that takes you up to the viewing platform by foot and takes around 1 hour to complete.

Aveiro

Aveiro looks different from other cities along the Silver Coast due to its architectural style that takes heavy influence from the Art Nouveau period.

If you love Venice, chances are you'll also love Aveiro with its canal that you can ride up and down by colorful boat. These boats were traditionally used to harvest seaweed, although these days they are used to ferry tourists about.

There is an old town to explore and points of interest include the cathedral, museum, and the Praia da Costa Nova beach.

Peniche

The most western town in continental Europe, Peniche is known for its quality surf breaks. As well as catching the waves, you might also want to dip your toes in them at one of the town's best beaches, which include Praia dos Supertubos, and Baleal Beach. 

Peniche is the perfect destination for heat haters, with the maximum temperature reaching just 21°C/ 70°F even in the summer months.

If history and culture are what warms you to a destination, you'll also be drawn in by Peniche with its marine fortifications around the city, including the popular Fort of Peniche which was built in the 16th century and sits out to sea.

Óbidos

Heading inland a little is the city of Óbidos which is home to one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal", Óbidos Castle. A great place to don your walking boots, nature lovers will love hiking the Óbidos castle wall which is a unique experience that delivers magnificent views for miles. The castle is medieval and was built sometime between the 14th and 16th centuries, making its well-preserved state remarkable.

Visitors to the town experience the sensation of stepping into a fairy tale that's been frozen in time.

Óbidos holds a lot of history and the town was a gift from King Denis of Portugal to his queen back in 1282. The queen fell in love with the city and in all likelihood, you will too.

It's not just the castle that offers a big dose of culture, the town has been named a UNESCO Creative City of Literature with over half a million books. With just 3,000 residents, that's a lot of reading that must be happening in the town of Óbidos.

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Torres Vedras

As one of the most traditional towns on the Silver Coast, Portugal, Torres Vedras gives visitors a taste of what Portugal is like behind-the-scenes.

While other towns along the coast are known for their majestic beaches or intriguing culture, Torres Vedras is known for its wine.

With rolling hills and tumbling valleys surrounding the town, Torres Vedras produces some of the best wine in Portugal.

That's not to say there's not a healthy dose of culture in this town on the Silver Coast too. As well as vineyards aplenty, Torres Vedras also has a castle which was used for protection in battle as well as the lines of Torres Vedras which are a famous talking point of the town now, but we're once important lines of forts and other defense mechanisms used to defend the capital city of Lisbon in the Peninsular war from 1808-1814.

Final Thoughts On Silver Coast, Portugal

From glistening sands, and colossal waves, through to castles and forts straight out of a folktale, Silver Coast, Portugal is the perfect European destination for tourists seeking out quieter parts of the country than the busy beaches of the Algarve or the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.