6 Best Silver Coast Towns in Portugal for Expats

Considering a move to Portugal’s Silver Coast? You’re not alone. This stretch of coastline is quickly becoming one of the most popular regions for expats looking for a slower, sunnier, more affordable life.

And we get why.

The Silver Coast offers that sweet spot: coastal charm without the tourist frenzy, walkable towns without city sprawl, and access to everything you need—without the price tag of Lisbon or the Algarve.

But not every town is the right fit for every person.

Below are six of the most popular Silver Coast towns for expats, along with two bonus picks that are just outside the region—but still very much worth a look.

1. Nazaré: Surf Town with Soul 

Photo by Egor Kunovsky

Once a quiet fishing village tucked beneath dramatic sea cliffs, Nazaré became world-famous when surfers started riding its record-breaking waves—some reaching 100 feet. But beyond the surf, this town holds centuries of tradition, from women in seven-layer skirts to legends of miracles on the cliffs of Sitio. It’s a place where old-world Portugal still breathes, just steps from the Atlantic.

Why expats love it:

• Oceanfront promenade perfect for daily walks

• Authentic culture and seasonal festivals

• Walkable town center with cafes, restaurants, and beach access

• Quieter neighborhoods like Sitio away from tourists 

What to know:

• The lower town can get crowded in summer

• Winters are damp and windy—but also peaceful

• It’s not a luxury resort vibe; it’s casual, real, and sometimes quirky

2. Caldas da Rainha: Affordable, Central, and Lively 

Founded in the 15th century by Queen Leonor—who discovered the healing properties of its hot springs—Caldas da Rainha literally means “Queen’s Hot Springs.” The town is known for its ceramics, its quirky humor, and a daily market that’s been running for over 500 years. Beneath the practical façade lies a deep creative spirit that still shapes its streets.

Caldas isn’t a beach town—but it’s only 15 minutes from the coast and offers a lot more day-to-day convenience than most seaside villages.

It has a hospital, major grocery stores, a beautiful daily fruit market, and a strong arts tradition. It’s less romantic, more practical—which might be exactly what you want.

Why expats love it:

• Affordable housing and long-term rentals

• Excellent infrastructure and access to services

• Close to Óbidos, Foz do Arelho, and São Martinho do Porto

• A strong local expat community that’s a little more low-key

What to know:

• You’ll need a car to fully enjoy the region

• The town itself isn’t postcard-pretty—but it’s livable and real

• Not a beach town, but very beach-adjacent

3. São Martinho do Porto: Calm Waters, Family Feel 

Tucked around a perfect, shell-shaped bay, São Martinho has been a family summer destination for generations. Its calm waters and golden sands have long made it a favorite for Portuguese families—and now, for expats craving peaceful beach life. There’s something nostalgic here, like the town was built for slow walks and long, lazy afternoons.

It’s quiet, relaxed, and tends to attract both retirees and families who want the beach lifestyle without the party scene. It’s smaller than Nazaré but offers a similar pace—just softer.

Why expats love it:

• Beautiful bay, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding

• Relaxed, clean, and great for kids

• Cafes and restaurants with stunning views

• Easy access to Caldas da Rainha and Alcobaça

What to know:

• It can feel sleepy in the off-season

• Limited rental inventory, especially long-term

• Not ideal for younger or more social expats who want nightlife

4. Peniche: Surfer’s Paradise with a Gritty Edge 

Photo by Karl K

Once an island fortress and prison, Peniche is now a gritty surf haven where salty air and rebellion still hang in the wind. With its sea-battered coastlines and active fishing docks, the town has always looked outward—to the waves, to the world, to freedom. It’s raw, real, and entirely unpretentious.

Why expats love it:

• Incredible surf culture and outdoor lifestyle

• Affordable housing and fewer tourists than expected

• Ferry access to the Berlengas Islands

• Laid-back, no-frills community vibe

What to know:

• Windy. Really windy.

• Not as polished or picturesque as other towns on this list

• Some areas feel industrial or under-maintained

5. Óbidos Lagoon Area: Nature, Golf, and Laid-Back Living 

Long overshadowed by its walled medieval neighbor, the Óbidos Lagoon has quietly become a haven for those drawn to nature, light, and space. The lagoon itself is one of Portugal’s largest saltwater ecosystems, ideal for birdwatchers, bikers, and peaceful souls. Nearby towns like Foz do Arelho and Vau offer the serenity of water’s edge living—with golf, sunsets, and silence as the soundtrack.

Why expats love it:

• Peaceful natural setting with water views

• High-end golf resorts like Praia D’el Rey and Royal Óbidos

• Easy access to Caldas da Rainha for shopping, medical care, and services

• A strong balance between nature and convenience

What to know:

• A car is essential for getting around

• Some areas are more residential than village-like

• Foz do Arelho gets lively in summer and very quiet in winter

6. Figueira da Foz: Coastal City Vibe Without the Crowds 

Figueira da Foz once drew Lisbon’s elite as a 19th-century seaside resort, and that elegance still lingers in its grand promenade and casino. It’s a city where you can feel both the pulse of Portuguese culture and the calming pull of the sea. This is beach life with bookstores, concerts, and cafés—a coastal city that hasn’t forgotten how to breathe.

Why expats love it:

• Vibrant downtown and beautiful promenade

• Great beach for walking, biking, and watching sunsets

• Plenty of restaurants, shops, and medical facilities

• Larger expat presence than you might expect

What to know:

• It’s a city, not a village—some love that, others don’t

• Summer brings more activity; winter is quieter

• You’ll want to scout neighborhoods carefully—some are more appealing than others

Two More Towns to Consider (Even If They’re Not Technically Silver Coast) 

Aveiro: Art, Canals, and Coastal Energy 

Photo by Marcos Túlio

Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro offers colorful boats, charming canals, and a lively student population thanks to its university. It has a real cultural beat, including a beautiful Art Nouveau district that architecture lovers will appreciate.

It’s further north than the traditional Silver Coast, but still deserves attention—especially if you like a walkable city with personality and a bit of buzz.

Ericeira: Surfer Chic Meets Village Charm 

Photo by Octavio Scholz

Closer to Lisbon and technically outside the Silver Coast, Ericeira is too beloved not to mention. It’s become a hotspot for digital nomads and surfers, but it still holds onto its Portuguese fishing village roots.

If you want cobblestone streets, killer coffee shops, great food, and daily surf checks, this one might be your place.

P.S. Considering a move to Portugal, but not sure where to start? We created the Moving to Portugal Mini-Guide: A Free 10-Day Email Course to help you answer the most common questions about life in Portugal—like visas, healthcare, language, real estate, and more.

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Cover photo by Artūras Kokorevas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flying-14529076/