Portugal's Silver Coast is an area of great natural beauty and cultural significance, and there are so many towns and villages worth visiting! In this post, we're highlighting 5 stops along the Silver Coast that you won't want to miss. These are places we've been and plan to return to!
Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz is definitely one of our favorites! It's a lively town that's known for its beaches and nightlife. It's a popular spot for surfing and has a long promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. Our favorites include Emanha (gelato), Sagres (seafood), Luzzo's (pizza), and soooo many more!!
The town is also home to the Casino da Figueira, which is one of the oldest casinos in Portugal. While we haven't visited the Casino yet, we have visited Emanha - a must visit for gelato! We always get a scoop of Emanha, the house flavor - it's sooo good!! The coffee with whiskey and whipped cream is pretty awesome too!
Óbidos
A charming medieval village that is surrounded by a well-preserved castle wall, Óbidos is known for its picturesque streets, traditional white-washed houses and the Óbidos Castle. It's also home to the annual Chocolate Festival, where you can sample all kinds of delicious chocolate treats and the Óbidos Medieval Market, where the town travels back to the Middle Ages! We visited during a typical weekday without any extra festivities or events and had such an amazing time just walking through the town within the castle walls. My fear of heights got in the way of walking along the top of the walls, but definitely check it out if you're brave - the views must be absolutely stunning!
São Martinho do Porto
A charming village located on a bay, São Martinho do Porto is known for its sheltered beaches and clear waters. This popular resort town is located on a wide sandy bay which is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a rocky headland that has been carved by the sea. It's a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and there's a lively promenade lined with restaurants and cafes.
Nazaré
A charming fishing village with a picturesque old town, Nazaré is known for its towering cliffs and incredibly powerful waves, making it a popular spot for surfers. The town is still an active fishing village and you'll see the locals drying their daily catch along the beach. The town also has a strong tradition of textiles and embroidery, and you can find many local craftspeople selling their wares. Nazaré can definitely be a bit "touristy" but it's a wonderful village with a lot to offer, and we definitely recommend checking it out! (We haven't seen the big waves yet and are hoping to plan a visit during the peak season this year.)
Foz do Arelho
Foz do Arelho is a picturesque village located on the banks of the Óbidos Lagoon. It's known for its beautiful beaches and its laid-back atmosphere. We didn't get to experience much of this area, since we just drove by on our way to Óbidos, but we definitely plan to head back and explore more of this beautiful spot!
The Silver Coast of Portugal is a truly unique and fascinating place. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine, it's a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, a foodie, or a thrill-seeker, there's something for everyone to enjoy along the Silver Coast!
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