Ready to find out which are the most beautiful beaches of Portugal? Charming, budget-friendly and versatile … that’s Portugal, one of Europe’s most fascinating and colourful destinations. Whether you’re looking to conquer the waves with your surfboard or want to travel with your children, Portugal offers a wide range of seaside resorts and beautiful stretches of coastline to suit every need.
Praia do Guincho, Cascais
Located near Lisbon, Praia do Guincho is very popular for wind- and kitesurfing during the months of winter. If you’re looking to learn how to surf, you can find some great schools nearby and a camping zone where you can set up your tent. The days are long and the sunsets spectacular – make sure you make the most of them!
Praia do Meco, Alfarim
This beach is found just 40 km south of Lisbon, in the spectacular Natural Park of Serra da Arrabida. Popular with both locals and tourists, the park attracts all kinds of people: families, couples, surfers and even nudists flock here in summer to disconnect and enjoy the tranquillity.
Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Golden cliffs, fine sand, coves and crystal clear water as far as the eye can see. Praia da Rocha is a great place to kick back and relax. Despite the expansion of holiday resorts along the coast, you can still find a tranquil and romantic spot where you can enjoy the sunset together with your partner.
Praia da Falésia, Albufeira
Praia da Falésia is a magnificent beach that gets its name from the red cliffs that surround it. Although swarming with tourists during the day, in the evening the atmosphere is more serene. You can even see local fishermen unload their catch on the shore!
Praia de Odeceixe, Aljezur
Located in the South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Praia de Odeceixe is known for its cleanliness and pristine water. If you prefer someplace more private,we recommend Praia de Adegas, a small beach not too far to the south.
Praia de Tróia, Setúbal
The Tróia Peninsula is the ideal place for sailing, windsurfing and snorkelling. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you’ll find a bar right on the beach, as well as an area to play football and volleyball. This location is also popular with golfers and is easily accessible by ferry from the town of Setubal.
Portinho da Arrábida, Setúbal
If you’re looking to go diving, this beach is known for its crystal clear waters. The Natural Park of Serra de Arrábida that surrounds it, is rich in unique flora and fauna – the perfect spot to relax, do some bird watching or go hiking. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins!
Praia de Moledo, Viana do Castelo
Particularly popular in summer with tourists and surfers, Praia de Moledo is a picturesque bay located near the scenic town of Viana do Castelo. It’s definitely worth a visit if you ask us!
Praia da Aguda, Porto
This white sand beach is a mecca for surfers and scuba divers. If you’re looking to relax and recover, the water in this region is rich in iodine and incredibly beneficial for physical health.
Praia da Costa Nova, Ilhavo (Aveiro)
Praia da Costa Nova has a lot of personality and something to offer for everyone. At one end of the beach surfers can enjoy high tides, and at the other, towards Ria de Aveiro, the sea is calmer, perfect for sailing or swimming. As you walk along the beach, you’ll spot tiny colorful houses once belonging to fishermen.
Praia da Nazaré
Nazaré is a pretty fishing port where you can still see women dressed in traditional clothes walking along the cobbled streets and the town is also the country’s most famous surfing spot. It was here, 200 km south of Porto, that Garrett McNamara made surfing history. In 2011, he made it into the Guinness Book of Records for taking on a 30 metre wave!
Praia de Benagil, Lagoa (Algarve)
Is Benagil the most stunning beach in Portugal? Nestled below the small fishing village, it is the starting point for a natural wonder of Portugal: the Benagil Caves. A boat takes you to this network of caves before you set foot on a beach hidden in a spectacularly large cave. Don’t forget your camera to capture this breathtaking landscape!
Praia do Porto Santo, Vila Baleira (Madeira)
This beach on the Madeira archipelago reveals all its beauty in the depths of its crystal clear waters. Abandoned at the bottom of the ocean, the wrecks of the Madeirense and the Corvette General Pereira d’Eça have become the home of an extraordinarily rich marine fauna. The transparency of the water makes it easy to appreciate all the shades of colour down to 40 metres.
Praia da Comporta, Setúbal
Only an hour from the capital, Lisbon, lies a small corner of paradise, suspended between the blue of the sea and the green of the rice fields. On the beaches of Comporta, you can enjoy the authentic Portugal and its gentle way of life. Comfortably installed on a deckchair, let the hours go by to the rhythm of the sun. In the evening, watch the sunset from a lovely beach bar with a refreshing cocktail in hand.
Now that you know the best beaches you can’t miss in Portugal, why not start planning your trip?
