Stretching from Lisbon to Nazaré, the Silver Coast in the central region of Portugal is beautiful and largely unspoilt by the tourist trade. This area of Portugal still remains entirely traditional and is the reason why many people choose to hire villas on the Silver Coast. Being much less populated with tourists than the Algarve in the south, you can sometimes even take a walk along the wide, golden beaches and hardly see any other people at all. Its countryside is simply beautiful with rolling hills lined with lush vineyards, olive groves and rustic stone farmhouses. Visiting the traditional towns and villages is almost like taking a step back in time, with old fashioned farming methods still in place and donkeys being used as a form of transport. With such a laid back and friendly attitude, it is no wonder that Silver Coast villas is the perfect choice for holidaymakers.
The main reason that people visit this area is for the stunning Atlantic coastline. High jagged cliffs are contrasted with soft golden sands and a turquoise blue sea sparkles in the warm sunshine. Locals just as much as visitors hiring Silver Coast villas enjoy soaking up the rays on these beaches and families will appreciate how spacious they are, providing children with plenty of room to play. Being the Atlantic coast there is often a sea breeze blowing which is perfect for those interested in water sports such as windsurfing and there are almost always plenty of sizeable waves to suit keen surfers. Figueira da Foz is a particularly popular seaside resort for people staying in holiday villas on the Silver Coast as it has a large beach and fantastic surf. There is also an interesting archaeological museum located within the town itself and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Chapel with its beautifully decorated interior is worth a visit if you happen to stay in this part of Portugal.
Another reason why holidaymakers choose to rent Silver Coast Villas is because there are many activities on offer including golfing, walking, fishing, sailing and scuba diving. Golfers will be in their element in this region of Portugal with courses to rival those of the Algarve located in Praia d’el Rey and Rio Maior that are often much less crowded. Those interested in water sports may wish to visit the medieval walled town of Óbidos where there is a stunning large lake that is perfect for sailing, rowing and windsurfing. The town itself is particularly picturesque and has an impressive medieval castle that is used nowadays as a guesthouse. Walkers and wildlife lovers staying in Silver Coast villas may wish to visit the Serra da Estrela area, a natural park containing the highest mountains in Portugal. Shimmering mountain streams wind their way down through the valleys into mirror surfaced lakes that reflect the forests growing on the valley sides. During the winter, the highest of the mountains are transformed into a popular ski resort with the onset of snowfall.
If you are renting a Silver Coast villa to experience some of Portugal’s history and culture there are plenty of interesting towns to visit. Fátima is famous for its Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and is a fascinating sight to see where you can learn about its purpose and history. Not far away is Nazaré, a charming traditional fishing town with colourfully painted fishing boats dotted along the beaches. The town has plenty of craft shops, cafés and restaurants serving plenty of delicious seafood dishes, in particular the typically Portuguese caldeirada. Interestingly in Nazaré, there is a funicular railway that makes its way up the side of a giant cliff that towers over 100 metres above the sea. From here, visitors staying in Silver Coast villas can enjoy spectacular views across the town and the bay.
