The Silver Coast region of Portugal is really popular with families looking to spend time together and getaway from it all. Located an hour north from Lisbon this area of Portugal is still relatively undiscovered for many. What makes the Silver Coast region of Portugal different to the Algarve? Unlike the Algarve, Portugal’s Silver Coast is relatively unknown so offers an exciting alternative holiday experience without the hoards of tourists and the expensive prices. The beaches are an endless walk of golden sand and the ocean conditions are renowned for offering the perfect conditions for all watersports. With Golf courses and family activities experienced within stunning countryside of pine forests and undulating dunes this area offers a fantastic opportunity for a great value family holiday.

Once found, it is hard not to resist the temptation to return to the region and being located just over an hour from Lisbon, why would you not? As Silver Coast holiday experts for over 13 years, here are our favourite tips to make the most of Portugal’s best hidden secret.

With so many seafood options on a menu where do you start? Seafood is almost a religion with as many recipes for Bacalhau (salted cod) as there are days of the year.  Be adventurous and try the local version, or arroz do peixe similar to paella with a rice base, octopus, king prawns, mussels and other shellfish fresh in the day’s catch.

Grown ups can wash it all down with a jug of white sangria similar to the Spanish counterpart, but a fresher version with white wine and seasonal fresh fruit. Our personal favourite though is ‘espumante’ made with sparkling white wine and fresh fruit, delicious!  

Close-by markets and boutiques at Obidos, and Caldas da Rainha offer the chance to find keepsakes to take home as holiday memories. Local ceramic artist Bordallo Pinheiro is famous for stunning handcrafted ceramics which make the perfect gift for yourself. From beautiful dinner sets to pineapple serving plates, you can take back a piece of Portugal for your home.

Other favourites are chocolate salami (my children’s favourite and I am a regular exporter of chocolate salami to South West London!). Handmade lace, soaps, fresh coffee and biscuits are also excellent gifts and tokens from your holiday in Portugal.

The stunning surroundings of unspoilt beaches and ocean views really do make the Silver Coast region of Portugal very special. The local lagoon at Obidos is pure heaven for watersport lovers providing calm, sheltered was for stand up paddle boarding, sailing and canoeing and over the summer you will see many professionals sharpening their skills in the area with the National Longboard Championships heats usually taking please in August. You can also polish your own skills in surf, paddle boarding and more, with lessons at CLUBE AVENTURA and their extensive activity programme for all the family.

For younger members of the family it is also an ideal beach destination for flat calm water, sheltered conditions and acres of golden sand.

As the fifth most spoken language in the world, it is always good to have some key words in your repetoir. Hello – Bom Dia , Goodbye, Also Bom Dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite (good day, good afternoon, good night), Please, Por favor,  Thank you, Obrigado, (obrigada if your are female) Yes, Sim, No Nao, I would like two beers, Eu gostaria  duas Cerveja,

Take a look at our selection of Silver Coast Villas and Apartments here >

Read more about the Silver Coast with our Silver Coast Travel Guide >