How We Chose Portugal’s Silver Coast | Casa Oppidum.
For years, we dreamed about owning a holiday home abroad. It was one of those recurring conversations that came up during dinners, holidays, and quiet evenings at home. We talked about different countries, climates, cultures, and ways of life.
Yet one destination kept returning to the top of our list: Portugal.
In September 2025, we decided it was time to stop talking and start exploring.
Searching for the Right Region in Portugal
Rather than immediately searching for properties online, we booked a week-long trip to Portugal. Our goal was not to find a house just yet. First, we wanted to discover which part of the country truly felt right for us.
Portugal offers an incredible variety of landscapes and lifestyles. From vibrant cities and historic towns to peaceful countryside and dramatic Atlantic beaches, every region has its own character.
We knew that choosing the right location would be just as important as choosing the right property.
Starting Our Journey in Cascais
Our journey began in Cascais, where we visited a friend who lives there.
Located just west of Lisbon, Cascais is an elegant coastal destination with beautiful streets, luxury villas, marinas, beaches, and impressive ocean views. In many ways, its atmosphere reminded us of the French and Italian Riviera.
We could certainly understand its appeal. However, it did not provide the feeling we were searching for.
Cascais is also one of the more expensive areas of Portugal. More importantly, we wanted somewhere that felt a little more relaxed, authentic, and connected to everyday Portuguese life.
Our search continued north.
Exploring Portugal from Caldas da Rainha
From Cascais, we travelled to Caldas da Rainha, where we checked into a hotel that would become our base for the week.
Its central location allowed us to explore a large part of Portugal by rental car. Over the following days, we drove hundreds of kilometres, travelling from Évora in the south to Aveiro in the north, with many stops along the way.
We visited famous seaside destinations, historic cities, traditional villages, inland communities, and peaceful rural landscapes.
This journey gave us a much better understanding of Portugal and the enormous differences between its regions.
Discovering What We Were Really Looking For
During our trip, we discovered something we had not expected.
Portugal’s coastline is famous around the world, and many of the coastal places we visited were undeniably beautiful. We enjoyed exploring them, but most did not immediately feel like somewhere we could imagine living or spending extended periods of time.
They were wonderful places to visit, but they did not feel like our place.
As the week progressed, one region kept drawing us back: Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Why We Chose Portugal’s Silver Coast
The greater Caldas da Rainha area offered exactly the balance we had been searching for.
The region combines easy access to Atlantic beaches, nature, restaurants, culture, and historic towns with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It feels authentic and lively without being overwhelming.
The wider Silver Coast region includes destinations such as:
- Caldas da Rainha
- Óbidos
- Foz do Arelho
- São Martinho do Porto
- Nazaré
- The Lagoa de Óbidos
- The surrounding Portuguese countryside
Each place has its own identity, yet everything is within comfortable driving distance.
We loved the idea of being close to the coast while still enjoying the culture and everyday life of inland Portugal. The area also offers excellent connections to Lisbon, making it both accessible and practical for a holiday home.
Most importantly, it simply felt right.
Finding Our Perfect Place on Portugal’s Silver Coast
By the end of the week, we had achieved exactly what we had set out to do.
We had not found a house yet. We had found something more important: the right region.
We were not searching for walls, rooms, or a swimming pool. We were searching for a feeling a place where we could relax, feel at home, and imagine spending many happy years.
And we found it on Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Our journey gave us the clarity and confidence we needed. Instead of searching throughout the entire country, we could now focus on the area surrounding Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos.
Looking back, that exploratory week was one of the best investments we could have made. It transformed a long-held dream into a realistic plan.
The Beginning of Casa Oppidum
Choosing Portugal’s Silver Coast marked the true beginning of what would eventually become Casa Oppidum.
We had found the location. We understood the region. And we could finally begin searching for the holiday home we had imagined for so many years.
The dream was becoming a destination. That's How We Chose Portugal’s Silver Coast | Casa Oppidum.
0 Comments