Portugal Silver Coast: A Desirable Location for Expats

If housing feels expensive in the Algarve or Lisbon, the Silver Coast in Portugal is a 240 km stretch of coastline that can offer an alternative. Located along the western side of the country, between Lisbon and Porto, the area offers an affordable lifestyle on the Atlantic Coast. 

Called Costa de Prata by locals, the Portugal Silver Coast is known among expats for its beaches, medieval walled towns, surfing, four championship golf courses, and lower property prices. 

Those who live on the Silver Coast can take part in traditional Portuguese culture and live at a more relaxed pace. 

In this 2026 guide, you will find out why so many expats choose Portugal’s Silver Coast, from the coastline and cobbled villages to the big-wave surfing in Nazaré.   

Portugal Silver Coast: Key Takeaways 

As of 2026, the average property price is around €2,100–€3,450 per square meter, which varies based on the location, according to Numbeo.

There are four 18-hole golf courses in and around Óbidos: Royal Óbidos, Bom Sucesso, Westcliffs, and Praia D’el Rey.

The tourist season often lasts from June to September, plus winter surfing, as the area often has bigger waves during colder months.

The nearest airport, Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, is roughly a one- to two-hour drive away.

International schools are limited, with options such as the Leiria International School, Colégio Luso-Internacional do Centro, and the International School Torres Vedras.

For higher education, the main institution is the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria with campuses in Peniche, Leiria, and Caldas da Rainha.

It has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers (25°C–30°C) and mild, wet winters (8°C–15°C).  

The Silver Coast stretches 240 km along Portugal’s west coast. It is about halfway between Porto and Lisbon, and about a two-hour drive in either direction. 

The Silver Coast’s coastal areas extend from Santa Cruz in the south to Esmoriz in the north, and visitors often call Portugal’s Silver Coast “the real Portugal” because of its maritime history, traditional villages, and cobbled streets. 

Portugal’s Silver Coast is often regarded as a viable alternative to living in the Algarve. The coastline has far less development than the south, and the region also has access to good healthcare and plenty of things to do. 

Fairs and festivals run throughout the year. The region also has a number of golf courses and is becoming a major destination for golf tourism. 

It is also a popular destination for surfers, and places such as Peniche and Nazaré draw tourists from around the world. 

Proximity to major cities 

The Silver Coast is close to Portugal’s main cities. It sits between Lisbon to the south and Porto to the north, Portugal’s two most significant urban centers. At the same time, it is relatively inexpensive and less crowded. 

Food and farming 

Local cuisine is an integral part of the Silver Coast’s culture. The towns and villages across the countryside have narrow, historic streets that are popular with tourists. 

The region also has numerous small farms, vineyards, windmills, and fruit orchards. Many local farmers grow crops such as grapes, melons, pumpkins, and maize. 

Healthcare 

Portugal’s healthcare system is of a good standard, whether you are living in Lisbon, Porto, or decide to settle on the Silver Coast. It is ranked 21st in Numbeo’s 2026 mid-year Health Care Index. 

Portugal has universal healthcare, which is publicly financed by the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). Since June 2022, SNS consultations, exams, and treatments have been free of user fees for everyone registered, with one exception: Emergency department visits without a referral that don’t lead to hospital admission. 

Expats and foreigners can access public healthcare by obtaining a residence permit and registering with the local health center, as well as applying for a user card with a healthcare number. 

Close to airports 

The Silver Coast is about two hours from Lisbon airport and about one to three hours from Porto airport, depending on which part of the Silver Coast you are living in.  

From these airports, you can travel to key destinations, such as London, Madrid, and Paris, which are all only a couple of hours away. 

Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for people moving abroad, and there are several reasons why many are choosing the Silver Coast as their home. 

Real estate investments: The region’s property prices are a major drawcard for expats to the area, compared to other larger cities in Portugal. 

Cost of living: The cost of living in Portugal is lower than what expats might expect, and people moving to Portugal can expect to spend less on food, utilities, and rent. 

Golf courses: The Silver Coast has four 18-hole golf courses: Royal Óbidos, Bom Sucesso, Westcliffs, and Praia D’el Rey. 

Tourist attractions: There are several tourist attractions spread across the Silver Coast, such as the big waves in Nazaré, and the canals in Aveiro. 

Global community: English is widely spoken in Portugal, and the expat population is growing. However, outside of major cities like Porto and Lisbon, most people still prefer to speak Portuguese over English. 

History: The area has a long history, having been inhabited by Indo-Europeans and the Romans in ancient times. Many of its traditional towns still show traces of this heritage.  

Weather: The Silver Coast has a moderate climate. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and average temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F). 

For expats, the best places to live on the Silver Coast include Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, Peniche, and Ericeira, as well as inland towns such as Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha.  

Here are a few places for you to consider: 

Óbidos

Óbidos is a walled medieval town with whitewashed houses and events throughout the year. It is home to a castle, several churches, and the Óbidos City Museum. It is also known for its open-air summer concerts, a Medieval Market, and an International Chocolate Festival. Óbidos is inland, but it is close to beaches such as El Rey Beach and Arelho Beach. 

Praia D’el Rey 

Praia D’el Rey is about 10 km from Óbidos and is popular with golfers. The Praia D’El Rey Golf and Beach Resort sits on the Atlantic coast and offers a range of outdoor activities. The resort has apartments, townhouses, and villas for rent or purchase. 

Nazaré 

Nazaré is popular with locals, expats, and tourists. It is a fishing town, and some local women still wear the traditional seven skirts. 

Fresh seafood is served daily in the town’s restaurants. Praia do Norte in Nazaré is internationally known for its record-breaking waves, which draw surfers and water sports enthusiasts from around the world. For a slower pace, the town also has accessible beaches for sunbathing and seaside restaurants. 

Peniche 

Peniche is a coastal fishing town known for its waves. Baleal Beach is popular with surfers and is also used for beachside walks. 

Its windswept landscape may not appeal to everyone. Despite its proximity to Lisbon, Peniche remains an affordable option for property buyers and is quieter than the capital. 

This combination of access and a quieter pace is part of its growing appeal among locals and Silver Coast expats. Peniche is also the departure point for the Berlengas Islands, a protected nature reserve just offshore. 

The islands draw visitors for their biodiversity and the Fort of São João Baptista. 

Torres Vedras 

Torres Vedras is about 40 km from Lisbon, is accessible by public transport, and has a growing expat community. The town is best known as the site of the Lines of Torres Vedras, fortifications built during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century. 

The fortifications are now recognized as a National Heritage site. Torres Vedras is also known for its wine production. 

The town hosts one of Portugal’s best-known Carnivals. It also has several museums and churches, including the Igreja de Santiago, which has a Manueline-style facade. 

Aveiro 

Aveiro is a coastal city often called the “Venice of Portugal” because of its scenic canals, colorful boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. It has easy access to nearby beaches, and the famous Portuguese sweet treat ovos moles is from the region. 

Caldas da Rainha 

Caldas da Rainha is named after the thermal springs that led Queen Dona Leonor to establish a hospital there in the 15th century. Today, it is a UNESCO Creative City with a number of arts and cultural institutions. 

The city regularly hosts exhibitions and festivals. Caldas da Rainha is also known as a center for education, and it has a growing expat community. 

Lourinhã 

Lourinhã is a small coastal town just over an hour from Lisbon. Its landmarks include a 14th-century Gothic church and a 16th-century monastery, as well as a collection of Renaissance paintings by an unknown artist and a few dinosaur exhibits. 

Lourinhã also has beaches along the Atlantic coast and a local food and wine scene, especially its brandy. 

Property prices on the Silver Coast in 2026

Source: Idealista data (June 2026) 

The Silver Coast in Portugal suits people who want to live near the sea without paying Lisbon or Algarve prices, and who don’t mind a quieter pace outside the summer months.  

If you work remotely or live on a passive income, towns like Caldas da Rainha, Peniche, and Lourinhã could get you more space for your money. 

If you’d like help working out which residency option suits your plans, you can speak with Global Citizen Solutions.