There are few places on earth more beautiful than the Silver Coast of Portugal. When people think of Portugal, they usually think of the Algarve, yet the relatively unknown Silver Coast has so much more to offer than just sun and sea.
The “Costa da Prata” (as it is known to locals) is famous for its ancient towns, breathtaking sandy beaches, and rugged coastline.
But what makes it so special, apart from hosting some of the most pristine beaches in Europe? Well, those who live on the Silver Coast enjoy everything that traditional Portuguese culture offers and a high standard of living at a more relaxed pace. And it’s not only the incredible scenery that’s a plus, but there is also access to excellent healthcare and plenty of things to do.
Fairs and festivals run throughout the year, so you can always guarantee there will be interesting cultural events to look forward to. It also boasts a number of excellent golf courses and is becoming a major destination for thousands of tourists who come to enjoy golfing.
Why should you live on the Silver Coast in Portugal?
Portugal’s Silver Coast is a stunning alternative to the Algarve. The coastline is wilder and untouched, with far less development than the crowded south.
It is also a popular destination for surfers, and places such as Peniche and Nazaré are always busy with tourists from northern Europe. If you are looking to move to a local fishing town where all the amenities you need a just a short walking distance away, then both are top contenders. Yes, the Silver Coast can be nothing short of the dream spot to soak up the Portuguese sun, whether you are moving with a family, retiring to Portugal, or looking to work as a digital nomad for a while.
Portugal’s Golden Visa
Portugal is also an excellent option for those who are considering relocating to Europe, specifically because of Portugal’s Golden Visa Scheme, which allows those who make substantial investments to acquire residency in the country.
The Portugal Golden Visa program has recently undergone substantial changes. The new legislation is now in effect, and it's crucial to note that real estate investments are no longer a valid qualifying option within the program. However, several attractive investment routes still maintain their eligibility for the program. Please refer to our comprehensive guide: Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide. IMPORTANT UPDATE: PORTUGAL GOLDEN VISA - OCTOBER 2023
Proximity to major cities
Another reason to love the Silver Coast in Portugal is its proximity to Portugal’s main cities, and you’ll be able to enjoy city life quite easily. With easy access to Lisbon to the south and Porto to the north, the Silver Coast is well situated in between both of Portugal’s largest urban centers. At the same time, it is relatively inexpensive, authentic, and relatively undiscovered.
Great food
The local cuisine from the Silver Coast in Portugal is some of the finest that Europe has to offer and forms an integral part of the region’s culture. The area has a rich heritage, and tourists love the narrow, picturesque streets of the towns and villages that dot the countryside.
The regional agriculture also adds an authentic touch, with numerous small farms, vineyards, windmills, and fruit trees. Many local farmers grow soft fruits such as grapes, melons, pumpkins, and maize.
Excellent healthcare
Dive deeper into the subject matter with our all-encompassing handbook: ‘Healthcare in Portugal – A Complete Guide for Expats.’ This manual offers an in-depth exploration of everything you need to know about navigating the healthcare system in Portugal as an expat. From understanding public versus private healthcare options to registering for health services and dealing with language barriers, it’s a valuable resource filled with practical information.
The guide is readily available for download at your convenience.
Where is the Silver Coast in Portugal?
The Silver Coast stretches 240km from north to south and is a beautiful area on the west coast of Portugal. The Silver Coast is located about an hour north of Lisbon, situated between Porto and Lisbon.
The Silver Coast extends from Santa Cruz in the south to Espinho in the north. These days, the area is becoming more widely regarded as a suitable alternative to the Algarve. Visitors frequently refer to Portugal’s Silver Coast as “the real Portugal” due to its authenticity.
Closest airports
The Silver Coast is conveniently close to Lisbon airport, barely an hour away. It is also located just two hours away from Porto airport, depending on which part of the Silver Coast you are living. From these airports, you can travel to key destinations, such as London, Madrid, and Paris, which are all just a couple of hours away from Portugal by plane.
Why do so many expats choose to live on the Silver Coast in Portugal?
Affordable investments
Portugal’s low cost of living, as well as the exceptional value of real estate prices, continues to entice many expats to the area.
The Silver Coast first started gaining popularity in the late ‘90s with overseas buyers when the A8 motorway was built between Lisbon and the medieval town of Obidos, which greatly improved access to the region.
The cost of living, as well as the exceptional value that is offered in terms of rental prices and property prices, is a major reason why there is a growing expat community in the area. You’ll find everything from affordable and mid-range properties to more luxurious ones.
Rich history
The area has a long and fascinating history, having been inhabited originally by Indo-Europeans as well as the Romans in ancient times. Many of its traditional towns still bear the traces of its rich heritage, which adds to the charm of the spectacular landscape.
What’s the cost of living there?
Homes on the Silver Coast cost anywhere between €70,000 and €1m, but the price will really depend on where you are buying, the size of the properties, and the amenities. You should also be aware that property prices in the Silver Coast have been increasing in recent years but still remain quite affordable compared to many other parts of Europe.
The cost of living in Portugal is lower than what expats might expect in the UK. People moving to Portugal can expect to spend less on food, utilities, rent, etc.
Silver Coast weather
Just like the rest of Portugal, the Silver Coast has a moderate climate. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and average temperatures can get as high as 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). The hot and dry summers on the Silver Coast are not unbearable because of the breeze that drifts in from the Atlantic Ocean.
The average winter temperatures fall to about 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). December tends to be the wettest month, and there is an average of around 135 hours of sunshine per month in the winter and 300 in the summer.
Advantages versus Disadvantages of Living on the Silver Coast
Portugal is arguably one of the most popular overseas locations for expats who want to move abroad. So, what makes expat life on the Silver Coast such a beautiful option for tourists and expats?
The best golf courses in Europe
The best golf courses in Europe
The Silver Coast offers some of the best golf facilities in Europe, and it is a great option for those who are passionate about the sport.
Easy access to a great number of tourist attractions
The area is exceptionally beautiful, and there are a number of tourist attractions spread across the Silver Coast:
- The big waves in Nazaré
- The Portuguese Venice in Aveiro
- Palácio da Pena in Sintra
- Mosteiro da Batalha in Batalha
You’ve also got many fun outdoor activities for people to enjoy all all-year-round:
- Relaxing on the sandy beaches and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean
- Paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing
- Sailing
- Wine tasting
- Fresh and delicious seafood
Learn Portuguese – It can come in handy to learn Portuguese
English is widely spoken in Portugal, and the expat population is growing. Nonetheless, most people around still prefer to speak Portuguese over English. Learning at least some basic Portuguese will always make your time in Portugal easier.
The Portuguese Silver Coast is a great way to spend vacations with friends and loved ones. It is great for people who love being around water, and it has the perfect blend of culture, nature, and excellent cuisine.
Where are the best places to live on the Silver Coast?
Tip! Check out these articles from BePortugal (expat blog) to learn more about living in Lisbon or Porto.
- Living in Lisbon, a Comprehensive Guide to the Basic Necessities
- Your Guide to Living in Porto: Top Tips from an Expat
Tourists in the central Silver Coast in Portugal will be impressed with the ease with which they can find rental accommodation on the Silver Coast, Portugal. The area has numerous hotels, B&Bs, lodges, Airbnbs, and hostels, which are as varied as the needs of the visitors. You’ll also find longer-term rentals if you are looking to stay for a longer time in Portugal.
One of the region’s best-known resorts is the Praia D’El Rey Golf and Beach Resort, which attracts over 200,000 visitors per year.
Looking to invest?
Investors are becoming increasingly interested in purchasing property on the Silver Coast in Portugal. The Silver Coast rose to global recognition after the British TV program “A Place in the Sun” elected it to be the “Best Place to Buy in the Sun.”
If you would like to know more about buying property in Portugal, you can find detailed information in our article: Property For Sale in Portugal: All You Need to Know.
If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
Frequently Asked Questions about the Silver Coast in Portugal
What is the Silver Coast of Portugal?
The Silver Coast of Portugal, also known as the Costa de Prata, is a scenic coastal region along the western coast of Portugal. It stretches from the city of Porto in the north to the town of Ericeira in the south. The Silver Coast is praised for its beautiful beaches, historic towns, and excellent surfing conditions.
Where is the Silver Coast in Portugal?
The Silver Coast – or Costa de Prata – is located about an hour to the north of Lisbon, situated between Porto and Lisbon. It is a spectacular stretch of quaint coastal towns, golden beaches, and magnificent coastlines on the west side of Portugal. For many expats, this is one of the most desirable parts of Portugal, alongside Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Silver Coast Portugal towns to consider include Ericeira, Peniche, and Nazaré.
Portugal’s Silver Coast boasts a spectacular coastline of around 240km and is frequently referred to as “the real Portugal” by visitors. The best place to stay on the Silver Coast Portugal will completely depend on what you are looking for, whether it’sits a quaint, tucked-away village, a surf spot, or a slightly bigger town. The Silver Coast region includes some of the most stunning beaches on the west coast of Europe (such as Baleal Beach), as well as the incredible Óbidos lagoon. The historic cities of Tomar and Coimbra, two inland central locations, are also close by.
These days the area is becoming more widely considered to be a suitable alternative to the Algarve, and all across the western shoreline, you’ll find small villages and charming towns to discover. Not too far to the east of the Silver Coast – around two hours away from Figueira da Foz, you’ll come across Serra da Estrela if you’d like to experience some breathtaking mountain views.
What's the weather like on the Silver Coast?
Just like the rest of Portugal, the Silver Coast has a moderate climate. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and average temperatures can get as high as 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). The Silver Coast weather in winter sees average temperatures fall to about 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). December tends to be the wettest month, and there is an average of around 135 hours of sunshine per month in the winter and 300 in the summer.
What's the cost of living on the Silver Coast?
Homes on the Silver Coast cost anywhere between €70,000 and €1m. Properties in the central area of Silver Coast Portugal start at around €70,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. The cost of living in Portugal is lower than what expats might expect in the UK and in the US. People moving to Portugal can expect to spend less on food, utilities, rent, etc.
If you are looking for Silver Coast Portugal real estate, you’ll find many different types of property, including villas, modern apartments, and townhouses. Real estate prices will vary, depending on where you buy, but you’ll find them to be quite reasonable when compared with other European countries.
Where are the best places to live on the Silver Coast?
Silver Coast life is very good for both expats, locals, and tourists. Tourists in the central Silver Coast in Portugal will be impressed with the ease at which they can find accommodation. The area has numerous hotels, B&Bs, lodges, and hostels, which are as varied as the needs of the visitors. One of the region’s best-known beach resorts is the Praia D’El Rey Golf and Beach Resort, which attracts over 200,000 visitors per year. If you visit the region, you’ll find that some of the best European beaches are located on the Silver Coast in Portugal.
Silver Coast Portugal expats live in many different parts of the Silver Coast, including Ericeira, Peniche, and Nazaré. The beautiful coastal city of Aveiro is an excellent place to live. The vibrant city is known as the “Venice of Porto,” is situated close to the historic city of Porto and has all the amenities that you could possibly want. Caldas da Rainha is another place to consider, where the sulphuric waters are believed to have healing powers. However, all along the Silver Coast, you’ll find quaint villages and coastal towns that could prove to be the perfect home for you and your family.
Why not take a scenic ride from top to bottom to explore the region and decide on where you want to live? From calm waters to massive waves, you’ll come across everything on the Silver Coast. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you’ll be able to discover the region, given the small size of Portugal.
Not far from the Silver Coast, you have the bigger cities of Lisbon and Porto, so you’ll be within easy reach of a cosmopolitan city.
Is the Silver Coast cheaper than the Algarve?
The Silver Coast is generally considered to be cheaper than the Algarve. While the cost of living will completely depend on your lifestyle, you’ll find that the Silver Coast is one of the more affordable parts of the country.
Is the Silver Coast in Portugal expensive?
The Silver Coast is an affordable region to live in. You’ll find that most things, from property to groceries, are reasonable compared with the rest of Western Europe and the larger cities in Portugal. Remember that the cost of living will completely depend on your lifestyle.
What is the closest airport to the Silver Coast, Portugal?
The closest airport to the Silver Coast is Lisbon Airport, barely an hour away. It is also located just two hours away from Porto Airport, depending on which part of the Silver Coast you are living.
