Museu do Ciclismo
Small bicycle museum in Caldas da Rainha, featuring historical bikes and Portuguese cycling memorabilia. Primarily for fans.
Portugal
Costa de Prata (Silver Coast)
Region
The Costa de Prata, the Silver Coast, is the coastal stretch between Lisbon and Coimbra, encompassing the districts of Leiria and the western area around Caldas da Rainha.
by Felix Gillen
The Costa de Prata, the Silver Coast, is the coastal stretch between Lisbon and Coimbra, encompassing the districts of Leiria and the western area around Caldas da Rainha. Here lie the walled town of Óbidos, the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, the fishing and surfing town of Nazaré, the Peniche peninsula, and the pilgrimage site of Fátima in the hinterland.
Most destinations are close; Óbidos, Alcobaça, Batalha, and Nazaré can be combined by car in one long day, but two to three days are more relaxed. The coast is wavy: Nazaré is known for its giant winter waves, Peniche and Baleal for surf lessons. For calmer swimming, visit the almost enclosed bay of São Martinho do Porto. Off Peniche lie the Berlengas Islands, accessible by boat in summer. Buses connect the towns and Lisbon; the coastal railway line is slow.
Sights in Costa de Prata (Silver Coast)
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Praia de Salir do Porto
Small place at the south end of São Martinho Bay. Behind the beach, a high sand dune rises, from which you overlook the entire bay.
Praia de Porto Dinheiro
Small beach with fishing boats between cliffs near Ribamar, by Lourinhã. Dinosaur footprints and fossils were found in the area's rocks.
Place of Worship
Alcobaça Monastery
12th-century Cistercian monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site. The simple Gothic church contains the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, plus the cloister, dormitory, and tiled monastery kitchen.
Attraction
Monastery of Batalha
Dominican Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by King João I after the 1385 victory at Aljubarrota. Must-sees: Founders' Chapel (with royal tomb), cloisters, and the Unfinished Chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas) with their Manueline portal.
Attraction
Beach of São Martinho do Porto
Almost circular bay with a narrow opening to the Atlantic, hence mostly calm water. One of the few family-friendly swimming beaches on this wave-rich coast.
Dining & Drinks
Restaurant in Estrada de principal sitio das areias.
Culture and History
Founded in the 12th century, the Cistercian Monastery of Alcobaça houses the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro in its church. The Monastery of Batalha was built by João I after his victory at Aljubarrota in 1385, combining Gothic with Manueline elements. Both are UNESCO World Heritage.Caldas da Rainha is known for its ceramics, Óbidos for Ginja, a cherry liqueur often served in chocolate cups. In Nazaré, some older women still wear the traditional skirts with several layers.
On the Road on the Costa de Prata
You're most flexible by car; the A8 motorway runs north from Lisbon. Buses run from Lisbon to Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha, Nazaré, Peniche, Alcobaça, Batalha and Fátima. The Linha do Oeste railway line is slow and infrequent.
