Portugal might have some sensational cities, however the beaches in Portugal are something else. Portugal’s beaches are notoriously significant, with soft sand and brilliant orange sea cliffs. Its Atlantic Ocean shoreline has lots of covert coves and even secret cavern beaches like Praia de Benagil– which is just available by boat or kayak. Whether you have 3 days on the Algarve or a five-day break in Sintra, you’ll wish to go to a minimum of among the most stunning Portugal beaches. The majority of hotels in Portugal have an outside pool, however absolutely nothing beats the sensation of sand underfoot and salted waves. It’s authorities; Portugal beaches are a need.
18 Finest Portugal Beaches
Are you prepared to get influenced by a few of the very best beaches in Portugal? You do not need to remain in the Algarve area either; this guide will cover the very best of the nation’s beaches. We’ll reveal you beaches that are extraordinary for water sports, discovering secret caverns, and unwinding on sun loungers with sensational sea cliff views.
1. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is among the most well-known tourist attractions for anybody staying near Benagil, apart from Praia de Benagil itself. If you have actually currently checked out the Insta-famous sea caverns, this drastically situated beach is among the most beautiful areas for a beach day. Praia da Marinha lies at the bottom of sea cliffs, available through a flight of incredibly high wood stairs or by boat or kayak– the option is yours. It is a daring beach to reach.
And this is all part of the attraction. It likewise has some appealing natural rock developments, consisting of overseas stacks and an amazing nature arch that you can swim under. We needed to include it to this list for its photogenic appeal and wacky gain access to paths.
How to get to the beach: To reach Praia da Marinha, you park up along Estr. Da Marinha in the designated parking lot and after that trek down the actions to reach the beach. Additionally, you can take a boat trip or lease a kayak from neighboring and make the journey by water.
2. Praia de São Jacinto
Numerous Portugal beaches have brilliant golden sands, however Praia de São Jacinto breaks that mold. This beach has brilliant white sands, going for miles as part of the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve, basically simply paradise in the world. The beach has a windswept visual with a background of rotating pine forests and marshes; it is spectacular, and we could not withstand including it to this guide.
It is popular among anybody who values a great view, however likewise with regional web surfers. The waves are best for water sports, and while it is too peaceful to host routine browse schools, it is a perfect area for knowledgeable web surfers going to Portugal. Simply lease a board neighboring and head to this area for the supreme browsing beach day.
How to get to the beach: To reach this beach, you can drive or capture a ferryboat– depending upon whether you are remaining north or south of the beach. There is plentiful street parking so that you will not be stuck for a parking area. There are likewise a lot of centers, consisting of showers. Do not forget to bring a video camera, as the little vibrant fishing boats left around are a few of the most photogenic areas in Portugal.
3. Praia da Costa Nova
Praia da Costa Nova is a sensational area in Portugal, with a lovely background of vibrant painted homes. It is among the most characterful beaches in Portugal– particularly if you desire a more ‘beach town’ environment with coffee shops and independent stores simply a brief leave.
You can walk along the soft sands and appreciate the rows of red, yellow, blue, and greenhouses. It has a much prettier setting than other beaches in metropolitan locations and a cutesy ambiance with a photogenic visual. Make the most of the town setting to attempt fresh fish and local seafood meals; there’s even a marina with regional anglers taking routine journeys to capture hauls for the town’s dining establishments and coffee shops.
How to get to the beach: Praia da Costa Nova is around an hour’s drive south of Porto, so a simple excursion to contribute to a city break. After all, everybody values a beach day after back-to-back sightseeing days.
4. Praia da Adraga
Praia da Adraga is a sensational inlet simply beyond Lisbon. Simply inspecting the photos, you ‘d be stunned to believe such a picturesque, remote-seeming beach might be simply a 50-minute drive outside a significant town hall. It is well worth the detour if you are remaining in or neighboring Lisbon.
The beach has brilliant blue waters and extremely golden sands separated by irregular and significant stacks that hold up like black fragments of glass. And at low tide, you can get up near the rugged rock developments and even go into some caverns along the cliffs. Professional photographers particularly flock to snap photos through the caverns and to frame the rugged stacks. For golden sand, volcanic rocks, and a lot of rock swimming pools, you actually can’t fail with Praia da Adraga.
This beach made it onto our list for its hassle-free area and striking natural charm. It has a rough and daring environment that makes it among the more interesting beaches in Portugal. Do not anticipate to swim– the waters are generally too choppy.
5. Camilo Beach
Something is for sure; you’ll get your actions in with a check out to Camilo Beach. This area is just available through water or by 200 chunky-cut wood actions. You’ll make the picturesque climb down to the waterside with sensational views of the Atlantic Ocean and charred orange landscape.
When you reach the beach, you can access 2 different beaches divided by an amazing tunnel through the cliff face. If you have kids, this is among the most enjoyable beaches to go to in Portugal, as there’s a genuine sense of magic with the tunnel to a brand-new beach. Checking out is quickly among the very best things to do in Lagos, and it has a novelty appeal that brings in crowds of fun-seeking travelers.
How to get to the beach: Camilo Beach is simply outdoors Lagos’ center, available on foot within a 30-minute walk. In spite of its distance to such a main traveler area, centers are nearly non-existent, so Camilo Beach has a wild appeal. Bring treats, beach towels, and umbrellas if you desire ensured shade.
6. Praia da Nazaré
Nazare Beach is 1.5 km long, with extensive sands and a lot of space to sunbathe far from other travelers– no matter the season. It is the only beach near Nazare ideal for swimming, as it’s somewhat protected from the more powerful waves, unlike the neighboring Praia do Norte.
You can paddle, sunbathe on the sand, and take pleasure in the neighboring bar and dining establishment scene. Nazare is a sweet little town with brilliant white structures and conventional terracotta-colored roof. It is simply an hour and a half far from Lisbon by cars and truck, so a practical excursion for anybody desiring a more large beach choice. Its significant draws are its spaciousness and simple access to Nazare’s dining and celebration scene.
How to get to the beach: Strolling to Nazare Beach from the town center is a breeze, and whatever is compact and around the center. You can take a look at the stores, dining establishments, and coffee shops while taking pleasure in stunning ocean views.
7. Praia de Tróia Mar
This striking peninsula is the very best choice for anybody desiring a wow element. Praia de Tróia Mar has white sand extending onto the horizon with electrical blue waters that lessen in shallow waters– perfect for serene wading and households with more youthful kids. The soft sands and seaside shrubs are an euphoric location to invest a laidback afternoon.
The beach’s peaceful area at the end of a peninsula implies that you do not get lots of travelers, just those individuals venturing to the end to see the beach. It is a wild beach, and arriving is a daring trip. The peaceful, wistful environment is difficult not to enjoy, and if you remain anywhere near Lisbon, it is well worth going to.
How to get to the beach: To reach this beach, you drive previous Comporta and to the end of the N253-1. You can likewise capture a ferryboat from Setubal if you elegant a more daring method of getting to this beach location.
8. Praia da Rocha
A boardwalk backs Praia da Rocha, and if you make it to the end of the walking, there’s a renowned red and white lighthouse. The large golden sands are large adequate to prevent being near other travelers, and it has all the area to have a remote bay experience, regardless of being backed by the traveler town of Praia da Rocha.
That area and the boardwalk walking are the main points that captured our attention, however its drowsy traveler town area is likewise a plus if you like roaming in between coffee shops and little stores. All in all, for traditional beach views and an active beach journey, this golden beach is best.
How to get to the beach: To get to this beach from its same-named town is a simple walk from throughout its center. Or, if you are remaining close by, a simple drive along significant seaside roadways.
9. Praia da Falesia
Praia da Falesia is a fantastic beach with excellent appearances. The beach, well-known for its orange sea cliffs, lies in Albufeira and is the best trip for a day on sun loungers or enjoying watersports. There’s likewise a dining establishment and bar, since what more could you desire? The sandstone cliffs are its piece de resistances, with parts of the orange rock worn down and broken down into great powder so that you can see red and orange coloring up to the water’s edge.
How to get to the beach: You can rapidly drive to Praia da Falesia, and there is a substantial parking lot for the high capability of visitors that this beach brings in. It has an enjoyable, orderly appeal with a lot of sun loungers and centers offered.
10. Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana is a popular little cove right beside Lagos, within strolling range of its center. The water is so brilliant it appears nearly green in areas, and significant sea stacks shelter the beach from harsher winds and currents. It has a tucked-away feel and is a lovely location to check out to glamorize your life for an afternoon. Praia Dona Ana is an enjoyable tourist attraction if you are remaining in Lagos, and you can invest a day on the beach prior to directing to take pleasure in a sundown supper at the seafood bar that ignores it.
How to get to the beach: To get to Praia Dona Ana, you’ll take on some severe stairs. Bring mineral water, as the chunky-cut wood stairs are quite tough, particularly in the midday heat. Nevertheless, you’ll tackle them in less than 10 minutes, which is well worth the effort.
11. Praia da Bordeira
For web surfers and wild beach fans, Praia da Bordeira is among the absolute best beaches in Portugal. Praia da Bordeira is embeded in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a lovely seaside maintain with raptors and sea otters among its cliffside animals. You can drive down to Praia da Bordeira for large sands and superb browse when you aren’t finding raptors and sea otters. Rolling dunes and rocky cliffs back the beach and has a rural, separated feel that contributes to its appeal.
How to get to the beach: To reach Praia da Bordeira, drive from Lagos or any little town above the Algarve area. It is well-located for an outing, so lease a vehicle and get checking out.
12. Praia dos Ingleses
Praia dos Ingleses is among Portugal’s most popular beaches. And while it may not provide rolling dunes and white sands, it does have a completely hassle-free area as one of the most available beaches in Porto. It is a dream escape from urban life. The golden sand and beach bar are a scrumptious mix too, and it is the perfect location to invest an afternoon after a couple of days of Porto sightseeing.
Praia dos Ingleses is constantly a center of activity, whether you are coming by for sundown or having a fast early morning walk. It has a neighborhood feel and brings in equivalent parts of homeowners as it does travelers, even in peak seasons, which is a great touch.
How to get to the beach: You can reach Praia dos Ingleses in an hour by foot, 40 minutes by public transportation, or 15 minutes by cars and truck from Porto town hall
13. Comporta Beach
Comporta Beach becomes part of a peninsula that juts out underneath Lisbon and has a few of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. The white sand and unlimited extending sands make Comporta Beach practically tempting. And as if it might get back at more romantic, routine dolphin visitors pertain to romp in the shallow waters.
If you aren’t a strong swimmer, you’ll wish to appreciate the dolphins from the coast, however. The beach is well-known as one of the very best of Portugal’s beaches for kitesurfers and water sports fans. However its choppy waters and no lifeguard status make it more of a paddle and sit-and-sunbathe beach if not.
How to get to the beach: The beach is finest accessed by cars and truck from Lisbon and takes around an hour to reach from the town hall. If you remain in your area in Comporta, you can stroll to Comporta Beach. It is an outing worthwhile and has a windswept and wistful appeal– a romantic addition to your Portugal travel plan.
14. Carcavelos Beach
Carcavelos Beach, aka Praia de Carcavelos, is your common happy-go-lucky vacation beach. This area has golden sands, surfing waves, and a boardwalk filled with charming stores and traveler facilities. It is the sort of location you hope will be within strolling range of your resort. You can not fail for a simple, problem-free beach experience.
Strolling along from Praia de Carcavelos, you’ll discover Strength de Sao Juliao da Barra, a 16th-century beachfront fort and among Portugal’s upper historical fortresses. So while Carcavelos has a credibility for being a drowsy beach day town, it has a fair bit of zest with its tourist attractions.
How to get to the beach: Carcavelos is the small parish where you’ll discover the beach and is a little traveler hotspot that combines nearly perfectly into other neighboring towns. It has an unique fishing culture and an ever-growing traveler environment.
15. Praia de Moledo
If you desire an unquestionably stunning white sand beach, Praia de Moledo is your one. The view along Praia de Moledo is beautiful, with white sand extending and the green peak of Monte de Santa Tecla mountain protruding like a cone from throughout the estuary.
As a side note, Monte de Santa Tecla is a fantastic location to go to after. The mountain has ancient petroglyphs and a church that runs day-to-day assisted trips. However even simply appreciating it from Praia de Moledo is incredible, and it offers a nearly volcanic setting that injects the beach with loads more character.
How to get to the beach: Praia de Moledo is quickly reached by cars and truck from Moledo, a town simply an hour’s drive north of Porto. This beach is located right on the Spanish border, and if you are preparing a cross-border trip, it is an outright must.
16. Praia de Benagil
Benagil Beach is the postcard beloved of the very best beaches in Portugal. You go into by boat or kayak through a low opening in the cliff face, exposing a large sea cavern with limestone walls extending up and a single hole in the cavern roofing where you can see a circle of blue sky and a beam of natural light.
Benagil Beach is among the nation’s most well-known ‘concealed’ coves and is world-renowned as one of the most stunning beaches you can ever go to. It is simple to see why. And you will not have a hard time to arrange a check out thanks to its appeal. Reserve a boat trip or lease a kayak and brave the experience yourself.
Having a list of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal without discussing Benagil is difficult. This beach is sensational, even if it is very popular. Our recommendations? Go to in the low season or, in the worst case situation, shoulder season so the crowds do not destroy it.
17. Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara
Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is among the very best beaches in Portugal. That is if you want to venture out from the basic southern Portugal vacations and out to the Portuguese islands off the shoreline and in the large Atlantic Ocean. These small Azores islands are spread near each other and are available by boat or aircraft. Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara lies in Sao Miguel, among the biggest. This beach has striking black sand and is among the most significant beaches in Portugal. It is popular for web surfers, however beware as it sometimes has Portuguese Guy of War jellyfish– notoriously agonizing and harmful. You can stroll along the sands and attempt to find them or take pleasure in sunbathing with the novelty of a black sand beach.
How to get to the beach: Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is simple to reach if you remain in your area and within strolling range of Santa Barbara town. Otherwise, you can rapidly drive around Sao Miguel island.
18. Praia de Alpertuche
Praia de Alpertuche is a sandy beach just available by a beautiful treking path and located in the sensational Arrábida Natural Park near the small town of Portinho da Arrábida. If you desire beautiful waters and absolutely no crowds, it is the very best beach in the area– this area is seriously off-the-beaten-track. Its small design is the best piece of peaceful natural charm, and the golden sand is common of Portugal’s Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Bring your beach equipment and beverages, as centers are non-existent. However the rural attraction is well worth the additional effort. This beach is a winner for a daring day out, and check out Arrábida Natural Park.
How to get to the beach: Praia de Alpertuche is finest accessed by cars and truck and foot for the last treking path area. It is just around an hour far from Lisbon, which is a strong plus.
Finest Beaches in Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions
These beautiful beaches are all extraordinary in their private methods. In the warmer summer season, you’ll see these stunning beaches in their finest light. Prior to you go to these leading beaches in Portugal, however, take a look at these leading Frequently asked questions.
Which part of Portugal has the very best beaches?
The Algarve area is well-known for beaches and undoubtedly has a few of the most striking beaches in Portugal– regardless of the crowds in summer season. The Algarve is where you’ll discover cavern beaches and reddest sea cliffs.
Where is the most beautiful beach in Portugal?
Praia de Benagil is a sensational beach concealed under a cavern on the Algarve. It is extensively referred to as among the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
Can I swim on Portugal beaches?
Yes, you can swim at a number of the Portugal beaches. Simply look for lifeguard towers and beach flag systems, and prevent swimming at the browsing beaches where waves are generally too rough for swimmers.
Where are the sandy beaches in Portugal?
There are sandy beaches all over Portugal, particularly in the Algarve area. You will not have a hard time to discover a golden sand beach to settle back on.
To Conclude
These finest beaches in Portugal are best for the beach day of a life time. Portugal’s beaches are a few of the most stunning on the planet, and you’ll enormously value the striking views and special settings– particularly with its cavern beaches. It deserves keeping in mind how the time of year effects your beach experience in Portugal. In the summer season, many beaches get loaded with visitors and residents alike and have electrical energy. Shoulder seasons like September and October are far better, providing heats however less crowds if you do not desire a celebration ambiance.
Make certain to attempt some conventional Portuguese food in between beach hopping. And keep in mind to check out some somewhat more inland towns and towns like Obidos or Sao Miguel instead of simply adhering to considerable seaside hotspots and resorts. A huge part of adding to sustainable tourist is actively distributing the traveler effect and investing in economies outside the ‘traveler locations’, a number of which are exclusively benefited by overseas business. Check out the smaller sized towns and towns, and look for more genuine experiences– you’ll leave a more sustainable effect and get more conventional, less hectic tourist attractions. It’s a win-win and guaranteed something to chew on.