15 Activities
Slow Cruise Along Portugal’s Silver Coast
Starts from
Lisbon
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
15
Duration
12 hours
Length
186 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Lisbon
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
12 hours
Length
186 mi
Becca Marsh
Travel Expert
- Explore the mysterious tunnels at Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra.
- Indulge in some of the freshest fish in Ericeira.
- Watch the gigantic waves and brave surfers at Nazaré.
- Gaze into the golden sunset on Portugal's Silver Coast.
Portugal's west coast is often called the 'Silver Coast' because of its sparkling sand and untouched beaches. Much of the coastline is rural and has a natural and relaxing feel. This road trip will take you on a journey through history to see some magnificent structures outside Lisbon whilst experiencing the freshest seafood and peaceful places along the west coast. The coast has industrial zones, historical landmarks, and more, and this road trip will give you an immersive window into life along Portugal's lesson-known coastline.
Portugal's west coast is often called the 'Silver Coast' because of its sparkling sand and untouched beaches. Much of the coastline is rural and has a natural and relaxing feel. This road trip will take you on a journey through history to see some magnificent structures outside Lisbon whilst experiencing the freshest seafood and peaceful places along the west coast. The coast has industrial zones, historical landmarks, and more, and this road trip will give you an immersive window into life along Portugal's lesson-known coastline.
Becca Marsh
Travel Expert
- Explore the mysterious tunnels at Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra.
- Indulge in some of the freshest fish in Ericeira.
- Watch the gigantic waves and brave surfers at Nazaré.
- Gaze into the golden sunset on Portugal's Silver Coast.
Day Itinerary
15 Activities
Day 1
186 mi3 mi
Follow Portugal's 'Silver Coast' and Discover an Untouched Side of Portugal
This one-day road trip will take you along Portugal's Silver Coast, weaving between the golden beaches to endless mystical forests and traversing historical palaces. This road trip will show you a side of Portugal you have never seen before.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you can have a full day exploring unique places and trying some of the best regional delicacies. When the sun sets late in the summer, you can enjoy the sunset with dinner on the beach. During winter, you will likely experience sunset while cruising along the coast or at the glistening salt fields.
09:155 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
The first stop will be Sintra, located in the hilly area of the Serra de Sintra. This microclimate is home to some of the most iconic architecture in Portugal, a Moorish Castle, a Palace, extravagant villas, and of course, the old town.
0.3 mi
10 min
09:301 hr
Sintra National Palace
Sights
Open Details
As you leave the car park and head up the hill, you will notice the majestic palace perched on the hillside. This is worth a visit, even if you only explore and admire the exterior to look at the architectural aspects. The palace is located in the old town, so you can wander around the cobbled streets once looking at the palace.
0.6 mi
15 min
11:001 hr
Quinta da Regaleira Palace
Palace
Open Details
Quinta da Regaleira is a neo-gothic mansion, sometimes called a palace, that is located just above the old town center. It stands proudly on a hillside and is often obscured by the mist that lingers in its presence. The building is a fantastic site to see, but make sure to wander around the gardens, too, as these are full of surprises, such as secret tunnels and the famous initiation well.
0.7 mi
20 min
12:205 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Rejoin your car and embark on your journey, chasing adventure just around the next bend.
1.5 mi
10 min
12:3515 min
Pastelaria Gregório
Bakery
Open Details
On the walk back to the car, stop by Pastelaria Gregório for a sweet treat. As you may already know, Pastel de Nata is a famous pastry in Portugal, but there is also a sweet treat associated with Sintra. Queijadas de Sintra is a small round pastry with a special filling consisting of cheese, milk, eggs, and sugar. I recommend stopping at this particular shop as it has some of the best in town.
14.7 mi
40 min
13:455 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
It is time to head to Ericeira. Ericeira is a small fishing village that has recently become popular with digital nomads and surfers. The perfect waves, cobbled streets, and fresh seafood bring people from all over the world—Park in the center to stroll around and see what this quaint village offers.
Ericeira is believed to have derived from the name Ouriceira which is thought to have come from Ouriço, meaning urchin. There are sea urchins in the town's coat of arms, and the area was once famous for them.
Ericeira is believed to have derived from the name Ouriceira which is thought to have come from Ouriço, meaning urchin. There are sea urchins in the town's coat of arms, and the area was once famous for them.
0.2 mi
5 min
14:0045 min
O Gafanhoto
Portuguese Restaurant
Open Details
This is one of my favourite restaurants in Ericeira. It's a traditional Portuguese-style restaurant; it's casual and serves some of the best food in town. O Gafanto means "The Grasshopper" and it has been around for many years. This is the best place to try traditional dishes, particularly seafood. Ericeira is a fishing village, so you won't get much fresher than here.
0.1 mi
5 min
14:5015 min
Largo do Jogo da Bola
City Centre
Open Details
Jogo da Bola is the town center, where you will find the local shops, market, beautiful 'Azulejos', and cobbled streets. Azulejos are the traditional tiles in Portugal, and you will notice them on building faces, around door frames, decorating water fountains, and more. Ericeira has a tremendous and colourful collection around the town, so make sure to look out for them.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:1030 min
Santa Marta Park
Sights
Open Details
As you stroll around the town you will come across Santa Marta Park located on the coast. You can stroll through here during the day and even walk along the beachfront. This is a community space where children can play whilst parents enjoy a coffee.
0.2 mi
5 min
15:455 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
After watching the waves crash on the rocks, it is time to head back to the car and hit the road. The drive will follow a slightly inland highway as there isn't a direct coastal route. However, if you want to explore, you can take the road to Peniche and follow a short segment there.
74.3 mi
1 hr 20 min
17:105 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
The next stop will be near Nazaré. If you have not heard of this place, then you are for sure in for a treat. Nazaré has become a major surfer destination because of its big waves. The best time of year to visit is between October and March, during the winter months, as this is when the waves reach their biggest heights. They average around 15 meters (50 feet), but the waves have been known to reach an incredible 24 meters (80 feet).
0.4 mi
10 min
17:2530 min
Nazaré Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Open Details
The best place to view the waves and watch the surfers is from the fort. So once you have parked up, you can follow the path and track toward the Fort. It can get very busy at the peak time of year, so be prepared for big crowds, especially if there is a surf competition on. As well as the surfing, the fort itself is something to see. Originally constructed in 1577, this fort has undergone many renovations, and there is a museum you can visit to learn more about its place in history.
0.6 mi
20 min
18:1545 min
PortoBello
Restaurant
Open Details
Before you hit the road, I suggest checking out one of the cafes on the square to grab a quick coffee and perhaps a small snack. I visited this café, and it was great sitting out on the square and watching the world go by. There are a few here, so feel free to check out others nearby.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:055 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Head back to your car and get ready for the final stretch of the journey.
95.9 mi
1 hr 30 min
20:4030 min
Aveiro Salt Pans
Sights
Open Details
Continuing on the industrial theme of the region, your next stop will be at the salt farms. You will be arriving after the opening hours, but that is ok because it is an open-air museum, meaning that you can enjoy looking at the salt fields regardless of opening hours.
It is best to park at the museum and walk from there to the viewing area. At certain times of the year, it is possible to catch glimpses of flamingos in this area during their migration. This window is generally between November and March.
It is best to park at the museum and walk from there to the viewing area. At certain times of the year, it is possible to catch glimpses of flamingos in this area during their migration. This window is generally between November and March.