Exploring Portugal’s Silver Coast

Portugal’s Silver Coast is a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and culinary delights.

Known as Costa de Prata in Portuguese, this region stretches between the southern region of Porto and the northern part of Lisbon, offering a stunning
coastal experience.

Whether you’re in search of pristine beaches, historic castles, nature reserves, or ancient villages, the Silver Coast has it all.

Its climate, characterized by mild winters and temperate summers, ensures that locals and visitors can enjoy its wonders throughout the year.

The Silver Coast is famed for its golden beaches, catering to various interests.

From the world-renowned surf destination of Nazaré with its giant waves to the peaceful shores of São Martinho do Porto, there’s a beach to suit everyone’s
taste.

Apart from its natural beauty, the region boasts a rich cultural heritage.

Quaint towns and villages like Óbidos, featuring a medieval castle and charming cobblestone streets, offer glimpses into Portugal’s historical past.

When it comes to food, seafood lovers are in for a treat, thanks to the abundance of fresh fish and shellfish owing to the region’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Delectable dishes such as grilled sardines and seafood rice are often on the menu.

Visitors can also enjoy meat dishes like the chanfana or the roasted suckling pig, which pairs perfectly with the local Espumante da Bairrada wine.

Oh, and don’t forget to leave room for one of the many rich desserts of the region.

When dining out on the Silver Coast, you can rest assured that it won’t strain your wallet.

Eating at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around 10 euros per person, while a three-course meal starts at approximately 25 euros per person.

Most beverages are also moderately priced, with a draft beer costing around 1.50 euros, soft drinks ranging from 1 to2 euros, and an espresso setting you
back just 80 cents.

Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, city life is also never far away, with easy access to the major cities, including Porto and Lisbon, by car or
public transportation.

Although the Silver Coast is not as favored as the Algarve, it’s starting to be on the radar of an increasing number of expats for its more calm and affordable
experience.

There’s also a fairly big mix of nationalities in the region, with expats from France and northern Europe being quite common.

Locations like Ericeira, Figueira da Foz, Óbidos, and Alcobaça have seen a greater increase in the number of new residents.

The Silver Coast boasts a moderate climate defined by balmy summers and rainy winters.

Thanks to the breeze coming in from the Atlantic Ocean, the summers tend to be quite bearable.

As you approach the coastline, expect greater humidity, while heading north brings cooler temperatures when compared to the south.

July and August stand out as the warmest months, with average temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).

During winter, the average temperature dips to approximately 15°C (59°F).

As in all of Portugal, the water is safe to drink—this includes public fountains.

The Silver Coast is a fairly wide area with many contrasts: urban versus rural, modern versus traditional, fully equipped versus in need of deep renovation.

This makes for a broad range of real estate prices and possibilities.

Generally speaking, you can find two-bedroom apartments starting at 150,000 euros, but sometimes great deals can show up for under 100,000 euros.

If you’re looking for a villa, a recently built three-bedroom house with a swimming pool, two bathrooms, and parking for three cars is on the market for
330,000 euros.

On the other end of the spectrum, buying a rural property in need of serious restoration (and with some land included) can cost as little as 30,000 euros.

The principles that dictate the price ranges in the property market are the same that rule over rental market values.

Rental prices range from 500 to 3,500 euros per month, depending on several factors.

For a one-bedroom apartment, prices usually go from 500 to 800 euros per month and over 2,200 euros per month for a modern four-bedroom apartment
with parking space, for example.

Some people refer to the Silver Coast as a “cheaper, less warm version of the Algarve.”

The truth is that, yes, prices tend to be lower than in the Algarve, and the breeze from the Atlantic prevents the Silver Coast from reaching impossibly high
temperatures in the summer.

However, it is also true that the Silver Coast has its own personality, and comparisons are often unfair.

On the one hand, choosing the Silver Coast will mean being able to indulge in the “sun, sea, and sand” lifestyle at (still) affordable prices.

It also means a very laid-back daily routine where sometimes it may feel like nothing happens.

I’ve known people who live on the Silver Coast and who love the region precisely because of that… But is that something you’re looking for and would
be happy with?

On the other hand, Porto, Lisbon, and Coimbra are easy to reach either by car or public transportation, so major cultural or sporting events are never far away.

The fact is, this region has been capturing the hearts of an increasing number of people.

Sincerely,

Cátia Lima

Portugal Letter Contributor

Editor’s note: Discover all that Portugal has to offer you when you join us for the 2024 Live And Invest In Portugal Conference.