Portugal's Silver Coast (Costa de Prata) sweeps along the Atlantic shoreline for over 230km, from Santa Cruz in the south to Esmoriz in the north. This magnificent region is famed for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and world-class surfing waves.

To help you explore this spectacular region, we've created three maps highlighting the main towns, the finest beaches and must-see tourist attractions of the region.

Although the Silver Coast isn’t officially defined by administrative boundaries, our guide focuses on the coastal strip extending 20 km inland, including the popular beach destinations of Espinho and Ericeira.

The interactive map below shows the towns which are of most interest to visitors. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Esmoriz 2) Aveiro 3) Costa Nova 4) Mira 5) Figueira da Foz 6) São Pedro de Moel 7) Leiria 8) Batalha 9) Nazaré 10) Alcobaça 11) São Martinho do Porto 12) Foz do Arelho 13) Caldas da Rainha 14) Óbidos 15) Baleal 16) Peniche 17) Santa Cruz 18) Espinho 19) Ericeira

 

 

Silver Coast: Regional Overview
Beach Holidays: São Martinho do Porto (ideal for families), Nazaré, Foz do Arelho
Surf Spots: Ericeira, Peniche, Baleal

Essential Day Trips: Óbidos (medieval town), Aveiro (historic town built around canals), Nazaré (surf culture)
Historic Highlights: Alcobaça Monastery, Batalha Monastery, Conímbriga Roman ruins

Best Bases: Coimbra (culture), Ericeira (coast), Nazaré (coast), Tomar (inland)
Longer Stays: Caldas da Rainha, Tomar (authentic Portuguese life)

Full descriptions and locations of the region's key attractions can be found on map 3.

The Silver Coast of Portugal boasts some of Europe's most spectacular and unspoiled beaches. This beautiful coastline offers a series of pristine sandy beaches marked by dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes, and powerful Atlantic waves.

These varied beaches include the world-class surfing beaches of Peniche to the sheltered cove of São Martinho do Porto, and the vast expanses of sand north of Figueira da Foz. This second map details the finest beaches of the Silver Coast.

Legend: 1) Praia da Nazaré 2) Praia de São Martinho do Porto 3) Praia da Foz do Arelho 4) Praia de São Pedro de Moel 5) Praia do Baleal 6) Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas 7) Praia da Foz do Lizandro 8) Praia dos Supertubos 9) Praia de Mira 10) Praia da Tocha 11) Praia da Area Branca 12) Praia de Buarcos 13) Praia de Santa Cruz 14) Praia da Costa Nova 15) Praia do Salgado 16) Praia da Baía

The Silver Coast captivates visitors with its diverse attractions, from the majestic Alcobaça Monastery to the sprawling Buddha Eden, Europe's largest oriental garden. While iconic landmarks dot the coastline, the region also harbours countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

To fully explore these treasures, a rental car is recommended, as many of the most rewarding sites lie off the main tourist paths. Our interactive map showcases 24 carefully selected attractions that represent the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Legend: 1) Óbidos 2) Mosteiro de Alcobaça 3) Costa Nova's Traditional Houses 4) Montemor-o-Velho castle 5) Sitio de Nazaré 6) Canals of Aveiro 7) Berlengas Islands 8) Mosteiro da Batalha 9) Mira de Aire Cave 10) São Martinho do Porto bay 11) Ruínas de Conímbriga 12) Peniche fort and port 13) Forest of Buçaco and palace 14) Lagoa de Óbidos 15) Leiria and Castelo de Leiria 16) Nazaré beach front 17) Fátima Sanctuary 18) Buddha Eden 19) Cabo Carvoeiro 20) Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega 21) Castelo de Porto de Mós 22) Grutas da Moeda 23) Museu Vista Alegre 24) Castelo de Torres Vedras

Sights of the Silver coast region
Óbidos
A completely walled medieval town with whitewashed houses trimmed in blue and yellow. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to a 12th-century castle, now a luxury hotel. The town specializes in ginjinha (cherry liqueur) served in chocolate cups and hosts annual chocolate and medieval festivals.

Mosteiro de Alcobaça
Portugal's largest medieval church and a UNESCO site built in 1153. Houses Europe's largest medieval kitchen with 6-meter-high chimneys. Contains the ornate tombs of Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story ended in her murder.

Costa Nova's Traditional Houses
Striped wooden beach houses (palheiros) along the Atlantic coast, originally used by fishermen to store equipment. The distinct vertical stripes in bright colors (red, blue, green) against white backgrounds make them unique.

Montemor-o-Velho Castle
A hilltop fortress overlooking the Mondego River Valley, built in the 8th century to defend against Moorish invasions. Features well-preserved walls, towers, and a cistern. Offers panoramic views of surrounding rice fields and wetlands.

O Sitio (Nazaré)
A historic hilltop quarter of Nazaré, which is reached by historic funicular. Within the traditional setting is the Nossa Senhora church and stunning viewpoints. Further down the headland is the São Miguel Fort, which in winter is the perfect viewpoint to watch daredevil surfers ride the 30m-high waves.

Canais de Aveiro (Aveiro Canals)
A network of waterways weaving through art nouveau buildings and salt flats. Traditional moliceiro boats, once used for seaweed harvesting, glide past seafood restaurants and buildings decorated with azulejo tiles.

Ilhas Berlengas
Pristine archipelago with crystal waters and pink granite cliffs. Home to rare seabirds and a 17th-century fortress. Popular for diving, with abundant marine life in protected waters.

Mosteiro da Batalha (Batalha Monastery)
Gothic masterpiece built to celebrate Portugal's victory over Castile in 1385. Features intricate stonework, towering spires, and stunning stained glass. Houses tombs of Portuguese royalty.

Grutas de Mira de Aire (Mira de Aire Caves)
Portugal's deepest tourist cave system descending 180 meters underground. Features spectacular stalactites, underground lakes, and waterfalls formed over millions of years.

São Martinho do Porto Bay
Perfect shell-shaped bay with calm, warm waters protected by natural headlands. White sand beach curves 3km around turquoise waters, ideal for families.

Ruínas de Conímbriga
Best-preserved Roman settlement in Portugal. Features intact mosaic floors, public baths, and luxurious villa remains. Gardens preserve original Roman layout and fountain systems.

Peniche
Fortified peninsula known for dramatic limestone cliffs and surf beaches. Historic harbour with active fishing fleet, 16th-century fortress prison, and boat trips to Berlengas.

Buçaco Forest and Palace
Ancient walled forest with rare trees, hidden chapels, and exotic plants. Centerpiece is ornate neo-Manueline palace-hotel, built as royal retreat with elaborate stonework and gardens.

Lagoa de Óbidos (Óbidos Lagoon)
Portugal's longest coastal lagoon, stretching 6km inland. Rich ecosystem for birdwatching and shellfish harvesting. Popular for watersports, with beaches and seafood restaurants along shores.

Leiria and Castle
Medieval city crowned by dramatic hilltop castle with panoramic views. Castle features unique double loggia and royal palace. Below, historic center blends Gothic churches with riverside gardens.

Fátima
One of Catholicism's most sacred pilgrimage sites, where three shepherd children witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. This spiritual centre draws millions yearly to its vast sanctuary complex, featuring two magnificent basilicas, the original Chapel of Apparitions, and Europe's largest open-air prayer square.

Buddha Eden
Europe's largest Oriental garden, spanning 35 hectares. Features massive Buddha statues, pagodas, terracotta warriors, contemporary sculptures, and extensive Asian-inspired landscaping.

Cabo Carvoeiro
Rugged limestone headland jutting into Atlantic. Walking trails lead to dramatic cliffs, lighthouse, and unusual rock formations.

Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria de Válega
Portugal’s most beautiful church renowned for its complete azulejo tile coverage inside and out. The colourful ceramic panels depict religious scenes and geometric patterns with remarkable detail.

Castelo de Porto de Mós
Distinctive castle with green-tiled conical towers overlooking the town. Built in 12th century, reconstructed in 15th century Gothic style.

Moeda Caves
Limestone cave system discovered in 1971 by two hunters. Features dramatic formations in multiple chambers, underground waterfalls, and naturally sculpted rock pools.

Museu Vista Alegre Museum
showcasing 200 years of Portugal's premier porcelain factory. Displays historic pieces, chapel with gilded woodwork, and working factory showing traditional production methods.

Discover more of central Portugal with our guides