Family Holiday on Portugal's Silver Coast: Activities for Everyone
The Silver Coast is one of the best regions in Portugal for a family holiday. Unlike the Algarve (crowded, resort-heavy) or Lisbon (urban, hot), this stretch between Óbidos and Nazaré offers safe beaches, calm lagoon water for kids, medieval towns to explore, and enough adventure to keep teenagers and adults engaged.
For Young Children
Óbidos Lagoon: Warm, shallow water where kids can wade and splash safely. No waves, no currents. Better than any swimming pool.
São Martinho do Porto: A perfectly shell-shaped bay with water calm enough for toddlers. One of the safest natural swimming spots in Portugal.
Óbidos town: Walking the castle walls (supervised — no railings), Ginjinha for the adults, ice cream for the kids, and the chocolate festival if you time it right.
For Teenagers & Active Families
Surfing at Baleal: Beginner-friendly waves with multiple schools. Kids as young as 8 can take lessons.
Kitesurfing at Óbidos Lagoon: We Are Salty People teaches in the lagoon’s flat, shallow water. Suitable for ages 12 and up (younger depending on weight and maturity). The whole family can take lessons together in a group format — up to 4 people, 2 kites, all staying together.
Berlengas Islands: Boat trip, snorkelling, kayaking through sea caves, exploring the fortress. A genuine adventure day that kids love.
Mountain biking: Coastal trails along the cliffs between Bom Sucesso and São Martinho do Porto.
For Non-Active Days
Nazaré: Watch surfers from the lighthouse, ride the funicular, eat seafood on the beach.
Buddah Eden: A vast oriental garden with giant Buddha statues, lakes, and pagodas — 30 minutes inland from Óbidos. Surprisingly impressive and great for photos.
Caldas da Rainha market: Daily fresh market with fruit, cheese, bread, and the town’s famous (and cheeky) ceramic pottery.
Where to Stay as a Family
Foz do Arelho / Bom Sucesso: Closest to the lagoon. Quiet, safe, and has both ocean and lagoon beaches. Vacation rental houses with pools are available and affordable.
Baleal: More lively, walkable, with restaurants and surf vibe. Great for families with teenagers.
Óbidos: Stay inside the medieval walls for a unique experience. Smaller properties, so book early.
Add kitesurfing to your trip?
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— We Are Salty People