Located between Lisbon y Porto, with the largest highway in the country (A1) that crosses in a north-south direction, is this coastal strip of Silver Coast (Costa de la Plata) where the mild temperatures and white sand beaches offer a choice between the practice of water sports and the quiet life of the seaside.
The thermal baths and the lush vegetation of the secular forests have preserved all the rewards of their unspoiled nature. The monasteries, convents, castles, churches, museums and witness the valuable historical and artistic heritage of universal renown value.
As one of the most economically developed regions in the country, Costa da Prata is also home to famous traditional artistic treasures, such as porcelain and glass, as well as its gastronomy, highly influenced by the sea and offset by its delicious Bairrada wines and delicious sweets. .
In fishing villages or historic urban centers, the friendliness of the people is just another asset to add this rich area of qualities to the immense list.
Among the coastal and traditional towns found in this region are:
Águeda - This area was inhabited since ancient times, as confirmed by several megalithic monuments and vestiges of the Roman occupation (one of the sites to visit is the archaeological site of Cabeço do Vouga, near Trofa).
It is worth visiting the Church of Santa Eulalia (the patron saint of this small town), with rich decoration and Renaissance sculptures, the old streets of the neighborhoods by the river, and also old estates of the region and manor houses (such as the Quinta de Alta Vila and the Agueira Quinta da).
Alcobaça-Monumental Cistercian monastery of Santa María, founded in 1152 (classified on the UNESCO Heritage list). Inside: Gothic tombs of King Pedro I and Inés de Castro, cloisters, the chapter house and the immense kitchen. Churches: Misericórida (Renaissance portico and tiles from the 17th century) and Concepción (17th century).
Guided tours
Almeida - A very well preserved border town, Almeida stands out for its formidable defenses in the shape of a twelve-pointed star. In 1810, during the French invasion, an explosion in the magazine destroyed the keep and breached the walls.
Today it is possible to visit the Casemates, the barracks of the underground soldiers, and also an arsenal of artifacts that recalls Almeida's military past.