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The Silver Coast's most famous beaches


The coast between São Pedro de Moel and Peniche is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal! Offering a mix of semi-secret beaches, nestled between rocky coves, and vast stretches of golden sand accessed by pine tree lined paths, this coastline is over 80 km long and has something to offer for everyone!





Traveling from north to south, discover the Silver Coast's most famous beaches, with insider tips on what to do, lesser known gems that don't appear on tourist routes and suggestions of some of our favourite places to eat!



From the romantic S. Pedro de Moel to the wild beauty of the coast north of Nazaré...





Our road trip starts at Praia de São de Moel, known for its iconic lighthouse built over the Penedo da Saudade. In this land of romantic legends and poets, embraced by the Leiria Pine Forest (also known as "Pinhal do Rei", the king's forest), beautiful beach houses guide you along the village, where balconies with typical wooden railings open onto a breathtaking view of the sea.


Although it is relatively small, São Pedro de Moel beach is absolutely beautiful, offering the perfect conditions to spend a day with your family on the sand or enjoy lunch in one of the many local restaurants available.



São Pedro de Moel Beach



To the north, smaller beaches such as Praia da Concha offer plenty of privacy and wooden walkways to stretch your legs!


To the South, you will also find several lesser-known beaches where you can relax or spend the day fishing, such as Pedra do Ouro and Polvoeira.



Sunset at Polvoeira beach - Silver Coast Portugal
Sunset at Polvoeira beach

A fabulous wooden walkway connects these beaches to Paredes da Vitória, with several viewpoints surrounded by sand dunes and maritime vegetation. The pine trees on this part of the Silver Coast creep and coil like snakes, under the influence of the sea winds. An ideal scenery to stretch your legs, ride a bike or simply stop to contemplate the sunset!



Wooden walkway connecting the beaches of Polvoeira to Paredes da Vitória
Wooden walkway connecting the beaches of Polvoeira to Paredes da Vitória

If you look north, Paredes da Vitória beach is protected by a giant rock known as "Castelo" (castle) or "Leão" (lion). On clear days, the sky is painted with paragliders who enjoy a different view of one of the most beautiful beaches on the Silver Coast!



Paredes da Vitória Beach



Further south, at Vale Furado the colours change dramatically, with high cliffs in shades of yellows and reds, sculpted by the slow action of seawater, rain and winds. It's a stunning beach to relax and contemplate nature, especially at the viewpoint at the top of the parking lot where the sunset is breathtaking.


The descent to Vale Furado beach is steep but easily accessible, through a dirt path that leads to a small waterfall whose stream reaches all the way to the sea a wonderful spot for children to play safely!


Although the beach is not watched and the facilities are limited, the amazing landscape makes a visit here very worthwhile!



Vale Furado Beach



At the parking area at the top of the beach's main entrance, there are restaurants and cafés where you can relish in ice cream after a day on the beach or savour a typical Portuguese meal. We suggest you begin with "bolhão pato” clams, a perfect starter to open your appetite for fabulous fresh fish slowly grilled over the embers, accompanied by a glass of delicious Portuguese white wine!


Enjoy a long lunch, for there is much more to be discovered heading south, where several other lesser-known beaches follow. For example, Praia da Légua, which also has an extensive sandy beach surrounded by a green hillside. It's also a very popular spot for fishing!



How to get there:

  • Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse - 39.76408356245339, -9.030921472998388

  • São Pedro de Moel Beach - 39.75641293305432, -9.031991351551614

  • Pedra do Ouro Beach - 39.726705171185, -9.046808233234623

  • Praia da Polvoeira Beach - 39.71516009218751, -9.049143071457205

  • Paredes da Vitória Beach - 39.702143713816746, -9.050521070782867

  • Vale Furado Beach - 39.68361729164618, -9.058343116889448

  • Légua Beach - 39.65446890439622, -9.069596178106153

Where to eat:

  • Restaurante Brisamar, Rua Doutor Nicolau Bettencourt 23, 2430-496 Sao Pedro de Moel

  • Marisqueira Tonico, Avenida Nossa Senhora da Vitoria 16, Praia Paredes da Vitória, 2445-130 Pataias

  • MAD, Avenida Nossa Senhora da Vitoria 16, Praia Paredes da Vitória, 2445-130 Pataias


 

Enjoy a fabulous culinary experience at the best restaurants on the Silver Coast!


Join us on this culinary journey and discover the Silver Coast's best restaurants...

 

From the North Canyon's giant waves to the calm waters of Salir o Porto...





Following our journey south, you'll arrive at one of Portugal's best-known beaches: Praia do Norte! And, curiously enough, it is not because it is a simple beach destination, but rather the stage of the world's biggest wave ever surfed.


It is here that you will find the famous North Canyon, an underground canyon that connects the sea to Nazaré's coast and is responsible for generating waves that can reach over 30 m high!





The best time of the year to see Nazaré's giant waves is between October and March when surfers from all over the world gather on the slopes next to the lighthouse to see the world's most famous big wave surfers.


However, think again if you believe there is nothing to see here during the off-season! Praia do Norte has a vast stretch of sand with a direct view of the Fort of S. Miguel and the Forno da Orca cave, which you can visit when the tide is low.



Praia do Norte - Nazaré, Portugal
Praia do Norte - Nazaré, Portugal


The Fort of S. Miguel, where the lighthouse is set, is also worth a visit! You can access it by foot through Praia do Norte or by car taking the road that crosses the village of Sítio.




Fort of S. Miguel



Besides the historical importance of the Fort, which has served several purposes throughout Portugal's history — namely during the French Invasions when General Junot's troops were quartered there — today the old stones of this fortress guard a permanent surf exhibition in its interior.


South of the Fort is Nazaré, one of the Silver Coast's most popular beaches!


Located between the Sítio promontory to the North and the marina to the South, Nazaré boasts a vast offer of restaurants as well as several events and local traditions that make this ancient fishing village truly unique! And the best part? There are countless ways to enjoy Nazaré beach! From jeep rides through the dunes, water scooter rentals and even boat trips to see dolphins in their natural habitat.



Nazaré Beach



 

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Continuing south, you will find Salgado beach. This paradise lies at the foot of Serra da Pescaria, where you can witness some of the Silver Coast’s most beautiful views over the sea and countryside.


Offering plenty of space, privacy and tranquillity, the beach stretches over a sandy strip about 6 km long, with golden dunes embraced by green cliffs on one side, and the deep blue sea mixed with the white foam of the surf on the other. Perfect for anyone who loves long walks, relaxing under the sun or calming the mind with the sound of the sea in the background!


Salgado Beach



The main road allows easy access to the central-south area of the beach, where there is a café and parking. Although the car park is not large, the plenty of space available on the beach makes up for the effort of arriving early or the short walk to get there!


The south part of Salgado, a rocky area used by fishermen and divers, has more difficult access. To the north, the access is also challenging, which explains why this more secluded area is popular among nudist beachgoers.


The wild beauty of Salgado is also a favourite for paragliding and hang-gliding. On clear days, the sky is speckled with colour by those who dare to enjoy the view from high above!


However, the beach is not ideal for swimming, especially for families with children, as the sea is often rough. If you're not a strong swimmer, make sure to look out for the green flag before going into the water!


When the weather is not inviting for a dip in the sea or sunbathing, the slopes that connect Salgado to Gralha beach are fabulous for hiking or walking surrounded by nature and breathtaking scenery!


Gralha Beach