Portugal’s west-facing coastline, the Silver Coast, offers charming towns with an authentic feel. It is home to Aveiro, a city on the water, Portugal’s Venice. Thanks to the Atlantic Ocean, Peniche and Nazaré are superb surfing spots. Plus, you will never be too far from either Lisbon or Porto. Property for sale in the Silver Coast is more affordable than the Algarve. Discover land plots for sale, beachfront apartments and large family houses.
All too often, the Silver Coast is overshadowed by the Algarve. But there is a lot that makes the Silver Coast spectacular and a lovely place to call home. Like the Algarve, the Silver Coast offers stunning beaches, but whereas some parts of the Algarve can feel very much built for tourism, the Silver Coast has an authentic Portuguese feel. It also offers easy access to Portugal’s major cities, defined seasons, and a range of property to choose from.
Stretching across Portugal’s western coastline for about 240km, the Silver Coast starts at Santa Cruz in the south and ends in Espinho in the north. The Silver Coast is made up of wonderful towns, each with their own personality. Known as Portugal’s answer to Venice, Aveiro is a city which lies on the edge of Ria de Averio, the perfect place for a romantic boat ride. Thanks to the Atlantic’s strong winds, the towns of Peniche and Nazaré are known as the greatest surfing spots in all of Europe. Just 10km west of Peniche, you’ll find the Berlengas islands, a nature reserve. While Figueira da Foz is a great coastal city with water sports, restaurants and bars, geared to those that want to their day-to-day to feel like a holiday. The region’s terrain lends itself to hiking and mountain biking. Plus, there are plenty of options for golfing, particularly around Óbidos. Although inland, Coimbra, the historic university city is a fabulous place to visit.
One of the great things about a property for sale in the Silver Coast is that you will have easy access to other excellent places in Portugal. Santa Cruz is an hour away from Lisbon (via car). While Espinho is only half an hour from Porto. So, depending on which part of the Silver Coast you choose, you will never be too far from a major city. This will also impact the airport you choose, Lisbon or Porto. Both have affordable flights throughout the year, though Lisbon’s flight schedule is less seasonal and is a better choice for travelling outside of Europe.
The Silver Coast is a little cooler than the Algarve and the seasons are much more defined. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures securely in the mid-twenties. In autumn and spring, temperatures fall to the late teens. January is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 15°C.
On the Silver Coast, it is possible to find a land plot for sale or an old home in need of restoration for €50,000. If you would rather a property that requires less work, you can find a lovely, restored cottage for as little as €85,000. If you are after a small beachfront apartment in a popular area like Figueira da Foz, you will need a budget of €130,000. For a four-bedroom home family house, the starting price is around €200,000. Often, houses for sale in Silver Coast have an authentically Portuguese feel, with plenty of space and gardens. Unlike the Algarve, the Silver does not have lots of new build and off-plan properties popping up for sale. Moreover, the price of property is considerably less expensive than the Algarve. You could buy a multi-family house here for the same price of a small apartment there.