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 pristine golden beaches, catering to various preferences.
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…
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 and 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.
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, making for a broad range of real estate prices and possibilities.
Generally speaking, you can find two-bedroom apartments with one bathroom 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 space for three cars can cost you around 330,000 euros.
Those who are looking for a lavish home can, for instance, find a modern four-bedroom, two-story villa with a swimming pool and garage for two cars for about 825,000 euros.
The principles that dictate the price ranges in the property market are the same that rule over rental market values.
As a rule, 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.
There are many schools on the Silver Coast, both private and state-funded, including three international schools.
In terms of grocery shopping, the Silver Coast has the same supermarket chains you’ll find across the country: Minipreço, Aldi, LIDL, Pingo Doce, and Mercadona, as well as hypermarkets like Intermarché, Auchan, and Continente.
Small grocery shops can still be found, especially in less urban areas.
A special note must be made about markets, which are in abundance in the region. The most well-known ones are in São Martinho do Porto, Óbidos, Nazaré, and Caldas da Rainha (the iconic Praça da Fruta, the longest ongoing daily market in the country, which began in the Middle Ages).
How much you spend on your weekly grocery shopping can vary a great deal depending on where you go. Markets will often have lower prices, and small grocery shops can also be a good surprise. If you require cleaning services, the hourly rate begins at 7 euros. Adjustments to this rate may be needed, depending on the level of effort involved.
The easiest way to find a cleaner is to ask around in your community. There are companies providing this type of service as well, with prices starting around 7 to 8 euros.
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,
Contributing Editor, Europe Uncovered
