Silver Coast Portugal Real Estate: An Overview

Updated: February 6, 2023

As the perfect place for expats in Portugal to settle, the Silver Coast really does have it all. While the Algarve regularly steals the limelight when it comes to the sun and the beaches, the Silver Coast is somewhat overlooked. Portugal Silver Coast real estate is more affordable than properties in the south and the region is no less beautiful, with some of the most spectacular landscapes in Portugal.

The Silver Coast or Costa de Prata is known for its historic towns, local lifestyle, breathtaking beaches, and long, rugged coastline. In this article, we’ll delve into this region of Portugal – why this is the perfect place for expats in Portugal, the state of Silver Coast real estate, and the practicalities of buying here.

Our article Real Estate in Portugal provides you with everything that you will need to know before you buy property in Portugal.

The Silver Coast – an overview

The exact definition of the Silver Coast (Costa de Prata) is often contested. However, most agree that it begins north of Lisbon and extends 150 kilometers north up the coast beyond Nazaré. The Silver Coast offers a rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and a stretch of picturesque coastal towns. Each town or village provides its own unique quirkiness and local traditions.

Still relatively undeveloped, in comparison to the Algarve, it’s most notable for the huge waves at Nazaré, which big wave surfers flock to all year. Alongside the dramatic coastline and picturesque beaches, the Silver Coast also belongs to rural Portugal. If you love the outdoors, you will easily be able to live an active life as you can be outside all year due to the mild climate.

The Silver Coast is perfectly situated to move around the country. By car, it’s just over an hour north-west of Lisbon and two and a half hours south of Porto, the beautiful, historic city in the north.

Portugal Silver Coast real estate

Portugal Silver Coast real estate: Property prices

Properties on the Silver Coast are more affordable than in other areas in Portugal, such as Lisbon or the Algarve and you will find many a new development or old townhouse to invest in. To give you some idea of the property prices in Nazaré, the average asking price to buy property in 2020 was €1,277/m2, and, in Peniche, this figure stood at €1,087/m2. The average asking price to buy property in Óbidos was also a little more expensive, standing at €1,419/m2 in 2020, while a cheaper option would be Torres Vedras, which saw average prices of €1,059/m2.

The average asking prices in 2020 for the Silver Coast region varied from €698/m2 in Pombal to €1,544/m2 in Mafra.

The following provides you with some up-to-date information from 25 August 2022 on the Silver Coast prices and market information (Source: Casafari Europe Ltd):

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Portugal Silver Coast real estate: Investment opportunities

While the above details the property prices on the Silver Coast, the region presents very attractive investment opportunities. The Silver Coast started to become popular in the late 1990s, with overseas buyers first becoming aware of the beauty of the region. This coincided with the construction of the A8 motorway that was built between Lisbon and Óbidos, making raveling around the area much easier.

The cost of living offers exceptional value, and this is why the expat community has grown over the years. You should be able to find solid investments and properties at very reasonable prices. With the increase in working from home, the Silver Coast also provides key advantages in the modern day and age.

Portugal Silver Coast real estate: Luxury properties

The Silver Coast has it all when it comes to luxury properties, from modern houses with Atlantic Ocean views to spacious villas. As the Silver Coast also includes some of rural Portugal, you will even have the opportunity to find renovated farms which could be good investments with tourism potential.

If you are looking for the crème de la crème, you will be able to find modern penthouses with views of the Atlantic Ocean. If a penthouse is what you are after, our article on Top Areas to Find a City Penthouse in Portugal provides a rundown of other prospective locations.

Luxury properties are obviously going to cost much more, depending on the property size and additional facilities. A private gym, swimming pool or private security will up the price. Bear in mind, however, that, although prices are continuing to increase in Portugal, prices remain more affordable than in other European countries. With beautiful properties, outrageous views, and a relaxed way of life, the country has much to offer homebuyers and investors.

Portugal Silver Coast real estate: Where to buy

The Silver Coast has so much variety for those choosing this stunning region to live in Portugal. From coastal gems, such as Nazaré, Peniche, and Ericeira, to the historic city of Coimbra, the region boasts a diverse range of prospective locations. Not as popular as the Algarve, you will also be able to enjoy a typical Portuguese lifestyle.

Choosing the perfect Portugal Silver Coast real estate will depend on what you are looking for. Here, we provide you with a rundown of some of the most stunning locations – think beautiful scenery or cityscapes, a top cuisine, and your own corner of tranquility in the Iberian Peninsula.

Nazaré

Nazaré is perhaps the most famous town on the Silver Coast, given its worldwide popularity with big-wave surfers. You’ll be able to see them going up against the big waves from the coast or the lighthouse, which offers perfect views of the surfers as they test their mettle.

Lesser known, however, is the fact that Nazaré is one of the most traditional towns in Portugal. Here, fishermen’s wives still wear seven colorful layers of skirts and the traditional black headscarves. Their husbands can be seen drying their catch of fish in the sun on the typical wooden racks along the seafront. Indeed, the special charm of Nazaré is perhaps even more endearing than the big waves that entice the surfers.

You can see more information about Nazaré in our Nazaré Portugal Real Estate Guide.

Óbidos

Óbidos is a charming medieval walled town and one of the country’s most popular haunts for tourists. You have the glorious medieval festival, where locals and tourists alike can dress up in medieval attire and enjoy the medieval castle while indulging in Ginja (also called Ginjinha), a typical cherry-flavored liqueur that often comes in a chocolate cup.

While Óbidos itself may not be the best location for homebuyers and may be better placed as an investment, the surrounding countryside would make for a peaceful home in the depths of the Portuguese countryside.

You can see our guide on Óbidos Portugal Real Estate for more information.

Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha is close to Óbidos, and has quite an interesting history. Caldas da Rainha is a thermal spa town, rich in sulfur waters that are considered a very good treatment for skin and bone ailments. Caldas da Rainha translates as “Spas of the Queen” thanks to its royal foundation towards the end of the 15th Century. While Queen Leonor once visited the town to delight in its thermal waters, today the town makes everyone feel as though they are part of the leisure class. With the Foz do Arelho beach close at hand, Caldas da Rainha is a fantastic place for the family to enjoy a day out, with a beachside esplanade with cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stalls.

Peniche

While Nazaré is the bustling elder sibling, with the big waves and colourful traditions, Peniche is perhaps the slightly quieter younger sibling.

Peniche is a fishing town and has a very relaxed vibe, where you can easily forget that time is slipping by and you are able to recharge your batteries. You will be able to take the ferry to Berlengas, an archipelago of islands where you can see firsthand the ancient Fortress of São João Baptista, from the 17th-Century.

The fishing industry is where Peniche comes alive. Fishermen can be seen calmly, or excitedly, examining their catch, depending on the bounty that they find. Moving a little north, you have Praia da Foz do Arelho, a unique confluence between the Obidos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. While it can be a little windy here, you can easily enjoy the calm waters. If you would like to live in a quaint Portuguese fishing town, there could be no better place – we cannot recommend the calm of the Obidos Lagoon enough!

Mafra

Home to the famous baroque-style Mafra National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mafra is only a short 30 kilometers from Lisbon. An interesting anecdote is that the library in the Mafra National Palace has its own colony of bats that protect the ancient books from insect damage – a natural form of pest control that has been going on for 300 years.

The surrounding areas of Mafra, and the city itself, offer a quintessentially authentic Portuguese experience. You are also very close to Ericeira and many beaches for your ocean fix. The countryside here is also very beautiful, with many charming properties available. You wil find some excellent options for properties in Campo Real closeby, with top golf courses.

You can see more about Mafra in our guide: Mafra Portugal Real Estate: An Overview

Ericeira

Beautiful Ericeira. This bustling summer surf town is contrasted nicely with the slow-paced lives of the locals, where you have the impression that not too much has changed over the years. The typical white houses with blue façades provide Ericeira with its charming character.

The perfect beaches and towering cliffs showcase the dramatic side of the Silver Coast. And then you have fine dining elements and local cafés scattered around. The seafood here is also some of the best in the country. You will be able to find stunning properties with waterfront views, modern Silver coast apartments Portugal, and cute townhouses – there are many types of properties to satisfy buyers.

You can see our guide on Ericeira Portugal real estate for more information.

Torres Vedras

This gentle town is a place of tranquility. With the Moorish castle overlooking the city, Torres Vedras is not really a place that tourists visit. Here the local way of life permeates through. Close by you have Praia de Santa Cruz with very nice beaches. Although the strong waves don’t welcome much swimming, you have beautiful landforms that are definitely worth viewing. In the surrounding areas here, you can find very nice properties at affordable rates.

Coimbra

With the longest river in Portugal, the Mondego, flowing through this historic, university town, Coimbra is a gem in the heart of the country. Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and, with the 12th Century Sé Velha cathedral at its centerpiece, history lovers will delight at its architecture and ancient roots.

Nowadays, the city has many trendy restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese specialties. The city offers charming apartments and the surrounding countryside is ideal for those looking for a country home deep in the Portuguese countryside.

You can see our article on Coimbra Portugal real estate for more information. Another city not far away to consider is Aveiro. This city has been coined the Venice of Portugal, and you should be able to find affordable properties for sale.

To learn more about Portugal’s real estate market, visit our guide here.

Practical information about Portugal Silver Coast real estate

With picturesque villages with cobbled streets, staggering landscapes, and pristine beaches, the Silver Coast offers many perks to the buyer. Here, we’ll provide you with some practicalities about the region.

Why choose the Silver Coast?

The Silver Coast is less crowded than many areas in the Algarve. For those looking to live in Portugal alongside the beauty of nature, and with the Portuguese lifestyle still permeating through, look no further than the Silver Coast.

The properties on the Silver Coast also tend to be cheaper than in the Algarve and other hotspot locations. If you live along the Silver Coast, you will be able to enjoy many of Portugal’s most endearing locations. Situated in between Lisbon and Porto, you will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Affordable investments

The main drivers of why the Silver Coast Portugal expats population is growing are the cost of living and exceptional value in terms of property prices. You’ll be able to find affordable property for sale in Silver Coast.

In the late 1990s, when the A8 road between Lisbon and Óbidos was constructed, the region started to gain popularity with foreign purchasers since a new road increased access to the area.

History

The region has a lengthy and fascinating history because it was first inhabited by both the Romans and Indo-Europeans in antiquity. The rich legacy of many of its cities can still be seen today, which contributes to the allure of this part of Portugal.

The cost of living on the Silver Coast

Compared to the UK, Portugal has a cheaper cost of living in Portugal than expats might expect. Moving to Portugal will likely result in lower expenses for things like food, utilities, rent, etc.

You will also find many options when it comes to Portugal Silver Coast property for rent that will be significantly cheaper than in Lisbon. With the increasing trend in remote working, it could be an excellent alternative to work from the Silver Coast and rent property at a more reasonable price.

Silver Coast Portugal homes for sale prices can range from €250,000 to €1 million. A two-bedroom apartment in the Silver Coast’s central region of Portugal can be purchased for roughly €70,000.

You can see our article on Beach Houses for Sale in Portugal: Top Areas for more details on where to find your perfect property with killer views.

Lifestyle in the Silver Coast

Living in Silver Coast, you’ll find that there is a very relaxed atmosphere, with locals taking time to enjoy the little things, such as their morning coffee accompanied with some pastry or other.

The food scene in the Silver Coast is amongst the finest in Europe and forms a vital role in the region’s culture. There are numerous farms (some you may even be able to buy), vineyards, and locally produced fruits and vegetables. With outstanding seafood along the coast, you should never be disappointed by the healthy cuisine.

You can see our article on Farms for Sale in Portugal if you’d like to dig a little deeper into the topic.

Keen golfers will be content to know that the region has some of the best golf courses in Europe. Other activities, from watersports to yoga, are also available, particularly in the more expat-heavy areas.

Points of interest

Some of the top locations of interest that you should check out when visiting the Silver Coast are the following:

Ericeira: World Surfing Reserve, the charming historic center;
Caldas Da Rainha: Beautiful ceramics and pottery;
Óbidos: Óbidos Lagoon, windsurfing, Óbidos Christmas, market, historic center and castle, dress up for the Óbidos Medieval fair, chocolate fair, Ginja (a Portuguese liqueur made from infusing ginja berries, often served in an edible chocolate cup);
Peniche – World Surf League venue, Praia de Supertubos (Supertubos beach);
Nazaré – Watch the big wave surfers test their mettle against some of the biggest waves on the planet;
Aveiro – The Vernice of Porgufal, the rivers of Aveiro, Praia da Barra (Barra beach) ;
Torres Vedras – Histoic center, Torres Vedras carnival.

Activities

Golfing is very big on the Silver Coast and you’ll be able to find many world-class golf courses in the region. Some of the best golf courses are the following: Praia D´el Rey; West Cliffs; Royal Óbidos; and Bom Sucesso.
There is possibly no better place for watersports than the Silver Coast, with surfing spots in Ericeira, Nazaré, and Peniche, windsurfing in Óbidos, and diving at Belengas Island in Peniche
The ood and wine of the Silver Coast are amongst the best in the country, and that’s really saying something, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The chocolate fair in Óbidos should also be visited if you have a sweet tooth.

The climate in the Silver Coast

Just like the rest of the country, the Silver Coast Portugal climate is moderate and the average temperature is usually very favorable, particularly if you are an expat from northern Europe. The Silver Coast can be exposed to the elements of the Atlantic, and it can be windy in some areas. However, the winters are mild and the summers are usually dry and toasty hot. The average winter temperature is 62°F (17°C) and in summer the average temperature is 81°F (27°C), with a pleasant cooling Atlantic Ocean breeze.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in the Silver Coast

The Portuguese Silver Coast is a wonderful place to visit with friends and family. It is fantastic for those who enjoy being near water and has the ideal balance of culture, environment, and top-notch cuisine.

Portugal is one of the most sought-after international locations for expats. One of the reasons why the Silver Coast is such a lovely choice for both tourists and expats is that it has some of the best golf courses in Europe. This makes it a fantastic choice for people who are enthusiastic about the sport.

The Silver Coast is filled with tourist attractions, and the following surroundings in the region are particularly picturesque and impressive:

The Portuguese “Venice” in Aveiro
The huge waves in Nazaré
“Mosteiro da Batalha” in Batalha
“Palácio da Pena” in Sintra

In addition to this, people in Silver Coast can engage in a variety of seasonal activities, such as tanning on the beach and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, sailing, wine tasting, paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding, and kitesurfing. Property for sale in Silver Coast is also very reasonable so you should be able to find some very good deals.

It’s important to speak Portuguese

Despite the fact that English is widely spoken and the number of expats is rising in Portugal, the majority of locals still favor Portuguese over English. As an expat in Portugal, your trip will be easier if you can speak at least some basic Portuguese.

Get in touch

If you have found your dream property in Portugal, seek help from a specialized property investment firm such as Goldcrest. As an independent local’s buyers agent, Goldcrest helps international families acquire sound property investments in their desired locations in Portugal.

Contact the team to access exclusive information on the property market in Portugal and find out just how much you can save on your international investment. The following articles may be of interest to you:

You can discover more in this exclusive chapter of our new e-book Your Expert Guide to Buying Property in Portugal that you can download for free right now.

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Silver Coast Portugal Real Estate: An Overview | Goldcrest