24 Top-Rated Beaches in Portugal: Complete Guide 2022
The historic buildings, well-preserved history, and colorful culture of Portugal are not the only things tourists and locals enjoy in this magnificent destination. With 754 miles of coastline, Portugal boasts a series of powdery dunes, pristine waters, and coastal havens to make for the most memorable getaways and vacations.
Spend a day or a weekend alone with family or friends in these places focused on serenity and tranquility. Check out our list of the best beaches in Portugal to plan the perfect itinerary for a worthwhile getaway on open water and sunny days.
Content
- 1. Moledo Beach
- 2. Sao Jacinto Beach
- 3. Portinho Da Arrabida
- 4. Baleeira Beach
- 5. Arrifana Beach
- 6. Praia Da Amalia
- 7. Praia Do Carvalhal
- 8. Praia Do Carvalho
- 9. Odeceixe Beach
- 10. Praia da Adraga
- 11. Ilha Da Fuseta
- 12. Praia Do Barril
- 13. Praia Da Franquia
- 14. Berlengas Archipelago
- 15. Cordoama Beach
- 16. Camilo Beach
- 17. Marinha Beach
- 18. Praia do Bordeira
- 19. Monte Clerigo Beach
- 20. Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach
- 21. Dune Beach
- 22. Praia da Ursa
- 23. Amoreira Beach
- 24. Galapinhos Beach
Moledo Beach
Rua do Caído, Caminha
Mainland Portugal 4910
+351 966 789 248
Praia De Moledo offers a view of the hills of Spain, making it undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Why do we recommend this beach?
The fresh breeze brings a strong swell that gives the place a good climate. It also attracts many visitors for its beautiful Camarido Forest landscape, making it an ideal place to rest.
What is our advice about this beach?
This place is ideal for practicing kitesurfing, an outdoor activity considered one of the best things to do in Portugal. Trust us, don’t forget your cameras because this place is Instagram-worthy!
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Meira
Sao Jacinto Beach
São Jacinto Beach
São Jacinto, Portugal 3800-901
+351 961 713 658
These vast dunes of Praia De São Jacinto, south of Porto, offer visitors a unique encounter with the varied and outstanding flora and fauna that inhabit the area.
Why do we recommend this beach?
If you feel like spending time alone or enjoying an intimate moment with someone away from the outside world, this may be the perfect beach!
Surrounded by a broad sand ridge and a nature reserve, you are sure to see some unusual species of plants and birds. This seemingly deserted place will give you a sense of satisfaction as you listen to the sound of the waters.
What is our advice about this beach?
Away from the daily hustle and bustle, we recommend that you make the most of your secluded experience on this beach. Turn off your devices, bring a book and enjoy the peaceful solitude.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Farol
Portinho da Arrabida
Portinho da Arrábida, Casa
Setúbal, Portugal 2900-011
+351 917 503 669
Among the most popular beaches in Portugal, the captivating coastline of Portinho Da Arrabida, in the south of Lisbon, is something you should check out.
Why do we recommend this beach?
With frequent low tides to explore in the rock pools, this white sand beach is perfect for family outings. In addition, it has a large number of options of restaurants and cafes to go to if you want to relax.
What is our advice about this beach?
Plan your trip to avoid getting too tired, as there will be a bit of walking on steep roads and paths to reach this beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Club d’Azeitao
Baleeira Beach
Albufeira, Algarve
Portugal 8365-091
Do you want to bathe naked or sunbathe naked? Then this hidden beach on the south coast of Portugal is the right place to explore and get a tan.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Praia da Baleeira is a beach surrounded by wild rosemary bushes and cliffs. It also has a beautiful view of the remarkably blue sea that meets the white coast. Above, the cliffs protect this place and keep it away and free from many people.
Nearby is the well-known Cabo Espichel Lighthouse, from the 18th century, a place you must visit if you want to travel back in time.
What is our advice about this beach?
If you want to have an unusual experience in this place, you can go about 3 km to the west and see the dinosaur footprints that have been there for 145 million years.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel dos Zimbros
Arrifana Beach
Aljezur
Portugal 8670
On the Costa Vicentina, Praia Da Arrifana is a perfectly secluded sandy destination and our top recommendation for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Why do we recommend this beach?
With its orange sandstone cliffs lining the beach, added to the strong waves that attract surfers, Praia Da Arrifana is genuinely one of the best beach spots in Portugal.
You can choose to have a romantic date night while watching the sunset on the Atlantic sea and eating a hearty dinner at the local restaurant. Freshly caught fish will be cooked and served directly to your table.
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What is our advice about this beach?
If you haven’t tried donkey riding, you can try the donkey rides in the area for the first time!
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Vale Da Telha
Praia Da Amalia
Brejao, Odemira
Alentejo, Portugal 7630
If you don’t like large crowds, one of the beautiful beaches you can visit in Portugal is Praia Da Amália, located in Alentejo.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Getting to this beach is not an easy task; you have to leave the car and walk more than half a mile while getting your feet wet in small streams and the thick group of bamboo.
Keep going; sure, you can have the whole place to yourself! Sandy beaches, waterfalls, and large rocks to traverse make it worth it.
What is our advice about this beach?
There are no restaurants or anywhere to eat here, so make sure you bring your food, snacks, and such; you can also have your picnic in the different areas of the beach!
Recommended hotel nearby: Monchique Resort – Activities included
Praia Do Carvalhal
Grandola Portugal, 7570-000
If you are looking for mouth-watering seafood with equally fantastic scenery, you should add Praia Do Carvalhal to your list of beaches in Portugal to go to.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Praia Do Carvalhal has many things to offer: from food to books, massages, and much more! This beach is a paradise of sand without comparison, like no other place.
What is our advice about this beach?
A nearby restaurant called Restaurante Diniz if you want to fill your stomach with delicious seafood. It is run by a former fisherman and is well known for its exceptional fish dishes.
Recommended hotel nearby: Quinta Da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort
Praia Do Carvalho
R of Algarve Lagoa
Carvoeiro, Portugal 8400-500
+351 965 041 785
Have you ever visited a golden beach? If not, it’s time to add Praia Do Carvalho to your list of Portugal’s best beaches to visit!
Why do we recommend this beach?
Located along the coast, this cove in the western Algarve is mesmerizing for its golden appearance when you enter this place through a tunnel.
During low tide, you can run or lie on the sand. You can also tour the cliffside with caves and even more tunnels. When the waters are high, the waves of water coming from the sea hit the caves and go through the paths of the cliffs.
What is our advice about this beach?
If you enjoy exploring caves and tunnels, be sure to bring a flashlight, proper footwear, and safety gear to traverse the inner depths of this natural beach wonder.
Recommended hotel nearby: Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Odeceixe Beach
Estrada da Praia de Odeceixe, Aljezur
Mainland Portugal 8670-325
Are you going to take your family on your next planned outing? Then Praia De Odeceixe, which caters to everyone, is worth looking at.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Anyone can enjoy this immense sandbank. If you are traveling as a family, there is a small river in the northern part of the beach where your children can play freely and without worries.
With calm, warm waters, lifeguards on duty, and plenty of physical activities, this is our pick for the best swimming beach in Portugal!
What is our advice about this beach?
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer a spectacular panoramic view of the entire beach.
Recommended hotel nearby: Enigma – Nature and Water Hotel
Praia da Adraga
Praia da Adraga
Lisbon, Portugal 2710-733
+351-219280028
Praia Da Adraga, located in the north of Lisbon, can serve you a perfect adventure that you will not soon forget.
Why do we recommend this beach?
You can do many things on this vast expanse of sand, ranging from surfing, swimming, hiking, and much more.
You can find a restaurant with a beautiful view of the sea and fresh food. The towering cliffs along the coast also provide good shade and shelter from the hot sun during the summer.
What is our advice about this beach?
Bring plenty of water because, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might find yourself walking along the cliffs of Praia da Adraga.
Recommended hotel nearby: Vila Bicuda Resort
Ilha Da Fuseta
Fuseta, Olhao
Portugal 8700-898
Have you ever wanted to see a beautiful pink flamingo? Ilha Da Fuseta offers you a vision of hundreds of them that you will never be able to forget.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Unlike the beaches mentioned earlier in this list, which have many cliffs, this one in the Eastern Algarve has none.
With over 35 miles of lagoons and warm shallow pools, this is the safest beach for kids! When the water level is low, you can even see the sand paths and walk along with them to the other islands.
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What is our advice about this beach?
Look around the marshes because you might see hundreds of flamingos gathering in that area!
Recommended hotel nearby: Estudios Salinas – Fuseta
Praia Do Barril
Beco da Armação do Barril, Tavira
Continental Portugal 8800
+351 281 380 600
If you like history and prehistoric discoveries, these dunes in the easternmost part of the Algarve will take you.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Praia Do Barril is undoubtedly one of the best options for families on vacation. It has wide open coastlines that stretch for a long distance, combined with clear, calm, and warm tides.
You can also dine in the cafes once the huts of the old local fishermen while you look at the old rusty anchors, proof of the long fishing history in Tavira.
What is our advice about this beach?
There are many restaurants to choose from, offering a wide variety of food. We recommend that you make room to repeat because the explosion of flavors is simply irresistible.
Recommended hotel nearby: AP Maria Nova Lounge
Praia Da Franquia
Rua dos Medos 6, Vila Nova de Milfontes
Portugal 7645-281
If you have never been in a canoe and want to try it, Praia Da Franquia will give you the experience you need on the Costa Vicentina.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Along the banks of the Mira River is the sheltered beach of Praia Da Franquia. The riverbank is also free from the wild waves of the sea. Here, you can try canoeing on the river, head to the town, and enjoy its most delicious dishes.
What is our advice about this beach?
You can go to Porto das Barcas Restaurant and try their Arroz de peixe, a combination of fish and rice cooked in a clay pot. Trust me, and it’s heavenly!
Recommended hotel nearby: Duna Parque Beach Club – Duna Parque Hotel Group
Berlengas Archipelago
Esplanada do Castelo, Porto
Portugal 4150-196
+351 262 785 646
Do you want to know more about the historic dunes? Then the 500-year-old beach fortress of the Berlengas Archipelago in northern Libson might pique your interest.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Escape and explore the peculiar archipelago of the Berlengas on the coast of Peniche!
Jump from one large rock to another by swimming through the waters or crossing the bridges. You can swim, paddle-board, or kayak around the group of beaches and enter caves filled with brilliant silverfish.
What is our advice about this beach?
There is a place called Cov do Sonho in this archipelago where you can see the cave illuminated by the reflection of light in the viridescent water. Do not forget to visit it!
Recommended hotel nearby: MH Atlantico
Chordoma Beach
Vila do Bispo, Faro, Algarve
Portugal 8650
+351 282 639 813
If you like waves and surfing, you should visit Praia Da Cordoama.
Why do we recommend this beach?
This place in Sagres is a point chosen by many surfers. After enjoying a long walk on the sandy beach at low tide, you can try surfing, depending on the state of the water.
From the Miradouro da Cordoama, you can have a great view of the landscape of the long stretches of sandy coastline.
What is our advice about this beach?
If you go to this place alone or as a couple, you can enjoy a glass of wine while watching the fantastic orange sunset.
Recommended hotel nearby: Hotel Mira Sagres
Camilo Beach
Rua da Costa do Oiro, Lagos
Continental Portugal 8600-315
The busy beach of Praia Do Camilo is full of remarkable rock formations that you can enjoy.
Why do we recommend this beach?
After walking from the city for 30 minutes to this place, you can gradually see the spectacular rock formations and the brilliantly manicured dunes as you walk down the well-known wooden stairs to Praia do Camilo.
You can also snorkel in the translucent turquoise water of this beach, which gives you a nice view of the abundant underwater fish and plant life.
What is our advice about this beach?
When the tide is high, this particular beach can be busier than usual due to the rush of tourists, so be sure to plan your excursion to make the most of this hidden treasure.
Recommended hotel nearby: Boavista Golf & Spa – Bela Colina Village
Marinha Beach
Praia da Marinha, Lagoa, Faro
Portugal 8400-517
+351 282 357 728
A list of the best beaches in Portugal would not be complete without one of the country’s most recognizable spots: Praia de Marinha, home and sanctuary to many golden limestone cliffs.
Why do we recommend this beach?
Located on the Atlantic coast, this postcard-worthy beach boasts clear waters, soft grains of sand, and accessible walking trails.
This beach is small and surrounded by beautiful golden-orange limestone cliffs, known as the “Golden Beach.”
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What is our advice about this beach?
Make sure you are prepared with the necessary equipment and materials to make the difficult path down to this location. But do not worry! The stunning views will surely relieve your tiredness.
Recommended hotel nearby: Eco-Resort Vila Alba
Praia do Bordeira
We discovered Praia do Bordeira by chance during our round trip with the motorhome. Here, in the western Algarve, you will find an actual dream beach, isolated and away from the hustle and bustle. For us, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
Dunes as far as the eye can see, waves breaking on the beach, and a lagoon that stretches behind the dunes. There’s often not a soul around, especially if you’re here off-season. You have a great view of the beach and the sea from the promenade and the stairs.
The beach is about 2.5 kilometers from Carrapateira. Coming from the south, follow the EN 120 in the direction of Aljezur. There are no toilets, restaurants, or shops directly on the beach. Only one wooden hut on the beach is open during the season and provides you with drinks. We have camped several times in front of the dunes in the car park. There it is tolerated but only recommended out of season.
Monte Clerigo Beach
We love the Monte Clérigo place! This charming place is also located in the western Algarve. It is only a 10-minute drive from Aljezur along a well-maintained “gravel road” (sand track). In Monte Clèrigo, there are some colorful houses, bars, restaurants, a car park, toilets, and showers.
You can look from the cliffs above the town to the sea and the beach: simply beautiful. However, if you are going to swim in the sea, you should not underestimate the ocean current.
Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach
Now we leave the Algarve for a moment and head to Ericeira. This city is an hour’s drive from Lisbon and impresses above all with its friendly atmosphere. There are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, surf shops, and bars in the old town. We have spent many pleasant days here. You will reach Ribeira d’Ilhas beach after 3.5 kilometers if you leave the city heading north.
This beach is considered one of the best surfing and bodyboarding spots in Europe. There is a bar and a surf school on the beach. Here you can enjoy a drink and watch the waves. From the cliffs above the beach (Miradouro Ribeira d’Ilhas), you have a fantastic view of the sea and the beach. Next, a wooden ladder takes you down.
Dune Beach
We love the beaches around Peniche. Here you will also find excellent conditions for surfing throughout the year. If the waves at one beach are not very high and robust, you can find another beach with good conditions just around the corner.
We especially like Bocaxica beach (part of Dunas beach). It is comprehensive, infinitely long, and gives you wonderful beach days in summer. In Peniche, you will find countless surf shops, surf schools, restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, and accommodation.
Praia da Ursa
Do you want to experience a lonely beach in a unique setting? Next, head to Praia da Ursa. This beach is located a few kilometers from the westernmost point, “Cabo da Roca.” When you arrive in Sintra, follow the signs to Cabo da Roca.
A small dirt road runs off to the right just before the town. You will also see a sign that says “Praia da Ursa.” The way to the beach is a bit more complex, and you have to walk downhill from the end of the dirt road for about 20 minutes. But trust us, it’s worth it!
Amoreira Beach
Right next to Monte Clérigo beach is Praia da Amoreira. This beach is one of the most beautiful in the country! It is located at the end of a valley, through which the Ribeira de Aljezur River makes its way to the sea. The landscape here is impressive: the light sand, the dark rocks, the blue of the water. Simply WOW! The sand is piled up in dunes several meters high just behind the beach.
Galapagos Beach
If you are traveling through Lisbon, you should make a detour to the Setúbal peninsula. Here you will find numerous beaches that belong to the Arrábida Natural Park. Fine sand, crystal clear water, and a mountainous panorama in the background await you.
Praia Galapinhos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, which is not too crowded even in the high season. The green and blue water and the green rocks covered with vegetation are especially beautiful. From Lisbon, you drive on the N10 directly to the beach.
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