Springtime Bucket List on the Silver Coast

Springtime Bucket list on the Silver Coast

Spring has gotten a late start this year, I’m still getting used to the lack of warmth happening around me this time of year.

Being used to warm Florida weather, the Portuguese climate has yet to grow on me. Let’s just say Thriving I am not.

On top of that, we’ve had an incredibly rainy few days. It puts a damper on plans a bit but doesn’t deter it all together.

But in the spirit of getting out there and exploring after lockdowns and virtual school, I decided that a Spring Bucket List was just what the doctor ordered.

I’ve already started working on a few of them and hope to check all off the list in the next coming weeks.

It certainly isn’t a long list but it’s something to look forward to this Spring.

1 – Visit Capela de Santa Ana in São Martinho do Porto

This chapel previously in ruins has been recently renovated: It hugs the Sao Martinho do Porto bay giving from the Shell form the bay is known for.

We’ve been meaning to explore the surrounding areas of the bay, and the view is magnificent.

You’ll need to travel through an unofficial dirt road in order to get there – but be aware you’ll need to finish the rest of the way on foot.

Alternatively — If you’d rather hike there, apparently there’s a dirt trail that leads to the Chapel. You’ll find it on the left side of the public pools in Salir do Porto. I’ve yet to see it though but that’s what I’ve read.

2 – Look for Dinosaur Fossils

Did you know Portugal has a history with Dinosaurs? Well — now you do! If you’re courageous enough to brave through the wild terrain and oceanside cliffs you’ll be lucky enough to find some dino fossils.

Go on google maps and type in these coordinates to start your quest — 39°30’07.8″N 9°10’02.4″W — I’m super excited to share this discovery with the kiddo.

3 – Farol de São Martinho do Porto /Lighthouse

Consequently, on the other side of the bay, there’s a lighthouse you can visit for an alternative view of the bay — which I’m hoping to stop by for a visit on a sunny day.

4 – Picnic at the Beach

This one depends entirely on me and the weather cooperating. It’s been my experience that it’s typically quite windy at the beach.

We’ll just have to wait for the perfect spring day. I do have the perfect vintage straw picnic basket that I’m dying to take out for a spin again.

5 – Visit all the Miradouros in the São Martinho Area

Miradouros are just lookout points throughout Portugal – you’ll find them everywhere and each offers its own — especially stunning views.

You’ll find them by following the Brown street signs with binoculars on them.

Unfortunately, the areas aren’t usually kept up nicely – you might find a lot of overgrown vegetation, some graffiti around and sometimes trash — the views offset this minor annoyance.

Miradouro do Cruzeiro
Miradouro do Facho
Miradouro de São Martinho do Porto
Miradouroo de Salir do Porto

6 – Ascensor do Outeiro

Another viewpoint that isn’t called a Miradouro but offers beautiful views of the bay. You can take an elevator up or just find one of the narrow streets and it will take you there.

You’ll find a beautiful and ample courtyard with some concrete benches to sit on. We love stopping there from time to time but now that flowers are in bloom I believe it will be even prettier.

Find it easily by searching for Junta da Freguesia de São Martinho do Porto.

7 – Stop by Nazaré Beach

After living on the Silver Coast for over a year now, I have yet to visit Nazaré. We weren’t planning on a pandemic to start before we moved leading to a slower acclimation.

Any upcoming sunny weekend and I’ll be heading north to discover the neighboring surfing/fishing town.

8 – Shop at the Farmer’s Market

You’ll find no shortage of farm fresh veggies here in Portugal, and most towns I’ve visited if not all have their own farmer’s market.

I went on a scouting trip to the market one time only but have yet to make my fresh grocery haul there. Bonus points if I get one for those rolling shopping carts — then I’ll really be a local 🙂

9 – Get with the Locals

I’ve been venturing out walking the tiny cobblestone streets, exploring different ways. Although I haven’t met any locals YET, I did have a chat with the local florist — which I intend to purchase flowers from religiously.

Being that I’m not much of a chatterbox, this is quite a step up for me — heading in the right direction I say.