Enjoy a surfing holiday in Nazaré on the Silver Coast of Portugal
Silver Coast holidays (Portugal)
Region: Silver Coast
Maybe not as famous as the Algarve to international travellers, but very popular with the Portuguese who have enjoyed this area for many years.
The actual region and size of the area is open to some debate, though one thing that is not open to debate is the beauty and diversity of this area.
Whatever type of holiday you are looking for, you will find your ideal dream here.
Silver Coast heritage holidays
There are four listed UNESCO world heritage sites on the Silver Coast (and if you include Lisbon and Sintra, you can say there are six).
The Monastery of Alcobaça, the Monastery of Batalha, The Convent of Christ of Tomar and the University of Coimbra.
Each of these attractions are worthy of a visit, though it would not be recommended to try to visit all in a day. But if you are looking for a holiday where you can spend your time exploring magnificent structures and truly admiring the heritage of a country, basing yourself on the Silver Coast is a must.
We would recommend at least a day at each site. Take in the university of Coimbra (the oldest university in Europe) and enjoy time exploring this city, which was once the capital of Portugal.
Coimbra university
Coimbra is now a vibrant city with a great selection of places to eat and drink. Enjoy strolling along the cobbled streets and being able to relax, whilst still in a city centre.
Visit the Convent of Christ in Tomar and follow this by enjoying the historical centre of this small city. (Click here for more info on Tomar )
Visit Alcobaça and sit and marvel at the Monastery whilst enjoying lunch at one of the many pavement cafes that give an unobstructed view. (Click here for more info on Alcobaça)
The Silver Coast is the perfect location for a holiday that is brimmed full with heritage and suitable for all ages.
We would recommend that you stay in a villa close to one of the locations for your Silver Coast heritage holiday, this way you can enjoy everything at your own pace, villas are available to suit all travellers.
We would recommend Casa Gameos in Alcobaça, which is within easy reach of all the sites, and if you want a rest from culture there is the private swimming pool and plenty of beaches nearby.
Casa Gameos holiday villa, Alcobaça.
Farm holidays on the Silver Coast
Are you a lover of nature? Do you crave the countryside and all things natural? If that is the case the Silver Coast is perfect.
Why not holiday on an eco friendly, family run farm?
A farm holiday may not be your first thought when booking your summer holiday, but you will be able to combine everything you love with the sunshine and the beaches.
Choose a farm such as Casa Tourica, that is situated in a peaceful and beautiful setting yet only a few minutes from Caldas da Rainha, with its many restaurants, museums and shops.
Imagine sitting in a garden surrounded by palm and fruit trees where you and your children can pick oranges for your morning juice, and enjoy fresh free range eggs.
Meet the locals at Casa Tourica farm stay holiday
Sit back and relax knowing the children can enjoy the play area and swimming pool or meet the goats and chickens with no concerns about traffic or noise.
If you are looking for the perfect relaxing country break, then this is for you. You can even enjoy a bottle of wine from the organic vineyard on your arrival.
If you would like more to do, the beach is only a short drive away, as are the many attractions in the area including Obidos, Nazaré, Sao Martinho do Porto and Caldas da Rainha.
Obidos castle
Silver Coast Surfing holiday
Whether you are a complete novice, a spectator or a professional, Nazaré on the Silver Coast is a world renowned Surfing location.
Each year during the winter months, people travel from all over the world to experience the giant waves and watch the crazy surfers compete in the Nazaré Challenge, in the Big Waves Tour, one of Portugal’s largest surfing competitions.
The town has many surf schools that can arrange lessons for a novice through to jaunts for the more experienced. Whether you are looking for small waves or big waves, there is usually something to suit all levels.
Did you know that in November 2017, Rodrigo Koxa, the Brazilian surfer broke the world record for the world’s biggest wave ever to have been surfed? This amazing run was on North Beach, next to the Farol/Forte in Nazaré, Portugal and has been recognized as a Guinness World Record.
There are many companies that offer holiday packages, but to enjoy the surfing at its best, why not stay at a small bed and breakfast, walking distance to the best surfing beach, with hosts that can organise lessons and give advice based on local knowledge? Enjoy a great breakfast then hit the surf, followed by advice on the best places to eat and visit in the area.
Tipping Point bed and Breakfast Nazaré
Luxury family holiday on the Silver Coast
Although the Silver Coast is not as famous or as commercialised as the Algarve, there is no shortage of luxury accommodation.
Are you looking for a family holiday where the adults can enjoy themselves as much as the children? A holiday that does not consist of theme parks, endless water parks and loud night time entertainment?
A holiday that involves good food in authentic restaurants overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, nice drinks in friendly bars and cafes (without rowdy holiday makers), long sandy beaches and relaxing evenings? Then Sao Martinho do Porto on the Silver Coast is definitely for you.
Imagine watching the sunset, then strolling a few minutes back to your villa.
Good fun throughout the day for children of all ages on the safe beach, toddlers being able to paddle without worrying about waves, older children learning to SUP or beach surfing on the sand dunes and the adults in the group being able to relax on the golden sand.
Imagine having a day where you don’t need to leave the villa as the pool is perfect, the games area is always available and at the end of the night when the children are in bed, sitting with that cold drink in your private hot tub.
Staying in Sao Martinho do Porto is a fantastic holiday location for families and the perfect luxury place to stay is Casa Grande.
Relax by the pool and hot tub at Casa Grande holiday villa
Vineyard holidays on the Silver Coast
One of the greatest pleasures on a holiday to Portugal is enjoying a glass of wine, either relaxing in the shade or enjoying the sun setting.
But have you ever considered having your holiday on a vineyard? Many people believe the Douro Valley or the Alentejo is the area for this kind of holiday, but the Silver Coast is becoming more and more well known for its magnificent wine production.
Now picture yourself staying on an award winning vineyard. Cortém is an organic boutique winery that is starting to receive recognition for the quality of their wines, winning various awards including a Gold Medal for their Syrah 2010.
With regular wine tastings available, held in the charming and romantic wine tasting room " Sala de Provas" you can truly savour the wines in a relaxed atmosphere. Never rushed you can enjoy up to eight different red wines, a talk about wine making and a slide show of the work and life at Cortém. To compliment your wine, food is prepared and served by Helga, which never runs out.
One of the greatest aspects of this holiday on a vineyard, is that you will have a private house to stay in with your own pool and should you wish to explore the area, the beautiful beaches of the Silver Coast are close by, as are many stunning tourist attractions such as Obidos, Alcobaça and Caldas da Rainha.
After a day of wine tasting relax by the pool at Cortém Winery Guest House
Which ever style of holiday you choose, you are sure to find every thing you want on the Silver Coast of Portugal.
If you enjoyed this article, these may also be of interest to you
The top 10 reasons to visit the Silver Coast of Portugal
Top 10 reasons to visit Central Portugal
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Nicole Steyn "The Silver Coast looks and sounds incredible. I definitely want to visit there some day. I love old architecture and love the look of the Coimbra university, that would be so much fun to explore. Plus, a beach holiday is my favorite!"
Coimbra is an amazing city, and very easily accessible from many of the coastal resorts on the Silver Coast. This area makes the perfect holiday destination
Shilpa Garg "Silver Coast has so much to offer to vacationers. Pristine beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, vineyards, farms, surfing ... wow... I'd like to explore all these some day. Casa Gameos holiday villa at Alcobaça looks so beautiful and is simply perfect for a quiet holiday."
Hi Shilpa, the Silver Coast is a wonderful area to explore, there really is something for everybody
