Guide to Lisbon Coast

The coastal area between Lisbon in the south and Oporto to the north, otherwise known as the ‘Silver Coast’, is an area of outstanding natural beauty offering plenty of traditional Portuguese character and appeal. All our properties here are within an hour’s drive of Lisbon airport.

The countryside is filled with fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests and the coastline is extremely picturesque. There are kilometres of beautiful and uncrowded sandy beaches which are interspersed with charming fishing villages. Many of the local towns are historically and religiously important, with some impressive architecture and ancient medieval walls.

Regional dishes are based around freshly caught sea food including sea bass, sardines and shellfish. There are also many superb vineyards as this area is considered to be one of Portugal’s most important wine-growing regions.

Six Reasons to go to the Lisbon Coast

White sandy beaches

Good sporting facilities

World class golf courses

Year round sunshine

Cobbled whitewashed villages

Kind hearted hospitality

Go … for family fun

Caldas da Rainha has a boating lake and a children’s playground.

Visit the old fishing town of Peniche which has a water park ideal for children as well as go-karting and a good range of retail shops.

Obidos has a large lagoon with numerous water sports on offer. The waters here are much quieter and calmer than those off the coast, providing ideal conditions to safely try a variety of water sports before venturing out to sea.

Go….to the beach

This stretch of coast has a fabulous choice of wide sandy beaches, often almost empty and backed by dramatic cliffs.

Praia D’El Rey beach is a beautiful 3km long stretch of soft white sand. It has some scenic cliff top walks and is a great place to watch the sun go down.

Baleal beach is at one end of the peninsula which joins this former island to the mainland. at Peniche. Internationally famous for it fantastic surfing conditions, the beach has a surfing school offering tuition and equipment hire. The ‘Super Tubos’ beach has some uniquely different wave types and is a magnet for experienced surfers wishing to perfect their technique. Beware of strong sea currents.

Foz do Arelho beach has soft white sand and beach bars where you can buy drinks and snacks. If you wish to try windsurfing or other water sports for the first time, the lagoon here is a great place to start.

Cabo Carvoeiro has some stunning rock formations and plenty of water-based activities including surfing, boating and underwater fishing.

Get up and go……

The medieval town of Obidos has narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. The town is completely enclosed by its ancient walls and has a wonderfully preserved castle. It is possible to walk along the top of the walls and enjoy some fabulous views of the lagoon and surrounding countryside.

Take a boat trip from the harbour at Peniche to journey around the archipelago of Berlenga approximately 10km off Cabo Carvoeiro. The trip to the largest island, Berlenga Grande, takes around one hour. The islands have a huge variety of flora and fauna and are a haven for nesting sea birds. Berlenga Grande has a restaurant and some beautiful little beaches suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Go…shopping

Peniche is a traditional fishing town, steeped in history, with a good range of shopping available including supermarkets and fresh fish markets.

The vibrant market town of Caldas de Rainha is locally renowned for its fabulous cakes and has an excellent selection of shops. There is also a daily flower and fresh produce market which is not to be missed. Some beautiful ceramics are made locally if you are looking for souvenirs to take home and the town has some banks, a post office and other essential amenities.

Lisbon is a beautiful and interesting city which attracts visitors from around the world. It still retains a typically Portuguese atmosphere and has an ancient castle overlooking the Alfama district which is a maze of narrow winding streets.

Bairro Alto is the place to go for lively evening entertainment and the place buzzes with chic restaurants and popular clubs and bars. The Huge Colombo Shopping Centre at Benfica has an excellent selection of shops under one roof. Just outside the city, the suburb of Cascais brims with fashionable boutiques and shopping centres and has an array of excellent restaurants. It also has a casino.

Take time to go…

Play a round of golf at the internationally known Praia D’El Rey championship golf course.

Take a ferry from Peniche to spend a day on the island of Berlenga Grande.

Join the crowds of trendy young surfers at Baleal Beach and have a go with a surfboard or bodyboard.

Visit the ‘Cloister of Silence’ at Alcobaca’s delightful Abbey which dates back to medieval times.

Sample the freshest sea food in one of Peniche’s array of seafront restaurants.

Visist the famous Estoril motor-racing track nestling below the Sintra mountains.

Getting there

Fly to Lisbon airport which is within an hour’s drive of your accommodation Fly to Porto or Faro Airport

Language

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

Currency

The Portuguese currency is the Euro

Time Difference

Portugal is on GMT