The Silver Coast Portugal is a great place for expats to move as it has beautiful beaches, cute towns, and quick access to Lisbon. There are many things to see and do in this lively area, from surfing to wine drinking. It is one of the most sought-after places in Portugal due to its cheap living prices.
But the question is… But where should you start? This blog will talk about some of the best places for foreigners to live on the Silver Coast Portugal, taking into account things like cost, amenities, and quality of life in general.
Table of Contents
Where is the Silver Coast Portugal
The Silver Coast Portugal is located in the central-western part of Portugal.
The Silver Coast is one of the best places for expats to live in Portugal. It includes the cities of Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, Peniche, and Ericeira, as well as towns in the middle of the coast like Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha. The area is named for the bright, silver waves that crash on the beaches and the colorful, reflected sunlight that shines on it all the time.
The Silver Coast Portugal is close to Porto and Lisbon airports and can be reached by car or public transportation. This makes it a popular spot for both visitors and locals.
Who Lives on the Silver Coast of Portugal?
Living along Portugal Silver Coast are people from all around the globe. It is well-known for its diversity with seasonal visitors in addition to permanent residents. Official Pordata numbers show that around 865,000 people call the Silver Coast home.
In recent years, foreign buyers—especially retirees from Northern Europe, the UK, and North America—have been increasingly interested in the region. The laid-back way of life, gorgeous beaches, and rich cultural legacy of the area appeal to them.
More than 36,500 foreigners (4% of the local population) live on the Silver Coast Portugal. You will find many people in this growing expat community – part-timers and full-timers. Moreover, there are business owners, artists, writers, and retirees living in this neighborhood.
A lot of expats are drawn to the area because it has lively and friendly towns and a beautiful, affordable environment where they can relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Best Places to Live in the Silver Coast Portugal
Aveiro
Aveiro is a lovely city in the middle of Portugal, about 70 km south of Porto. It is known as “the Venice of Portugal” because of its canals, brightly colored boats, and Art Nouveau buildings.
According to official records, about 3.8% of the 371,318 people living there are not from there.
For people from outside of Silver Coast Portugal who want to live in Aveiro, it is a quiet, friendly city with a low cost of living compared to other European towns. The city’s tourist sector is doing so well; hence, there is plenty of employment in the hotel sector for foreigners.
Aveiro also boasts several colleges, drawing professionals and students from throughout the globe. This makes the city vibrant and culturally different, as well as provides outsiders lots of opportunities to meet new people and befriend others.
From supermarkets and retail centers to public transport and medical treatments, Aveiro boasts all the comforts you might wish for. The city is also accessible from other parts of Portugal. There are daily bus and train services to Porto and Lisbon.
Figueira da Foz
Figueira da Foz is a city on the Silver Coast of Portugal known for its lovely beaches, lively nightlife, and cultural events. According to official statistics, the city has about 39,370 residents, but only about 5.0% of them are from outside the country.
There are pros and cons for people from other countries who want to live in Figueira da Foz. The benefits of Figueira da Foz are that it has a lively and busy lifestyle and lots of places to have fun, like bars, restaurants, and music spots.
People from all over the world live in the city, which makes it easy for newcomers to fit in and make friends. Additionally, Figueira de Foz’s commercial centers, hospitals, and sports facilities are pretty handy.
Particularly during the busy season, the city boasts a robust tourism sector, which implies many employment in the service and hospitality sectors.
Conversely, Figueira da Foz may get really packed and hectic in the summer, so those who prefer a more quiet life may not enjoy it there. Particularly with regard to living, the city can also be somewhat expensive compared to other parts of Silver Coast Portugal.
Language barriers can also concern people who don’t speak Portuguese, though many people in the area speak English.
Nazaré
Nazaré is a town on the Silver Coast of Portugal that is famous for its lovely beaches, traditional culture, and delicious fish. About 14,984 people live in the city, and only about 7.6% are from outside the country.
There are pros and cons for people from other countries who want to live in Nazaré. On the plus side, Nazaré has a low cost of living compared to many European places and a calm and easygoing way of life. Many of the routes connect the town to neighboring cities like Lisbon and Porto, therefore facilitating access to other areas of Portugal.
Nazaré is also a well-liked destination for visitors, so the travel industry presents several employment prospects. Moreover, the large waves at Nazaré are well-known. They can reach up to one hundred feet in height.
Every year, the town organizes the Nazaré Challenge, a surfing competition drawing some of the top surfers worldwide.
But if you don’t know Portuguese, it can be hard to get around because many people there don’t speak English. Also, the town can get bustling in the summer, which might not be ideal for people who like their life to be calm.
São Martinho do Porto
The Portuguese seaside town of São Martinho do Porto is known for its beautiful bay and sandy beach. If you are not from São Martinho do Porto and want to live there, there are some pros and cons you should think about.
Positively, São Martinho do Porto presents a quiet and laid-back lifestyle apart from the bustle of larger cities. The town boasts a strong feeling of community, which makes it an ideal spot for those wishing to live in a close-knit area.
Since São Martinho do Porto is near Lisbon and Porto, it is straightforward to reach other areas of Portugal. Furthermore, it is well-liked by tourists around the world. This implies that the travel industry presents many employment possibilities, particularly in line with the busy season.
On the other hand, this Silver Coast Portugal town might not be as busy during the off-season, which some people might not like. People who don’t speak Portuguese may also find it hard to get around.
Óbidos
Óbidos is a beautiful town in western Portugal that is known for its small streets, medieval castle, and traditional white houses that are decorated with bright flowers. 7% of the residents are not from the area. It offers a unique fusion of natural beauty, culture, and history.
One of the best things about Óbidos is how close the Atlantic Ocean is—a short drive away. There are also wineries, olive groves, and rolling hills all around the town, which makes it an excellent spot for people who like being outside.
Because Óbidos is a popular tourist spot in Silver Coast Portugal, it has a good infrastructure with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars that serve both locals and tourists.
Though it has maintained its classic appeal and calm pace of life, it is a common choice for foreigners wishing to escape the noise and bustle of major cities.
Living in Óbidos has one drawback: the town is not very large. This means that there might be fewer job chances and fewer ways to get to some amenities than in bigger cities. But for people who like things to move more slowly, the pros of living in this cute town may trump the cons.
By and large, Óbidos can be an excellent place for tourists to live, especially those who like history, culture, and beautiful nature.
Ericeira
Ericeira is a beautiful town on the Silver Coast Portugal. About fifty kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It is well-known for its laid-back attitude, world-class surf areas, and lovely beaches. Over the past few years, more and more foreigners have been arriving in Ericeira. Their preferred lifestyle is laid-back, has an inexpensive cost of living, and is near Lisbon.
Ericeira is a small town where everyone knows each other well. Life moves at a slow and easy pace, and most people are friendly and open. Many people in the city like to surf, but there is fun for everyone, from swimming and sunbathing to climbing and exploring.
Ericeira’s outdoor lifestyle attracts many people from beyond the town. You can also be occupied in many other ways: surfing, swimming, cycling, and hiking, among others. The town boasts several parks and gardens where people can relax and take in the surroundings.
If you want to live a healthy, balanced life, Ericeira is a great place to live. There are a lot of healthy food shops and restaurants in town, and the number of people who are interested in wellness and living a more balanced life is growing.
Peniche
There is a town called Peniche on the western coast of Portugal. It is about 100 kilometers north of Lisbon. Travelers and surfers adore visiting because of the stunning beaches and ideal surf conditions. Peniche is an excellent spot for foreigners to settle because of its unusual mix of beach appeal and contemporary comforts.
One of the nicest things about living near Peniche is the natural beauty surrounding it.
The town is on a small peninsula that is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. This gives the people who live there beautiful views and easy access to the beach. People like to hike, watch birds, and dive at the nearby Berlengas Islands.
Peniche is also rather vibrant and full of stores open to residents and guests, as well as pubs and restaurants. Festas da Cidade de Peniche, which features traditional cuisine, live music, and street performances, are among the several cultural events and celebrations held throughout the year.
As for infrastructure, Peniche has a good way to get around. There are regular bus and train links to Lisbon and other nearby towns. There is a hospital, schools, and other essential services in the city, which makes it a good place for families with kids.
Living in Peniche may have one drawback: it gets somewhat touristy in the summer, which might jam the beaches and raise hotel rates due to service expenses.
Leiria
Leiria is a city in the middle of Portugal, about 120 km north of Lisbon. Around 130,000 people live there, with 7,500 being foreigners (almost 6% of the local population). It is the capital of the Leiria area. Expats like to move to Leiria because it is centrally located, has a low cost of living, and has a laid-back vibe.
In Leiria, people take their time and enjoy life. There is a strong sense of community, and most people are friendly and open. If you want to live a healthy, balanced life, Leiria is a great place to live. There are many parks and grounds in the city where people can unwind and enjoy the view. You can also do a lot of active things, like climbing, biking, and swimming.
Leiria of Silver Coast Portugal is a terrific place to live if you enjoy history and culture. Among the city’s significant sites are the Leiria Castle, Convento de São Francisco, and Jardim da Estrela. Leiria boasts numerous museums, theatres, and art galleries, which contribute to its vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
Coimbra
With a good quality of living, a welcoming community, and a lot of cultural legacy, Coimbra is a fantastic spot for outsiders to reside. Only 4.15% of the 439,677 people who live in the country are not citizens.
Many expats live and work in the city, including many foreign students and professionals. The low cost of living in Coimbra is one of the best things about living there. For those on a tight budget, this is a wise decision, as compared to other large European cities; housing, food, and transportation are not too costly.
Coimbra also boasts a first-rate healthcare system comprising both public and private providers. The city boasts several hospitals, clinics, and stores, so medical assistance is easily available when needed.
From Coimbra, buses and trains link other Portuguese cities as well as other nations. The public transit system is not overly costly and rather effective. With so many bike lanes and bike rental stations in the city, riding is also really easy.
Finally, the vibrant city and rich cultural legacy make it an excellent place to meet fresh people and understand Portuguese culture. Coimbra has a lively arts and music scene, with many shows, festivals, and other events all year long.
Buying Real Estate on the Silver Coast Portugal
People inside and outside of Portugal are becoming more interested in buying homes in the Silver Coast area because the prices are reasonable, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s close to the beach.
Many types of homes are on the market, from modern apartments to traditional villas. There is also a growing trend toward green and sustainable living.
Even though the area is steadily growing, it is still cheaper than other popular tourist spots in Europe. This makes it a good choice for people who want to buy a home or move to a peaceful, beautiful place.
Property For Sale Silver Coast Portugal: Property Prices
Rental Yield on the Silver Coast Portugal
Investing in property along Portugal’s Silver Coast can offer attractive yields, varying by location. Peniche stands out with a yield of 7.0%, making it one of the highest in the area, closely followed by Coimbra and Óbidos, each at 6.9%. Leiria and Figueira da Foz also present solid investment returns at 6.3% and 6.2%, respectively, making them appealing options for investors seeking steady income
How is the Weather in Silver Coast Portugal?
The Silver Coast Portugal weather is usually mild and pleasant, which makes it a popular holiday spot for people who want to relax and have a good time. The climate is Mediterranean, so summers are hot and winters are cool.
Summer
In the summer, from June to September, the Portugal Silver Coast usually has temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. July and August are the hottest months. This is also the warmest time of year for the sea, which makes it great for fishing and other water activities.
Autumn
From October to November, the fall’s pleasant weather spans temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C. But the sea’s water temperature begins to decline, which lessens swimming enjoyment. To savor the natural beauty of the area, visit Silver Coast Portugal’s historical landmarks, and eat its cuisine, which is the greatest time of year.
Winter
The Silver Coast of Portugal has winter from December to February when temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C. Even though it’s not as hot as summer, it’s still nice enough to do things outside, like climbing and biking. The water is the coolest it has ever been, which makes swimming less appealing.
But winter is a great time to learn about the area’s cultural history, go to events, and try winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Serra da Estrela mountains.
Spring
From March to May, spring comes to the Silver Coast Portugal. Temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C. With warm weather and fewer people around than in the summer, now is a great time to do things outside, like hiking, riding, and surfing.
The water temperature starts to rise, making it easier to swim, and flowers start to bloom all over the countryside, making it an excellent time for people who love nature.
How Can I Move to The Silver Coast
EU/EEA citizens
People who are from the EU can live and work in Portugal without a visa or residence card. They do, however, have to tell the government where they live within 90 days of arriving in the country.
These things can be done at the nearby City Hall. EU people will need to show their passport or national ID card, proof that they have health insurance and proof that they have a job or income in order to register.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Those not from the EU or EEA must live in Portugal with a visa or residence pass. Their intended stay and the reason behind it will determine the type of visa or permission they need.
Short-term visas are good for both business and leisure and last up to 90 days. Those from outside the EU or EEA must seek a temporary visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in their own country.
Non-EU/EEA people who want to work, study, or live in Silver Coast Portugal for a long time need long-term visas (more than 90 days). In order to get a long-term visa, they will need to apply at the Portuguese office or consulate in their home country and show proof of things like their income, where they will live, and health insurance.
Portugal D7 Visa
The Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa, which is also called the Retirement Visa or the Passive Income Visa, is for retirees and people with a good amount of passive income.
This type of income can come from Silver Coast Portugal real estate, fees, dividends, investments, intellectual property, or pensions. The least amount of money you need to make each year to get this visa is €9,120.
Pros of Living on the Portugal Silver Coast
Mild Weather
The weather on the Silver Coast Portugal is mild all year, with mild winters and pleasant summers. So, it’s a great place to go for outdoor sports like hiking, surfing, and biking.
Lower Cost of Living
Second, the Silver Coast usually has lower costs of living than other popular places for expats to live in Europe. It is cheaper for expats to live a good life without going broke because housing, food, and other costs are lower. People who are retired and want to find a place to enjoy their golden years without having to pay a lot of money are especially interested in this.
Alternative of Algarve
A lovely but less crowded alternative to the Algarve is the Silver Coast of Portugal, midway through Portugal. Its lovely beaches, historic cities, and low cost of living have made it a sought-after location for expats as well as visitors.
The area boasts a variety of properties, from contemporary villas and flats to classic Portuguese houses. For those wishing to rent or purchase a house in Portugal, this makes it a wise option.
Beautiful Coastal Towns
People love the Silver Coast’s cute towns and villages with sandy beaches, historical sites, and easygoing ways of life. A slower pace of life can appeal to many people in this area compared to bigger towns.
Growing Expat Group
The Silver Coast is becoming more and more popular with tourists, especially those from English-speaking countries. Because of this, a group of helpful people with similar views has grown, which can be helpful for people moving to a new country.
Cons of Living in the Silver Coast Portugal
Limited Job Opportunities
The main industries that make up the Silver Coast’s income are tourism, farming, and fishing. Because of this, there aren’t many job chances for professionals looking for work in other fields.
Limited Healthcare Facilities
There are medical facilities on Silver Coast Portugal, but they might not have all the services or access to expert care that you need. People who live abroad and have long-term health problems may need to get treatment in bigger towns.
Seasonal Travel
The Silver Coast Portugal’s primary business is tourism, but it only happens during certain times of the year. This means that the area may be bustling and crowded in the summer but not as busy or crowded during the off-season.
Transportation
Particularly in more rural places, Silver Coast Portugal might not provide many options for public transit. An expatriate without a car may find it difficult to travel about and observe the surroundings.
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FAQs About Best Places for Expats on Silver Coast Portugal
Where is the Silver Coast Portugal?
Offerings villages like Nazaré, Peniche, and Óbidos, the Silver Coast runs along Portugal’s western coast from north of Lisbon to close Porto.
Is the Silver Coast Portugal expensive?
Though it varies per municipality, living in Silver Coast Portugal is usually more reasonably priced than in Lisbon or Porto, with reduced daily expenses and house costs.
What is the climate of the Silver Coast Portugal?
Influenced by the Atlantic’s cooling impact, Silver Coast Portugal boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers (around 25°C) and moderate, damp winters.
Where is the best place to live on the Silver Coast Portugal?
Each of the top sites in Silver Coast Portugal— Nazaré for beaches, Óbidos for history, and Foz do Arelho for breathtaking
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