Portugal’s Silver Coast, or Costa da Prata in Portuguese, is best known for its ancient towns with cobblestone streets, breathtaking beaches, and rugged cliffs. On the Silver Coast, you can enjoy a high standard of living at a relaxed pace. You’ll find incredible scenery, easy access to excellent healthcare, year-round fairs and festivals, and some of the best golf courses in Europe.
Compared to the popular Algarve region located on the southern Portuguese coast, the Silver Coast offers a wilder, more rugged existence with less development and more active water sports. Traditional surfers are drawn to the enormous waves of Nazaré while paddle boarders, kite surfers, and bodyboarders enjoy the calmer beach areas.
Where Is The Silver Coast, Portugal?
On the western border of Portugal, the Silver Coast is located between two of Portugal’s best-known cities. The capital city of Lisbon lies one hour to the south and Porto is two hours to the north. Tucked between these thriving cities you’ll find a relatively undiscovered and authentic area that is both picturesque and inexpensive.
The Silver Coast boasts 150 kilometers of stunning beaches and coastline, sometimes referred to as “the real Portugal.” These stunning beaches run along the western edge, while the top of the Serra da Estrela mountain range defines the eastern side of the Silver Coast.
Although popular for its famous historic cities such as Tomar and Coimbra, the smaller towns and villages around the countryside also draw visitors for their rich heritage and narrow, winding streets. You’ll find small farms, fruit orchards, vineyards, and more. The nearest airports in Lisbon or Porto offer direct two-hour flights to London, Madrid, and Paris.
Why Retire To The Silver Coast, Portugal?
1. Culinary Delights
If you are a seafood lover, you’ll be delighted with the cuisine on the Silver Coast. You’ll find some of the finest and freshest seafood dishes in all of Europe in the many ocean-side restaurants.
2. History
The Silver Coast has a long, fascinating history due to its Roman and Indo-European occupation long ago. You can find evidence of these ancient cultures throughout the area, and Fatima is especially well known as a pilgrimage destination for the faithful.
3. Natural Beauty
From breathtaking beaches with rugged cliffs to sunset views and peaceful drives through the countryside, the Silver Coast has it all. Common pastimes include sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and golf. Don’t miss the town of Aveiro which is known as the Portuguese Venice for its canals and waterways. Not long ago the Silver Coast became globally famous when the British TV program A Place in the Sun named it the “Best Place to Buy in the Sun.”
4. Excellent Property Values
The Silver Coast offers very affordable properties with a low cost of living and great value. Compared to property options in the Algarve, you can find similar properties here listed at half the price. However, the rental income opportunity is better in the Algarve because there are more tourists and visitors. Silver Coast properties can be a smart value purchase that will provide a high-end lifestyle. Also, foreigners can qualify for a mortgage here with excellent interest rates near 1.5% or lower.
You’ll find beachfront property listed from 250,000 euros to 1 million euros or more. Inland in the Central Area of the Silver Coast, properties start at 70,000 euros for a 2-bedroom apt. In general, the cost of living is lower than in the States or the U.K. for basic expenses such as rent, food, utilities, etc.
5. Climate
Portugal enjoys the same moderate climate throughout the country, averaging 86°F in the summer and 59°F in the winter. July and August are the hottest months and December is the wettest. You can expect 135 hours of sunshine each month in the winter and 300 hours of sun per month in the summertime.
6. Language
Living in Portugal can be an easy transition for English-speakers because English is spoken throughout the country and the expat community is growing. However, the locals prefer to speak Portuguese so you should learn some basic phrases to make your experience easier and more fulfilling.
7. Visa Opportunity
If you want to apply for Portugal’s Golden Visa program, the Silver Coast does not qualify as a low-density area in order to meet the lowest residency-by-investment threshold. Also, the country is making changes to the Portugal Golden Visa in July 2021, which will affect foreign real estate investment options. Starting in mid-2021, investors will not be able to buy property in Portugal’s key urban centers such as Lisbon, Porto, and portions of the Silver Coast and the Algarve. If you are considering residency under the Golden Visa program, you should keep an eye on these new rules.
8. An Undiscovered Gem
The Silver Coast, Portugal offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, history, and excellent cuisine. If you are more adventurous and thrive in a traditional setting with unsurpassed beauty and charm, be sure to check out this special area of Portugal.
