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Occupying the western coast of Portugal Costa de Prata streches along 200 kms from Espinho in the north down to Ericeira.  

Lagoons, small villages in the hills, castles, forests, the beautiful pine forest Pinhal do Rei, the Berlengas Islands where there is good sea fishing, sandy beaches which are  considered to be among the finest in Europe. The Berlenga Grande has been declared a National Bird Reserve. Costa de Prata has a lot to offer and is popular for visitors all year round. 

Completely enclosed by lofty medieval walls, Óbidos is a small town with white-washed houses brightened up by colorful bougainvilleas. The massively towered castle has now been converted into an elegant pousada. There you can admire the impeccable white houses, and a church covered with painted tiles and decorated with fabulous 17th century painting. There is a magnificent pousada built inside the medieval castle. Near the seaside you can also visit Caldas da Rainha and its ceramic in the market (don't miss it), and spend hours in the beaches of Baleal or São Martinho. Proceed to Tomar, a town founded by the Knights Templars, where a visit to the Convento de Cristo (12th century), with its impressive Manueline window is a must.

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça (12th century) is one of the most remarkable Cistercian abbeys in Europe, and is classified by Unesco as part of heritage of mankind. Inside, statues on the tombs of D. Pedro and D. Inês stand out as masterpieces of Gothic art.

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória, at Batalha, (14th-15th century) is also classified by Unesco. Built in the Gothic style, it is a beautiful example of the Portuguese Gothic style. Its pantheon, lit magnificent stained glass windows, house the tombs of D. João I and his wife, Philippa of Lancaster, and their sons, amongst whom was Henry the Navigator.

Coimbra, on the banks of the river Mondego, is Portugal's third-largest city. It is an ancient university town with one of the oldest universities in Europe and is also one of Europe's largest university cities. The students, wearing traditional black capes and faculty ribbons, add colour and life to the city. The famous week long festival, the 
Burning of the Ribbons, takes place in May, after exams. The city is famous for its particular style of Fado (traditional songs, exceptional to Portugal). The 12th-century Sé Cathedral and the Art Museum housed in a former Bishop's Palace are worth a visit. 

 Other towns and villages in the Costa Prata:  

 Aveiro ("The Venice of Portugal", colourfully painted, graceful swan‚necked boats), Conimbriga (with fine remains of an Roman town), Nazaré (a small fishing village with a long beach), Óbidos (a medieval town, completely walled in), Torreira (a typical  fishing village), Anadia (the centre of the Bairrada wine), Figueira da Foz (modernbeach resort, casino), Leiria (castle built in 1135 on a plateau high above the town, hand‚blown glassware), São Martinho (the beach is ideal for families with children).