Beaches in Portugal
Travel journalist
There are so many beautiful beaches in Portugal and here I'm going to share with you my absolute favourites, from the most famous to the most secret: Even if you're going to Portugal to discover its culture and its way of life, you will be also amazed by the beauty of its beaches. The most impressive ones are to be found in the Algarve region, in the South. However, the water is quite cold even during the summertime. But the landscapes are so marvellous that the chilly ocean temperatures will soon be forgotten. The Percurso do Sete Vales Suspensos links some of these beaches, like the Benagil cave and the Praia da Marinha. Camilo, Falesia, Rocha, Amado, Odeceixe or Tavira... Several of these names that make us dream of the area, but the coast is not the only thing that delights the visitors in the region. Not far from Lisbon, the Praia de Portinho da Arrábida and Praia da Aguda are worth seeing. Surfing enthusiasts should go up north to the Praia da Nazaré. In the Alentejo region, you will pleasantly discover the Praia de Troia and Figueirinha. Finally, a trip to Madeira wouldn't be complete without a visit to the nearby island of Porto Santo and its exquisite beach.
The most beautiful beaches
Praia da Nazaré
Praia da Nazaré may be one of the most famous in Portugal, but it's never crowded. The lighthouse, the fort, the traditional striped tents... All its surroundings give it a certain charm. It's especially famous for its surfing competitions where athletes ride on waves which measure sometimes tens of meters in height. Swimming here is not recommended for children.
Praia da Aguda, Argozelo
Praia da Aguda, Argozelo: A paradise for swimmers, Praia da Aguda stretches for miles as far as the eye can see. People come from afar to take enjoy its white sand and clear water. The rocky seabed is home to an abundant underwater life, ideal for fishing. In addition to this, surfers can enjoy the ever-increasing waves along the shoreside.
Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe
Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe. Do you prefer rivers or the sea? La Praia de Odeceixe offers both! This superb beach is located at the mouth of a river where visitors love to come and swim during the summertime. The landscape is beautiful with large rock formations that can be discovered from the sea by boat. At low tide, lagoons form on the sand creating a perfect playground for children.
Praia de Portinho da Arrábida, Portinho da Arràbida
Praia beach of Portinho da Arrábida, Portinho da Arràbidacarte, Praia de Portinho da Arrábida, Portinho da Arràbida Praia do Amado, in the Southwest of Portugal, offers an unspoilt and preserved environment. This beach is one of the most famous in Europe for surfing. Amateurs and experts come to brave the waves and competitions are held there every year. If you are not afraid of waves, go and swim there!
Praia do Amado, Espinho
Praia do Amado, in the Southwest of Portugal, offers an unspoilt and preserved environment. This beach is one of the most famous in Europe for surfing. Amateurs and experts come to brave the waves and competitions are held there every year. If you are not afraid of waves, go and swim there!
Praia de Figueirinha, Setubal
30 kilometres south of Lisbon, the horizon stretches as far as the eye can see while you walk barefoot on the sand of the Praia de Figueirinha. The Arràbida mountain rises in the background and the cove are ideal for swimming: shallow water, no current... A sandbar visible at low tide transforms the beach into a small lagoon sheltered from the waves
Praia da Azenha do Mar, Azenha do Mar
Located in the Southwest of Portugal, Praia da Azenha do Mar is a small jewel bathed in azure waters. The village of the same name close to the beach is worth seeing for its picturesque fishing port and its typical white and red houses. Turn your back on the busiest tourist beach, visible from the road, or go for a swim in the much more isolated creeks instead.
Praia de Troia, Grândola
Praia de Troia, Grândola. Let's go to Alentejo, a region enriched with history and culture, but not only... Praia de Troia is one of the finest beaches of the littoral. Surrounded by a pine forest, it is a true delight for tourists thanks to its tranquillity and its proximity to the Serra da Arrabida National park.
Praia do Camilo, Lagos
It’s a charming creek surrounded by rocks and is one of the finest of all Algarve. Its water is really striking due to its beauty and crystal clear colour, which is almost transparent. As the beach is quite small, it is recommended to go there in the morning to have the chance to get a spot to lay your beach towel on. After a swim, continue your excursion to Ponta da Piedade, a rock formation close by where you can take beautiful photos
Praia da Falesia, Albufeira
Praia da Falesia, in Albufeira, is recognizable among thousands by its surprising reddish cliffs, with the appearance of an American canyon. Go there at sunset to be amazed by the incandescent colour of the stones. The long strip of fine sand on the beach will not leave you indifferent either
Grotte de Benagil, Lagos
Big crush on the Benagil cave! This natural geological wonder opens onto a small lagoon with ultramarine blue waters. By looking up, you can admire the sky through a large opening in the rock. It can only be reached by boat, kayak, or after a ten-minute swim from the nearby beach. These difficulties should not put you off: the Benagil cave is an essential stopover on a trip to southern Portugal.
Praia da Rocha, Portimão
Its a sea resort and a place of leisure for a lot of vacationers. It is bordered with many restaurants and bars, making it a very lively destination. Do not hesitate to take a boat to observe the dolphins and have a better look at the coastal landscape from the sea.
Praia de Tavira, Ilha da Tavira
You can take a ferry from the coast to Ilha da Tavira and be there in about 20 minutes. The fine sandy beach stretches over 7 kilometres and its stunning beauty attracts many vacationers during summertime. It only takes a 10-minute walk away from the pier and to find a secluded spot away from the crowd.
Praia da Marinha, Lagos
Praia da Marinha is part of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. The magnificent Praia de Marinha in Lagos (Algarve) is a true wonder with its tall cliffs shaped by erosion. You must absolutely contemplate the panorama from the rocks before going down along the stairs and dive into its clear water.
