 Obidos Lagoon at Dawn | The Silver Coast Located in central Portugal, between Porto and Lisbon, and in the Estremadura region, the stunning Silver Coast or Costa da Prata is so-called because the Atlantic Ocean turns to silver as the sun sets. The sandy beaches, attractive seaside towns and quaint fishing villages, rolling hills and valleys make this a and a popular holiday destination for the Potuguese themselves. It's home to some of the country's most impressive historical and religious sites, breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and largely-deserted beaches all combine to offer a perfect holiday setting. The Silver Coast is one of the most beautiful coastal regions of Southern Europe and is becoming established as a prime destination for discerning travellers and holiday-makers. |
Silver Coast Climate You won't be disappointed by the climate on the Silver Coast. Where you can literally bake in the Algarve heat, the Silver Coast is much more temperate with hot days cooled by the Atlantic breeze. With an average of 275 days of sun each year the average daytime temperature in the Summer is an agreeable 27 degrees with a very pleasant 17 degrees in the Winter months. Our experience is that there can be quite a bit of rain and mist (given the proximity of the lagoon) between November and January, but usually all other months are good for both days on the beach and for sightseeing. Just a word on the sea temperatures - as you might expect, the Atlantic is not as warm as much of the Mediterranean - not a concern if you're a watersports enthusiast, but swimmers will find that the Obidos Lagoon is a much more comfortable temperature, as is the gently sloping bay between Salir do Porto and Sao Martinho do Porto. |  |
Places to Visit
 | Sao Martinho do Porto & Salir do Porto (10 min drive North) Both these seaside towns border a sheltered horse-shoe bay where gently sloping sand runs down to the calm sea. Ideal for children, Sao Martinho do Porto especially is a very popular resort with the Portuguese and has some attractive shops and resturants overlooking the bay. A boardwalk from Salir do Porto runs alongside a nature reserve and around the bay to the outskirts of Sao Martinho do Porto. |
Obidos (20 min drive South-East) Traditionally a wedding gift from the Kings of Porugal to their Queens, Obidos is a charming medieval fortified town set high on a hill overlooking agricultural plains. It is said to be one of the few towns in Europe with its crenellated walls and ramparts totally intact. Its narrow cobblestone streets with handicraft shops, restaurants and quaint white-washed houses bedecked with spectacular bougainvillea can be viewed from the town walls. It hosts a a variety of festivals throughout the year including a Chocolate Festival in February, a Medieval Market and Pageant in July, an opera festival and a festival at Xmas. Obidos is also renowned for its Ginga (a local cherry liqueur) often drank from a chocolate cup. A day in Obidos is a real day of discovery. |  |
 | Peniche (30-35 minute drive South-West) 12 miles west of Obidos is the fishing town of Peniche. Still a working port it has more of a "gritty" feel than neighbouring beach resorts. Besides its excellent fish restaurants (reputed to be the finest in Portugal), it's also known for the daunting looking Fortaleza, a 16th century fortress overlooking the Atlantic and until the 1970s used a a prison for political prisoners. The nearby long sandy stretch of Baleal beach is well worth a visit, particularly is surfing is your passion. A 45 minute ferry from Peniche are the rocky and remote Berlenga Islands, now a nature reserve. Beware the crossing though, as even on a calm day the swell can be very strong. |
Alcobaca (40 minute drive North-East) A picturesque town situated in beautiful countryside and dominated by Portugal's largest church, dating from 1153. A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the abbey and cloisters were designated a World Heritage site in 1985. |  |
 | Nazare (25 min drive North) Ringed by cliffs, the warren of narrow cobbled streets run down to the sea front and some say that this is the areas most picturesque town. A traditional seaside resort with a long sandy beach and popular with the Portuguese holiday-makers. It's a bit like stepping back in time where you can see salted cod drying on the beach and fishermens wives still wearing their traditional costumes. |
Sintra (1 hour drive South) Famed for its Moorish Castle and Royal Palace (a striking combination of Moorish and Victorian architecture) Sintra sits high aove the coastal plains and righly claims to be one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, the town has an alpine feel to it and was described by Lord Byron as "Perhaps in every aspect the most delightful place in Europe." |  |
 | Fatima (1.5 hours drive North East) A must visit to see modern Portugal's premier religious shrine with the magnificent Cathedral and a concourse larger than St. Peter's Square in Rome and is said to hold over a million people. Famous for three peasant children who saw a series of apparitions early last century it's become one of the most visited shrines in the world. |
