Silver Coast Alternatives to Nazaré

Nazaré is definitely not my favorite town in the silver coast area. I really like São Martinho do Porto. It’s smaller but more charming IMO. However, for any of the towns in the silver coast, a car is really needed. While it might be possible to do trains or buses, a car would give you much more freedom. And, driving in that area is very easy. On my scouting trip before moving, I picked up a car in Coimbra and drove all over the area with no problems. Roads and signage are good with little traffic.

And, there are a number of places to see in that area. Alcobaça, Batalha, Tomar, Obidos and the beach at Foz do Arelho is very nice.

I concur with everything that Kathryn has written. I certainly wouldn’t bother with Nazare compared with other places in the area.

Make sure that everything you book is refundable as I think the chances of this trip being feasible in spring 2021 maybe optimistic.

Aveiro holds a very special place in my heart. Situated just south of Coimbra on the main train line to Lisbon, it’s easily accessible. A city of canals plied by colorful “Moliceiros” boats that historically harvested seaweed, now harvest in the know tourists. They are beautifully painted. Be sure to translate the saucy messages that accompany the racy paintings of each. You may find yourself blushing. Called the “Venice of Portugal” is a bit of a stretch but the city’s Art Noveau architecture makes it a winner in my book.

Aveiro was recommended to me by several friends I made in Lisbon who swore Aveiro had the best seafood in Portugal. It’s got a lively seafood market every morning where locals outnumber tourists 20 to 1. Aveiro is on the cusp of being recognized by international tourists so you still get an authentic vibe and locals excited to show off their town.
Aveiro isn’t directly on the coast but slightly in from the sea linked by canals and lagoons which brought it wealth through salt harvesting. A short 10 minute bus or taxi ride will bring you to Costa Nova on the beach filled with charming, gaily painted houses facing the mighty Atlantic.
I will concur Nazaré leaves me cold as an Eskimo. Coimbra is beautiful but I still feel on a tourist track of must see and do’s. I made the mistake on my last trip January 2020 to Portugal of substituting Evora, which I hadn’t seen, for Aveiro. I found Evora interesting but give me a city with a heart and soul like Aveiro anytime. That’s my two cents anyhow. Happy travels!

Hi Chamlo11,

May I recommend the small coastal town of São Martinho do Porto. It's an 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lisbon and makes a great stop after leaving Coimbra.

https://visit-sao-martinho-do-porto.com/en/

It has a nice beaches, good restaurants and very scenic. This might be what you're looking for. I would choose this town instead of Nazaré. You can take the train there from Coimbra, then from there take the bus to Lisbon. I took this path from Porto to Lisbon 2 years ago. You can also make a stop at Sintra after leaving São Martinho do Porto before reaching Lisbon.

Take care,

RJean

Thanks everyone for your recommendations! Much appreciated.