Villa 33

Where is the Costa de Prata or Silver Coast? The Costa de Prata is a region on the west coast of Portugal, located between Lisbon and Porto. The Silver Coast starts north of the Costa de Lisboa, roughly at Torres Vedras. How far to the north this costa continues is not entirely clear and is indicated differently. In this article, we set the northern boundary at the height of the city of Leiria. Not only the coastal strip, but also a good part inland belongs to the Costa de Prata region. Places of interest Costa de Prata Torres Vedras The town of Torres Vedras is nestled between the vineyards in the interior of the Costa de Prata. This area played an important role in the defense of the country against Napoleon in the early 19th century. Remains of the defensive lines, the Linhas de Torre, remain in only a few places. Among other things, traces can still be seen at the Forte de São Vicente, near Torres Vedras. Remains of defense lines in the landscape around Torres VedrasRemains of defense lines in the landscape around Torres Vedras Dino Parque Lourinhã Are you on holiday with the family and would you like something different than the beach? A nice trip with children is the Dino Parque Lourinhã. More than 120 species of dinosaurs have been recreated in full size at this theme park. Buddha Eden A little further north and more inland, near Bombarral, is another special theme park: Buddha Eden. This 35-acre oriental garden is full of huge Buddha statues. Buddha Eden was decorated by businessman José Berardo. He wanted to return the world to a peaceful place after blowing up the huge Buddhas of Bamyan in Afghanistan. Buddha Eden Huge Buddha in the Buddha Eden sculpture garden bidos Near Bombarral (12 km) is one of the greatest pearls of the Costa de Prata: medieval bidos. This fully walled, colorful fortified town has been beautifully restored. Within the solid crenellated wall is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets. The small white houses are traditionally painted with blue and yellow borders. This place is popular as a day trip from Lisbon. Despite the high amount of tourism, Óbidos is a must-see when you visit the Silver Coast. ÓbidosÓbidos: colourful, medieval fortified city Fly drive-TIP: Grand Tour of Portugal (18 or 23 days) TomarDiscover everything that makes Portugal so attractive. From the Douro Valley to the Algarve. From Lisbon to Porto. From the cities, monasteries and castles in the heart of the country to the nature reserves in the north and east. Portugal complete. In the Costa de Prata region you stay overnight in Tomar. From there you can visit Batalha and the castle of Almourol. This fly drive tour, including airline tickets and rental car, can be booked through the ANWB. There is also an option with private transport. More holidays on the Costa de Prata Caldas da Rainha The town of Caldas da Rainha is worth a visit for its medicinal baths (on doctor's prescription) and special ceramics. Take a look at the Museu de Cerâmica. In the park near this museum are works of art by Bordallo Pinheiro, one of the most important artists of Portugal. He is best known to the general public for his crockery made of green cabbage leaves. A Rota Bordalliana runs through the town along which you can see even more large statues of Bordallo Pinheiro. The route starts at the train station. Parque Dom Carlos I in Caldas da RainhaParque Dom Carlos I in Caldas da Rainha Also worth seeing is the Parque Dom Carlos I with its beautiful pond and characteristic, abandoned buildings. The daily fruit and vegetable market (morning) can be found on the Praça da República. Or buy special pottery in one of the ceramic shops. Peniche Peniche used to be an island, but it is now connected to the mainland through alluvial deposits. In the cozy fishing port you can enjoy the activity and excellent fish restaurants. Here is also the star-shaped Fortaleza de Peniche. The 16th century fortress was used as a political prison during the dictatorship. A museum has now been established within the walls. Fortaleza de PenicheFortaleza de Peniche The nearby Cabo Carvoeiro (2 km) offers a beautiful view from the lighthouse. The erratic eroded, unusually shaped rocks rise steeply from the ocean. Also take a look at the chapel Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Cabo Carvoeiro near PenicheThe jagged rocks of Cabo Carvoeiro near Peniche Lovers of beautiful beaches can indulge themselves in the nearby Baleal. Berlenga Islands The island of Berlenga belongs to the island group Ilhas Berlengas. The archipelago is located off the coast of Peniche, 12 kilometers into the ocean. Berlenga Island is a pure place that impresses. It is a rugged, bare and untouched rock island of red granite, with high cliffs, beautiful caves in the sea, an idyllic beach and a sturdy fortress.