The Best Places to Live on the Silver Coast

Costa de Prata, also known as the Silver Coast, is a coastal region found in the beautiful country of Portugal. Whilst it is much loved thanks to the incredible beaches and historical towns, those who want to move to a sunny spot are often drawn to the fact that it offers all the beauty (and sunshine) that Portugal is famous for, but it is a much quieter alternative to the Algarve, which can become busy and sees many tourists travelling there. 

If you are planning on relocating to Portugal's Silver Coast, then you are going to want to make sure that the spot you choose is one that you will instantly fall in love with and be proud to call your home. 

To make sure that you do this, we have put together our guide on the best places to live on the Silver Coast, specifically tailored for expats moving to Portugal who are making that big move. If you’re also considering other destinations, our guide to the pros and cons of living in Portugal is a helpful starting point.

Ericeira – Surf, Beaches, and a Relaxed International Vibe

One reason that you may decide on Ericeira over some of the other spots on the Silver Coast is that it has a real wealth of beautiful beaches and plenty of surfing spots (if you like to take on the waves). The town is actually part of the World Surfing Reserve, the only one in Europe, which makes it internationally recognised among surfers. Popular beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores and Ribeira d’Ilhas attract both locals and visitors year-round.

For those who prefer a quieter life and enjoy staying dry for most of the time, Ericeira offers a relaxed approach to life, with plenty of other nationalities within the communities, ensuring you will fit right in. You’ll also find that Lisbon is just a 40-minute drive away, giving you access to city life without losing the coastal charm - ideal for expats living in Portugal who are making that big move.

The cost of living in Ericeira is much lower than in other parts of the country; for example, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the town centre can average around €700–€800 per month, compared to well over €1,200 in Lisbon. However, it is worth noting that during the winter months, the small town's nature can feel somewhat limiting.

Nazaré – Traditional Fishing Town with Stunning Coastal Views

If you would rather make sure that you experience the traditional side of Portugal, then Nazaré is a great choice for you. It is a traditional fishing town, famous for its colourful boats and the women who still wear the seven skirts, a local custom that keeps the area’s heritage alive. You will also find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré perched on the cliffs, which is a popular pilgrimage site.

As well as being quiet and charming, Nazaré still manages to attract a number of expats, which has gone a long way to creating a vibrant, multi-cultural spot. It also has the added benefit of being affordable to live in, especially when compared to major cities like Lisbon or Porto. A one-bedroom apartment can average around €600–€700 per month, which makes it appealing for long-term living for retirees in Portugal and remote workers alike.

Aside from this, Nazaré is absolutely breathtaking and has some of the best coastal landscapes in the country. The cliffs at Sítio da Nazaré overlook Praia do Norte, where the world’s biggest waves, sometimes reaching 30 metres high, have made the town internationally famous. No wonder that many of the people who choose to live there spend much of their time outside.

São Martinho do Porto – Family-Friendly Bay Town with Calm Living

Many of the expats who choose to move to Portugal are going to be moving with their families, which means that they are going to want to find a spot that is as family-friendly as possible. São Martinho do Porto is just one of these spots. Known for its horseshoe-shaped bay, the calm, shallow waters make it one of the safest beaches in Portugal for children, drawing families from across the Silver Coast. Quiet and calm, this is a town that is busier in the warmer weather and quieter in the winter.

Much like the rest of the Silver Coast, São Martinho do Porto has a really slow pace of life. But it also allows you to access some of the bigger and busier spots in the area, such as Caldas da Rainha just 15 minutes away, Nazaré in under 20 minutes, and even Lisbon in about an hour by car or train. This balance between a tranquil lifestyle and easy connections makes it especially appealing for families moving to Portugal with children. For more family-focused advice, you can explore our article on moving to Lisbon, another popular option for expats with kids.

Peniche – Affordable Coastal Spot with a Laid-Back Lifestyle

Those who are looking for a lower cost of living may want to consider Peniche as their new home on the Silver Coast. It is a coastal town, which is well known for not only welcoming those who are visiting, but also those who are planning to stay for a longer time. Peniche is also famous worldwide for Supertubos Beach, one of the best surf spots in Europe, hosting international competitions like the World Surf League Championship Tour.

The cost of living is low here, especially for those all-important things such as rental payments. A one-bedroom apartment can often be found for around €500–€600 per month, making it one of the more budget-friendly towns along the coast. Beyond surfing, residents enjoy exploring the Berlenga Islands Nature Reserve, just a short boat trip away, which adds a unique natural escape to everyday life.

However, it is a place that has a smaller expat community than others in the area, so if making connections with others in the same position as you is important, then you may want to try and look elsewhere.

Aveiro – Colourful Canal City with Charm and Affordability

One of the many things that expats love about Aveiro is the fact that it is able to offer a high quality of life alongside an affordable cost of living. The town itself is both vibrant and welcoming, and its residents are more than happy to share their space with those from out of town. Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is famous for its colourful moliceiro boats that glide through the canals, as well as its striking Art Nouveau architecture.

Compared to some of the larger cities, it is quiet, but still allows for plenty of things to see and do. This includes heading to the local beaches such as Costa Nova, with its iconic striped houses, and Praia da Barra, known for its lighthouse, the tallest in Portugal.

Those who are looking to secure a long-term, all-year-round career may find that Aveiro doesn’t quite manage to offer that. The local economy is smaller, with many jobs focused on tourism, services, and the nearby university. However, those who are happy to work remotely will definitely find it to be an ideal base for their next home. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits at around €650–€750 per month, making Aveiro attractive for expats moving to Portugal on a budget.

Óbidos – Historic Walled Town Full of Culture and Peace

The vibe in Óbidos is definitely leaning more towards history and culture, rather than an active and busy social life. This means that there is not only a smaller number of expats here, but also that there is a nice and quiet take on life too. Medieval castle walls enclose the town, and its cobbled streets are lined with whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies, making it one of the most picturesque places on the Silver Coast.

Those seeking peace and quiet in their lives will love the idea of this particular town. Landmarks such as the Castelo de Óbidos, now a pousada (historic inn), and the Igreja de Santa Maria give residents daily reminders of the area’s rich heritage. The town is also famous for its annual Medieval Market and the International Chocolate Festival, which bring bursts of activity to an otherwise tranquil setting.

However, if you would rather spend your time in a busy city such as Lisbon or Porto, then you may want to rethink whether Óbidos is right for you. That said, Óbidos is definitely a town on the rise, which means that if you do decide to move there, you could find yourself at the forefront of building that expat community.

Leiria – Traditional City with Community and Student Life

Many of the people who move to Leiria are students, which is ideal if you are looking to have plenty of people to get to know in your new home. The Polytechnic Institute of Leiria and several higher education campuses keep the city lively and youthful. That said, the expat community in the area is smaller and can appear to be less diverse than other spots in the region. However, this is definitely changing, and whilst there may be smaller numbers of people living there, there is still a very strong sense of community with those that call it their home.

Some of the charm of Leiria is that it is traditional, which means that you can really enjoy the unique and much-loved taste of Portugal. Overlooking the city is the impressive Leiria Castle, dating back to the 12th century, and the old town is filled with charming cafés, restaurants, and independent shops. In terms of affordability, Leiria is considered cheaper than nearby towns, with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment around €500–€600 per month, which makes it one of the most affordable places to live in Portugal.

Alcobaça – Cultural Hub Near the Coast and Major Towns

Culturally rich and relaxed, Alcobaça is known to be a town that is able to offer a strong sense of community, much like you may find in some of the larger cities in the country. The town itself is accessible and many of the major spots can be reached on foot, although the town is hilly, which may not be ideal for everyone.

The highlight of Alcobaça is the Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most important Gothic landmarks. The monastery is also home to the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is part of Portuguese legend. Beyond its history, Alcobaça offers a thriving food culture, being especially well known for its convent sweets and proximity to Portugal’s apple-growing region.

Located close to the coast, Alcobaça is also near to some of the bigger cities and towns in the country. You can reach Nazaré in just 15 minutes, Caldas da Rainha in around 25 minutes, and even Lisbon in about an hour and a half, which is a significant advantage for expats relocating to Portugal who want easy access to both coast and capital

Caldas da Rainha – Traditional Yet Modern with Growing Expat Appeal

Caldas da Rainha is the perfect combination of traditional charm and modern amenities, which makes it an attractive option for expats who are looking for a new place to live. The town has a high quality of life, and the expat community there is growing, too. This means that you will be welcomed into it with open arms.

What sets Caldas da Rainha apart is its history as a spa town, founded in the 15th century by Queen Leonor around its natural thermal springs. Today, you can still visit the Parque D. Carlos I and the historic thermal hospital, which gives the town a unique identity. Culturally, it is also known for its ceramics and pottery traditions, with the Bordallo Pinheiro museum showcasing some of Portugal’s most distinctive designs.

Caldas da Rainha is also affordable and has a strong community spirit. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around €600–€700 per month, making it more budget-friendly than Lisbon. It is close to beaches such as Foz do Arelho and São Martinho do Porto, and has all the amenities you would expect, from modern shopping centres to local markets. Ideal for those travelling with families and anyone else in between.

Figueira da Foz – Relaxed Silver Coast Retreat with Natural Beauty

For those expats who are retiring to their new home, Figueira da Foz is a popular option. The lifestyle is definitely more on the relaxed side, with plenty of beautiful beaches that you can choose to spend your time on. The highlight is Praia da Claridade, one of the widest urban beaches in Europe, where golden sands stretch for miles.

Nature is definitely the focus in this particular part of the Silver Coast, and when you see how beautiful it is, it is easy to see why. Figueira da Foz also offers cultural variety, from its 19th-century Casino Figueira, the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, to the Serra da Boa Viagem hills, which provide scenic walking trails and viewpoints over the Atlantic.

Finally, for those who are looking to be able to afford the finer things in life, Figueira da Foz is incredibly affordable. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment can start from around €500 per month, allowing retirees and families to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and still have plenty left over for dining out, leisure, or travel. If retirement is your goal, you may also find our guide to the best places to retire in Portugal useful when weighing up your options.

What to Consider Before Making Your Move

With so many options, deciding on the best places to live on the Silver Coast really comes down to your priorities. If a seaside lifestyle is what you’re after, towns like Ericeira, Nazaré, and Peniche offer excellent surfing, golden beaches, and thriving coastal communities. For families, São Martinho do Porto stands out with its sheltered bay and calm waters that make it one of the safest beaches in Portugal.

For those drawn to history and culture, Óbidos provides an entirely different experience with its medieval walls, cobbled streets, and centuries of heritage. Meanwhile, Caldas da Rainha offers a balance of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants easy access to shops, healthcare, and schools while still being close to the coast.

Many expats spend time visiting several of these towns before making their decision. This hands-on approach helps them experience the unique atmosphere of each location, compare living costs, and find the spot that best matches their lifestyle. Whether you're looking for waves, history, or convenience, the Silver Coast has a town that fits your vision of life in Portugal.

Making Your Move to one of the Best Places to Live on the Silver Coast

Once you’ve chosen your ideal town, the next step is planning the practical side of your relocation. Moving overseas can feel daunting, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

At Pinnacle, our team specialises in international removals to Portugal, allowing for a seamless transition to your new home abroad. We’ve also put together a full guide on moving to Portugal to help you plan every step of your relocation. From carefully packing your belongings to organising international shipping and storage solutions, we handle the details so you can focus on settling into your new life in Portugal.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, get in touch with us today. We’ll tailor our services to your move and ensure everything arrives safely, giving you peace of mind as you start your new chapter on the Silver Coast.