Portugal Beaches
Best Beaches in Portugal
Portugal is blessed with a 1,794 km long Atlantic coastline and some of the best beaches in Europe.
From Viana do Castelo in the northwest to Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the southeast near the border with Spain, the coast offers sea, sand, surf and sun.
In normal years, hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors flock to the Portuguese coast to relax and enjoy a family holiday. Throw in some great seafood, spectacular waterparks and a few superb golf courses and the Portuguese seaside provides just about everything necessary for a pleasant and memorable vacation.
We start in the popular Algarve and head west and north to cover some of Portugal's most enticing beaches.
Algarve Beaches
The Algarve region on Portugal's southern coast has some of the country's finest beaches. Tourists flock here in the summer months to enjoy the sea and the spectacular, rocky coastline. In the winter, the beaches in the Algarve are ideal for strolling and bird-watching.
The resorts of Albufeira, Aljezur, Faro, Ferragudo, Lagos, Olhão, Praia da Rocha, Sagres, Tavira, Vilamoura and Vila Real de Santo Antonio all have superb strands of sand to enjoy and clean, though bracing seas to enjoy.
Beaches in Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Vila Real de Santo Antonio, close to the border with Spain and the Spanish town of Ayamonte, has some of the warmest seas in Portugal. It is the furthest Portuguese resort from the cooling effect of the open Atlantic Ocean.
The nearest tourist beach to the town is at Monte Gordo, a resort popular with Spanish holiday-makers. It situated a couple of kilometers west of the center. Closer to town at the mouth of the river is the Praia de Santo António, more favoured by local Portuguese.
Manta Rota is a small seaside resort west of both Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The pretty sandy beaches at Manta Rota form part of the larger Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Beaches in Tavira
Heading west from Vila Real de Santo Antonio the next major resort is Tavira. Tavira has several beaches close to town. Buses from Tavira bus station run out to the ferry port of Quatro Aguas to Ilha de Tavira with its lovely Praia de Cabanas beach including a nudist section, water sports, cafes and camp site. Take either the regular ferry (5 minutes) or a six-seater water taxi. Other beaches on the coast close to Tavira are Praia do Barril to the west and Praia de Cacela Velha on a spit to the east.
Beaches in Olhão
Olhão's best beaches are on two islands a short ferry ride from the port.
The Ilha da Armona is part of the picturesque Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, 60 km of pristine salt marsh, creeks, lagoons and sand dunes stretching from Faro east to Cacela Velha.
Ilha da Culatra is the further from Olhão by boat of the two islands of Armona and Culatra. The ferry boat drops you off at the small quay with a few bars and restaurants nearby. Walk from here to Praia de Farol (Lighthouse Beach) near the lighthouse for the nearest beach.
Beaches in Quarteira
Quarteira, 22 km west of Faro is the next resort traveling west. Quarteira was one of the first towns to develop on the Algarve coast in the 1970s and 80s. The town is popular with domestic tourists, especially families with kids. The beach and sea here are still magnificent but backed now by several large apartment blocks. The Aquashow waterpark is close by which is another family-friendly attraction. There's a daily fish and vegetable market and some very good restaurants on the seafront.
Beaches in Vilamoura
Vilamoura just to the west of Quarteira is more upmarket. In fact, Vilamoura and Quarteira have largely merged. The marina is full of expensive yachts and there are three golf courses and a tennis center nearby. The Algarve's largest disco, Kadoc, which can hold 7,000 clubbers, is on the main road to Albufeira. Recommended hotels in Vilamoura are the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura and the Vila Gale Marina. Both are luxury super resorts with pools, bars,spas, tennis courts and restaurants galore.
Beaches in Albufeira
Albufeira is the largest resort on the Algarve coast. Home to a sizeable expat community it appeals to a younger bar-hopping, club-hungry crowd as well as young families with children.
Beaches in Albufeira include Praia do Peneco (Praia do Túnel), the main tourist beach in town, Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman's Beach), where the local fishermen operated from but now totally dedicated to tourism and Praia da Oura, a small, sheltered cove, close to "The Strip" of bars and restaurants and a number of resort hotels.
Other beaches in Albufeira include Praia de Santa Eulália, a large bay just to the east of Praia da Oura with water sports, sun beds, parasols and restaurants.
Praia dos Olhos d'Água (Eyes of Water), once a traditional fishing village, gets its name from the springs in the rocks at the eastern end of the strand.
Finally, Praia da Falésia is the huge stretch of sand that runs east to Vilamoura and Praia da Galé the main beach west of Albufeira.
Beaches in Ferragudo
Ferragudo has a small beach right near where the taxi ferry arrives below the 17th century Castel de São João do Arade. A pleasant, sign-posted walk continues south to Praia do Molhe, the lighthouse (farol) at Ponta do Altar, Praia dos Caneiros and the hamlet of Siesmarias. The round trip which is indicated by colored arrows painted on walls is about 9 km.
A couple of kilometres south of Ferragudo is the ocean beach of Praia Grande at the very mouth of the river.
Beaches in Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha is the beach resort about 2 km south of Portimão and across the River Arade from Ferragudo. The beach has rock formations in the water and though the sea here is colder than the beaches further to the east on the Algarve, it is safe for swimming and patrolled by life-guards. There are views over the beach from the 17th century Fort of Santa Catarina (Fortaleza de Santa Catarina).
Beaches in Lagos
The beaches in Lagos are known for their spectacular rock formations, popular with boat and kayak tours.
Meia Praia is a large expanse of sand west of Lagos town centre altogether about 4 km in length.
Praia da Batata (Potato Beach) is on the opposite side of the river from Meia Praia and the closest beach to Lagos old town.
Praia da Dona Ana is a popular beach resort reached by local bus and the Lagos tourist train. The beach is reached by a set of steep stairs from the headland above where the Carvi Beach Hotel and a number of other accommodation options are located.
Praia do Camilo is an iconic Lagos beach with superb views from the headland and beautiful rock formations and cliffs in the small cove at the foot of the long set of stairs.
Other beaches in Lagos are Ponta da Piedade, Praia de Porto de Mós, and Praia da Luz, 6 km west of Lagos and now a small resort in its own right.
Beaches in Luz
Luz is 6 km west of Lagos. The fine curve of the beach is busy during the summer but at other times of the year is splendidly tranquil. Accommodation here is largely in low-rise, upmarket villas, most with sea views. Try the excellent Quinta do Mar. There's fine dining to be had at several excellent restaurants, too. Historic sights include the Fortaleza da Praia da Luz and the pretty Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz.
Beaches in Sagres
Sagres is home to several great beaches very nearby. These are Praia da Mareta to the south of town, Praia da Baleeira to the east, Praia do Martinhal north of here and the surf beach Praia do Tonel to the west. Praia do Martinhal is particularly lovely located in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
Martinhal Beach can get a little windy but is perfect for such activities as surfing, wind-surfing, hiking and jogging. The Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel is right at the beach. Further afield are Praia da Baleira, Praia de Zavial and Praia da Bordeira 20 km to the northwest. Praia de Zavial is a favorite with surfers as the beach can get sizeable waves. It is a gorgeous spot, with an incredible view from the cafe/restaurant and an area for nudists.
Beaches in Aljezur
Aljezur's beaches are on the Atlantic coast heading north now from Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente. The water is cooler here but the winds and waves make them ideal for surfing.
Praia da Arrifana is a long stretch of sand set below black cliffs, 10 km south west of Aljezur.
Praia do Monte Clérigo is 8 km north of Praia da Arrifana. The beach is suitable for families and is easily accessible by car.
Praia da Amoreira is a natural wonder combining a sea and river beach at the mouth of the Ribeira de Aljezur.
Other beaches on the stretch of coast here are Praia do Amado, Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Castelejo.
Beaches in Porto Covo
Heading directly north from Aljezur, the next resort is Porto Covo. Porto Covo lies on the coast south of Setúbal and Sines. It is the premier resort in the Alentejo region with some superb beaches.
The main beaches near Porto Covo are Praia do Banho, Praia dos Buizinhos, Praia Pequena and Praia da Engardaceira.
They are often small, sandy coves hemmed in by impressive cliffs.
The Praia Grande and Praia da Ilha beaches are the largest and most easily accessible.
Praia Naturista do Salto is one of a few nudist beaches officially recognized in Portugal since 2002.
São Torpes is the main surfers' beach with excellent waves.
Beaches in Sines
Sines is both working port and developing beach resort. The main beaches near Sines are Praia de Pescadores, right in town and Praia da Costa Norte, Praia da Lagoa and Praia do Canto Mosqueiro, all to the north.
Beaches in Comporta & the Troia Peninsula
Heading north again is a huge stretch of beach running all the way to Comporta and the Tróia Peninsula.
Wooden boardwalks to protect the fragile dunes lead to the fine, sandy beaches on the peninsula.
Nearest to the ferry terminal is Praia de Tróia Rio. Heading south on the Atlantic side are Praia Tróia Mar and Praia da Questa. Praia do Golfe is opposite the golf course and south again is Praia da Costa da Galé.
Heading towards Comporta are more beaches. The Praia Atlântica, Praia Do Malheirão, Praia da Malha da Costa and Praia Troia. They form one huge expanse of open beach with little shade.
The 18-hole, par 72, 6,317-meter Troia Golf Course has great views of the sea to the west and the Arrábida mountains to the north.
Beaches in Caparica
Crossing the Sado Estuary and heading north of the Parque Natural da Arrábida are the popular beaches of the Costa da Caparica, easily accessible from the capital, Lisbon.
There are nudist beaches and Beach 19 (the last stop on Caparica's tourist train) is Lisbon's famous gay beach. Beginning life as a nudist beach, it quickly became popular as a gay beach. While straight nudists maintain a presence, it is mainly gay.
Two of the best beaches are Morena and Sereia next to each other north of Beach 19.
About halfway down, Praia da Fonte da Telha has a selection of bars and restaurants and is opposite a golf course as well with plenty of places to stay.
The calmest beaches are near the sheltered lagoon of Lagoa de Albufeira - the beach here is popular with wind- and kitesurfers. On the eastern side of the lagoon are the marshes of the Lagoa de Estacada which is home to many species of birds.
Beaches in Cascais & Estoril
Crossing the Tagus on the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril, the nearest beaches to Lisbon on the north side of the River Tagus are Cascais and Estoril. Tamariz Beach is right in Estoril reached by a tunnel from Estoril Station. Both towns can easily be reached from Cais do Sodre on the Cascais Line (Linha de Cascais).
Beaches in Ericeira
40 km north through the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais is the surfing center of Ericeira in Estremadura. An historic port town, Ericeira's beaches are now best known as a surfer's paradise. Indeed Ericeira World Surfing Reserve is the first such in Europe and the second so designated in the world (in 2011) after Malibu in California.
Close to the town itself is Praia do Sul. To the north are Praia do Norte, Praia de São Sebastião and Matadouro. Further north still is Praia de Ribeira d'Ilhas, the main surfing beach with the biggest waves and a frequent venue for surfing competitions.
All have excellent surf with surfing establishments offering lessons at all levels of ability.
South of town is Foz de Lizandro on the picturesque River Lizandro. This is one of the calmest beaches in Ericeira and ideal for beginners.
Beaches in Nazaré
Heading north on the N8 from Peniche is the Costa de Prata ("Silver Coast") - 240 km of surf beach and small fishing towns. In Nazaré the sweeping sandy beach, considered one of the best in Portugal, is packed with holiday-makers in brightly colored rented tents in summer. Nazaré boasts some of the largest waves in the world, rising up to 30 metres due to a 5 km deep undersea canyon off the coast.
Beaches in Figueira da Foz
The coastline north from Nazaré to Figueira da Foz is one of quiet, environmentally-pristine, quiet beach and sand dunes. Places such as Praia do Pedrogão and Praia Osso da Baleia are rarely crowded even in the peak months of July and August.
Especially popular with domestic tourists as well as visitors from Spain, Figueira is well-known for its casino and very wide beach, crossed by wooden boardwalks as well as its excellent surf at Cabedelo Beach.
Figueira da Foz claims to have the widest beach in Europe and most people will agree after the ten-minute walk from the road to the sea on one of the many boardwalks that traverse the sands.
Close to the town itself is Praia da Claridade. To the north are Playa de Buarcos, Praia do Teimoso and Playa do Cabo Montego. There are some large resort hotels in this area.
South of town is Praia de Cabedelo - the best beach for surfers.
Beaches in Aveiro
60 km north of Figueira da Foz is Aveiro - the so-called "Venice of Portugal." A short drive or bus ride south of the pleasant, art-deco town with its canals and colorful moliceiro boats past Portugal's tallest lighthouse are the beaches of Barra and Costa Nova. The Atlantic seaside here is markedly different to the conditions on the Algarve. Windy, wild with high waves, the coast here attracts surfers and windsurfers to its rolling dunes rather than swimmers and sun worshippers to the glassy seas and bizarre rock formations of southern Portugal.
Beaches in Porto
Nearly 70 km north up the coast from Aveiro through the small resort and casino town of Espinho is Portugal's second city of Porto. There are several good beaches to swim within easy reach of downtown Porto. These include the popular resorts of Matosinhos, Vila do Conde and Póvoa de Varzim on the Costa Verde (Green Coast). All three are on Porto's metro network. The farthest Póvoa de Varzim is just an hour away. Nearer still by bus or tram is charming, ritzy Foz do Duoro.
Póvoa de Varzim is now a popular ocean resort with a casino, 12 km of good beaches for swimming and surfing and many hotels. People have been coming to the beaches of Póvoa de Varzim to bathe in the iodine-rich waters (from the local seaweed) since the late 19th century.
Beaches in Viana do Castelo
Another 70 km north by bus or train is Viana do Castelo at the mouth of the River Lima. Viana do Castelo's beach Praia do Cabedelo is across the river from town and reached by a five-minute ferry crossing. The beach is ideal for watersports of all kinds: surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, even good, old-fashioned swimming. The beach is as yet pleasantly undeveloped so it is a good idea to bring along your own food and drink for the day. North of town the beach continues on virtually uninterrupted to the Spanish border and the area is good for hiking, surfing and cycling. It is also possible to take a short river trip up the Lima.
Cross over the border into Galicia in Spain by bus or train and the next major town is Vigo. From here its a short ferry ride to the Cíes Islands. Life's a beach. The journey begins again in Spain.
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