Affectionately known as the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast), Portugal’s central stretch of gloriously sandy shoreline is one of the most pristine parts of the country’s long, and in many parts, very dramatic oceanfront.
Extending some 250 kilometres (155 miles) from a point to the north of the capital, Lisbon, to just south of the city of Porto, it abounds in spectacular beaches dotted with quaint little fishing villages to form the most astonishing land and seascapes imaginable.
In the Silver Coast, sea and sand give way to numerous historic sights and architectural masterpieces in a vast region festooned with restored windmills and other relics of agricultural importance in the heart of the Estremadura region.
Inland, iconic medieval strongholds like the walled village of Óbidos are interspersed amongst the monumental monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha where many of the most important chapters of Portugal’s long and chequered history took place.
Lined by towering cliffs and fringed by shimmering sand dunes, the entire Silver Coast is a picture-postcard setting of seaside splendour encompassing some of Portugal’s most prized attractions.
Travellers en route north from the Costa de Lisboa can rarely resist a relaxing lunch stop at Azenhas do Mar, an idyllic village beautifully situated on a cliff-top overlooking a natural Atlantic swimming pool far below.
Further along the coast lies the vibrant beach resort of Ericeira, a town full of royal history where visitors can relax on its long sandy beach and dine on some of the freshest fish and seafood dishes in Portugal.
Where to go in central Portugal
Continuing up the shoreline brings you to a succession of traditional Portuguese seaside towns where long, golden, sandy beaches are just part of their overall appeal, such as Peniche, a historic place famous for its centuries-old harbour from which regular boats depart for the nearby Berlengas archipelago.
The thrilling journey north from Peniche (indicated on the map below) brings you to Nazaré, a bustling resort town with a magnificent beach that nowadays ranks as the undisputed big wave capital of Europe where fearsome Atlantic rollers often reach 30 metres (100 feet) in height!
One of the most glittering jewels in the Costa de Prata’s crown is Coimbra, a thriving city with a long, fascinating history that’s home to one of the world’s oldest universities. And whist in Coimbra, it would be a shame not to see Conímbriga, the most extensive Roman site ever unearthed in Portugal.
Just west of Coimbra lies Figueira da Foz, a lively resort town with a huge beach (one of the largest in the whole of Portugal) right at the mouth of the Mondego, the longest home-grown river in Portugal.
The sweeping Silver Coast offers its visitors some of central Portugal’s most diverse terrain, a prime example being the lush green forest of Buçaco where Benedictine monks lovingly tended this magical hideaway for over a thousand years.
And very close by (just 3 kilometres away), the curative properties of Luso’s abundant mineral water offers visitors an extensive range of affordable treatments at the town’s centuries-old spa centre.
A tour of the magnificent Costa de Prata often culminates with a night or two spent in the enchanting town of Aveiro (aka the Venice of Portugal) where a cruise on one of the striking moliceiro boats includes a visit to the Ria de Aveiro, a vast lagoon of mingled sea and fresh water that harbours a number of traditional fishing villages.
Need more sightseeing ideas for your next visit? Listen to the Portugal Travel Show, the podcast for people planning a trip to sunny Portugal…
