Exploring Portugal’s Silver Coastline
Santa Cruz to Casais das Amoeiras – 9th May 2025
We seem to have to pinch ourselves when we wake in the morning!
I can’t quite believe we are here, and having this wonderful life at the moment – we feel very lucky 🙂
Another lovely sunny morning and the chance to visit another stretch of this beautiful Silver Coastline. Also known as the Costa de Prata, it gets its name from the silvery sheen of the Atlantic Ocean when the sun sets over it. Ahh, how romantic!
Paul wanted to come to Santa Cruz this day – out of curiosity with the name as much as the reputation of the beaches.
We stopped to have morning refreshments at this bar.
I wanted Cola sem azucar (without sugar) but the lady didn’t understand my accent or they didn’t have any in stock. The Portuguese government doesn’t press its population to cut down on sugar, so it’s not sold en masse like in the UK.
She thought I wanted a beer, so I just smiled, shook my head and asked for duas colas. No cake for me this morning.
They had an impressive cocktail menu though! The seats were very comfortable, and it was surprisingly stylish and relaxing. I think it would make a fab spot for early evening cocktails before dinner one evening!
This path took us up the cliff side with the beach far below.
There are 3 seasons of wildflower colours in Portugal – yellow, pink and blue. It is yellow season now and it is glorious.
Looking down we could see Guincho Rock – which is a similar rock formation to our own at Durdle Door in Dorset.
I couldn’t help thinking that these steps down to Praia Formosa – the next beach on from Santa Cruz – were built with a hint of the Spanish artist Gaudi in mind. With built-in seating at every twist and turn they were elaborate and pretty, but didnt look that sturdy.
The view from the top of Casais das Amoeiras was breathtaking and made all the better by the sun and warm wind.
We drove up to this part in the van and parked up to take in the view.
I love their noticeboards, giving extra information about the flora and fauna. I had no idea that you could find flat-leaved Daphne in this area.
We hopped back into the van again to drive further round the coastline to the top of Praia Azul for an ice cream.
And found these paragliders enjoying the wind – fab day for it!!
