The Silver Coast
There is some debate about the boundaries for the coastline but it is guaranteed that the Silver Coast stretches over 150km North of Lisbon and the area extends inland too.
Portugal’s silver coast is made of many different villages and towns. Some of the most popular places include Aveiro, surf town of Nazaré, Torres Vedras. Also historic towns like Coimbra make part of this wonderful coast. In this area you will discover beside the beautiful “silver” sandy beaches, mountain views, traditional Portuguese villages with friendly locals and some of Europe’s best golf courses.
Here are some of the main attractions on Silver Coast
Aveiro
Aveiro is frequently described as the Venice of Portugal, and it is easy to understand why. Aveiro is a city on the west coast of Portugal set along a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It's distinguished by its canals navigated by colorful boats (barcos moliceiros), traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Not far from its core, known for art nouveau buildings, is the Cathedral of Aveiro, with its prominent bell tower.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a district capital, the largest city of the Centre Region of Portugal. The city is near to both the mountains and the sea: 40 minutes away from Serra da Lousã - which belongs to the European network of protected areas, famous for its schist villages – and 2h30 away from Serra da Estrela - the highest mountain of Continental Portugal, well-known for its snow sports and local gastronomy. The city and the university of Coimbra are classified as World Heritage since June 2013 and have a thriving cultural life. The city is located on the banks of the Mondego River, where you can practice open-air sports or just relax on the grass. Especially in the downtown area, there are a lot of trees, parks, gardens and public squares.
Leiria
Leiria is a city and municipality in the Central Region of Portugal. It is the 2nd largest city in that same region. Surrounded by one of the oldest state forests in the world, the lovely old city of Leiria was once the southernmost outpost of the early Portuguese kingdom at a time when Lisbon was still under Moorish occupation. It is characterized by its wonderful landscapes, and it is a perfect escape for families, as it is close to many cultural points of reference.
Nazaré
A typical fishing town, Nazaré is nowadays a busy summer resort, where side by side with the crowds of tourists, one still sees all over the streets of the town the fish-sellers, and the carapaus (horse mackerel) laid out to dry. The Nazaré people's connection with the sea is reflected in the local handicrafts, in particular the nets, buoys, baskets and traditional puppets dressed in the typical costumes of seven skirts, as well as in the cuisine, with its emphasis on fish and shellfish dishes, such as caldeiradas (fish caseroles).
Peniche
Peniche is one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic hub for maritime-tourist activities. Before heading to the beach, your visit to Peniche must include a walk through the historic centre. The Peniche Fort is a must-see. You will learn all about it once inside, since it is currently the Peniche City Museum. In addition to fishing, which has always been one of the sources of income of its people, Peniche is also known for the art of bobbin lacework, perfected by the women while the men were out at sea. The beaches at Peniche are much appreciated. It is the setting for the major world surf championship, Rip Curl Pro Portugal, an event that is part of the World Surf League Tour. The Nature Reserve on the Island of Berlengas is a boat ride away. Its translucent waters are ideal for divers, who will find here a natural sanctuary for sea flora and fauna.
Torres Vedras
The city of Torres Vedras is situated about an hour north of Lisbon and a few kilometers inland. Although not immediately bursting with character there are a few sights worth seeing, many of which are concentrated in the jumble of cobbled streets that run down from the castle. This is also a town with a long and rich history. In the environs, besides the beaches of Santa Cruz and Porto Novo, with all the activity typical of a holiday resort, with golf courses, riding schools, hotels and swimming pools, there are also the hot spring spas of Cucos and Vimeiro, much sought after for the therapeutic qualities of their waters. The Carnival is the highlight of the town’s events. It has strong traditions in Torres Vedras, and is known as the most Portuguese in Portugal, because it maintains the allegorical parades and processions of decorated floats and gigantones (giant carnival figures) without yielding to foreign influences.
