17 Best Beaches in Portugal
Visitors and locals alike love Portugal for more than just its stunning scenery and rich cultural traditions.
Portugal has a total of 754 miles of coastline, and its many powdery sand beaches, crystal clear oceans, and coastal paradises will make for unforgettable vacations.
Enjoy a day or weekend away in one of these tranquil spots with your loved ones.
Use our guide to the top Portugal beaches to arrange a trip you won’t soon forget, full of fun in the sun and refreshing ocean water.
- Praia De Moledo
One of the most beautiful beaches in Spain is Praia de Moledo due to its breathtaking panorama of the country’s rolling hills.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The strong waves brought by the breezy breeze make for pleasant conditions.
It’s a great area to relax and take in the sights of the Camaro Forest, attracting many tourists.
Expert Tip
Kitesurfing, widely regarded as one of Portugal’s top outdoor activities, is best experienced here.
Believe us when we say that this location is worthy of being featured on Instagram, so don’t forget to bring your cameras!
- Praia De São Jacinto
Visitors to the Praia De So Jacinto dunes south of Porto will have a one-of-a-kind experience with the various flora and fauna found there.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This beach could be ideal if you want to get away from it all and have some quiet time to yourself or a romantic getaway with your special someone.
Bottom of Form
Some of the world’s most fascinating plants and birds can be found in this natural reserve, which is surrounded by a massive ridge of sand.
Enjoy the tranquility of this seemingly abandoned spot as you listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Expert Tip
This beach is an excellent option if you want to escape it all.
Put away your electronic devices, grab a book, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
- Portinho Da Arrábida
Portinho da Arrabida in the south of Lisbon has some of the most captivating beaches in Portugal.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This white sand beach is excellent for family trips because of the abundant rock pools that may be explored during the tide’s low point.
Furthermore, it has a wide variety of excellent dining establishments and cafes where you may unwind.
Expert Tip
You’ll need to do some hiking on inclining roads and paths to get to this beach, so make sure to schedule your trip accordingly so you don’t wear yourself out.
- Praia Da Baleeira
Do you fancy a bit naked sunbathing or skinny dipping?
Fortunately, a secret beach is waiting to be discovered on Portugal’s southern coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The cliffs and wild rosemary bushes at Praia Da Baleeira provide a beautiful backdrop.
It also boasts a stunning panorama of the bright blue ocean meeting the snowy white shoreline.
The cliffs above shield this area, keeping it unpopulated and secluded.
The famous Cabo Espichel Lighthouse, built in the 18th century, is located nearby and is worth visiting if you’re interested in time travel.
Expert Tip
You can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience here by traveling about two miles to the west to see dinosaur footprints made about 145 million years ago.
- Praia Da Arrifana
If you and your significant other are looking for a private, beachy getaway, look no further than Praia Da Arrifana in Costa Vicentina.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Praia Da Arrifana is one of the top beaches in Portugal due to its stunning orange sandstone cliffs and the powerful waves that draw surfers.
Enjoy a delicious meal at the local cafe and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean on a romantic evening.
You’ll be offered seafood caught that very day.
Expert Tip
Donkey treks are available in the area for those who have never ridden one before.
- Praia Da Amália
Praia Da Amália in Alentejo is a fantastic beach option if you’re looking to avoid crowds in Portugal.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You’ll have to abandon your car and walk for over a half mile through a thick bamboo grove while crossing a few creeks to get to the beach.
Persevere; occupying the entire facility with no other patrons will be possible.
It’s all worth it when you reach a sandy beach, a waterfall, or a large rock formation to climb.
Expert Tip
You will need to carry all your food, snacks, and drinks because there are no places to buy them here. There are plenty of spots on the beach, perfect for a picnic!
- Praia Do Carvalhal
Praia Do Carvalhal should be at the top of your list for Portugal beaches if you’re in the market for delicious seafood and breathtaking views.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There is a wide variety of services available at Praia Do Carvalhal.
You won’t find a perfect stretch of sand anywhere else on this beach.
Expert Tip
If you’re hungry, you might stop by Restaurant Diniz, a neighboring eatery known for its seafood.
It’s run by a guy who used to fish, and he makes some killer fish platters.
- Praia Do Carvalho
Do you know of any golden beaches that you’ve been to?
If not, you should put Praia Do Carvalho on your list of the best beaches in Portugal.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The golden hue of the sand as you emerge from a tunnel into this coastal cove in the western Algarve is hypnotic.
You can play in the sand at low tide or even lie down.
Exploring the caverns and tunnels that run down the cliff face is also possible.
When the tide is out, the waves from the ocean smash into the caves and blast through the cracks in the cliffs.
Expert Tip
If you like exploring caves and tunnels, bring a flashlight, proper footwear, and safety equipment to traverse the inner depths of this beach’s natural wonder.
- Praia De Odeceixe
Will you be taking the kids on your next adventure?
Praia De Odeceixe should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a beach with something for everyone.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Everyone is welcome to take advantage of this enormous beach.
Traveling with children? The northern section of the beach is home to a little river where the little ones can run about and play safely.
The Praia De Odeceixe is our top choice for the most incredible beach in Portugal to go swimming due to the pleasant water temperature, the presence of lifeguards, and the abundance of fun physical pursuits available.
Expert Tip
Many restaurants and cafes to check out provide a spectacular panoramic view of the entire beach from above.
- Praia Da Adraga
You might find the perfect, once-in-a-lifetime experience in Praia Da Adraga, in Lisbon’s northern part.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A wide variety of activities, including surfing, swimming, and hiking, can be enjoyed on this stretch of sandy shoreline.
Those looking for a great meal with a breathtaking ocean view can do so.
In addition to offering shelter from the warm sun, the tall cliffs along the shore provide welcome shade.
Expert Tip
If you’re in the mood for some adventuring, you could end up hiking the cliffs of Praia Da Adraga; therefore, it’s a good idea to stock up on water before you go.
- Ilha Da Fuseta
Did you ever wish you could gaze upon a flock of stunning pink flamingos?
A visit to Ilha Da Fuseta will give you an unforgettable view of hundreds of them.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Unlike many others on this list, our East Algarve beach has no cliffs.
The East Algarve is the safest beach for kids, with almost 35 miles of lagoons and shallow warm waters.
When the tide is out, you can see the sandbars connecting the islands and even walk across them.
Expert Tip
In the tidal wetlands, you can see hundreds of flamingos congregating.
- Praia Do Barril
These dunes in the far eastern region of the Algarve will transport you back in time, making them a must-see for history and archaeology buffs.
Why We Recommend This Beach
As a family-friendly destination, Praia Do Barril is a must-visit.
Included are extensive stretches of empty, open shoreline bathed in warm, clear water.
Tavira has a rich fishing heritage, evidenced by its many rusted anchors and quaint eateries housed in what were formerly fishermen’s homes.
Expert Tip
One can pick from a wide selection of restaurants serving various cuisines in this city.
Those taste explosions are too good to refuse, so save room for more.
- Praia Da Franquia
Canoeing on Costa Vicentina’s Praia Da Franquia is an excellent introduction to the sport for those who have never tried it.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The protected waters of Praia Da Franquia can be found along the Mira river’s shoreline.
No choppy waves from the ocean had reached the riverbank either.
You can try canoeing along the river and navigating to the local village, where they serve some of the best food you’ll ever taste.
Expert Tip
Try the arroz de Peixe at Restaurante Porto das Barcas, made of fish and rice cooked in a clay pot.
In a word, it’s heaven.
- Berlengas Archipelago
Are you interested in finding out more about the past of dunes?
Then you might enjoy visiting the Berlengas Archipelago in northern Libson, home to a 500-year-old fortress-slash-beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Make a break for it and head to the coast of Peniche to check out the odd Berlengas archipelago.
You can get from one large rock to another by swimming over the river or walking across the bridges built between them.
Caves full of silvery fish can be explored by swimming, paddleboarding, or riding a kayak around the cluster of beaches.
Expert Tip
In this archipelago, a cave known as the Cov do Sonho is lit by the sun’s rays reflecting off the emerald sea.
Avoid missing out by not going there!
- Praia Da Cordoama
Those who enjoy catching waves and surfing should travel to Praia Da Cordoama.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Numerous surfers frequent this area of Sagres.
After a stroll down the sandy beach at low tide, depending on the conditions, you can try surfing.
The extensive expanses of sandy coast are visible from the Miradouro da Cordoama, where you can also get a fantastic panorama of the surrounding area.
Expert Tip
Whether traveling solo or with a loved one, this spot is perfect for sipping wine and enjoying the breathtaking orange sunset.
- Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo is a famous beach that features some beautiful rock formations.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Walking down the iconic wooden stairs to Praia do Camilo from the town takes around 30 minutes, and along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of the fantastic rock formations and beautiful, well-maintained dunes.
Snorkeling in the beach’s turquoise water is a great way to see the diverse marine life there.
Expert Tip
Because of the influx of visitors when the tide is high, this beach may become more crowded than usual, so it’s best to schedule your visit in advance if you want to make the most of this hidden gem.
- Praia De Marinha
One of Portugal’s most famous landmarks is the Praia de Marinha, where several golden cliffs of limestone provide shelter and protection from the waves.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Clearwater, fine sand, and easily accessible walking trails make this Atlantic coast beach picture-perfect for postcards.
Named “Golden Beach” because of the stunning golden-orange color of the limestone cliffs surrounding it, this beach is somewhat modest.
Expert Tip
Be sure to bring everything you’ll need to make it down the treacherous path to this location.
But have no fear!
The stunning scenery will make you forget about your aches and pains.
