Region in Leiria District, Portugal
Silver Coast
Atlantic coast north of Lisbon with surf at Peniche, a medieval walled town at Óbidos, and lower rents than Lisbon. Based in Caldas da Rainha, it suits slow stays; summer is windy and public transport is thin.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–2,930Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,600Details
- Value for money50/100Better value than 49% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 22°CDetails
- Air quality6.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet252 MbpsFixed broadband, Portugal medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are widely accepted.Details
Where to stay in Silver Coast
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Caldas da Rainha | Main town: hospital, markets, trains, cheaper long-stay flats |
| Peniche and Baleal | Surfers and nomads: waves, hostels, the Berlengas boats |
| Óbidos | Walled medieval village; lovely, touristy, more expensive |
| São Martinho do Porto | Calm shell-shaped bay beach and relaxed pace |
Apps that work in Silver Coast
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Covers most of mainland Portugal; fewer cars in small towns |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- CP: Train tickets and timetables
- Rede Expressos: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Ride apps are patchy outside Caldas da Rainha and Peniche; use local taxis and book ahead for airport and early rides.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Portugal.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are widely accepted. Some small cafés and beach kiosks are cash-only.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Multibanco bank ATMs don't add fees; Euronet machines in tourist areas charge and push conversion, so decline it.
- Tipping: Not expected. Leave 5–10% for good restaurant service and round up taxi fares; cafés and bars need nothing.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. MB WAY, which locals use, needs a Portuguese bank card.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
MEO, NOS and Vodafone sell tourist SIMs at Lisbon and Porto airports and shops for about €15–30; DIGI is cheaper. Passport usually asked. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Portugal
Going to Silver Coast solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Silver Coast meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Prontos Coworking, Caldas da Rainha
- Rede Expressos
- CP: Oeste line service update
- Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS 24)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.