19 of the best beaches in Portugal
The best beaches in Portugal can be found dotted throughout the country – and while catching a wave is easy on the many vast stretches of water and their famous breakers, there are hidden pockets of tranquility, where you'll find still, crystal clear water for wading in and paddling.
No matter where you go in Portugal, you're never too far from a beach – from the scorching hot sands of the Algarve to Porto's coastline, travellers often choose to move up and down the coast to see the sands all across the country. Portugal expert Trish Lorenz and Edwina Pitcher, author of 'Wild Guide Portugal', share their tips for seeing some of the most popular – and little-known – beaches around the country.
Mauricio Abreu / Alamy Stock PhotoPraia do Portinho da Arrábida
Setubal, near Lisbon
Less than an hour's drive from Lisbon is Arrábida National Park – a stunning landscape of green hills leading to bright, bright blue waters. Portinho beach is considered one of the most stunning, thanks to its fine white sand and crystal clear sea – and it tends to remain relatively quiet, due to its location away from the city. The area is less open than most of the coast of Portugal, so you don't tend to get the large waves you'll often see domineering the coastlines; not so good for surfers, but ideal for those looking to relax and swim safely.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon and drive for 45 minutes
Stuart Black / Alamy Stock PhotoCosta da Caparica
South of Lisbon
A short drive from the sights of Lisbon is Caparica; a 26km stretch of coast loved by locals, who flock to the sands during the warmer summer months. Outside of peak season, though, you'll find it much quieter – the Portuguese tend to find it too chilly (although it's often perfectly pleasant to most Brits), while tourists haven't quite cottoned on yet – making April and October an ideal time to take a stroll along the soft sands. If you want to swim, it's best to do so in peak season when lifeguards are on duty, as the waves here can be overwhelming, even to strong swimmers. If you choose to stay out of the water, you'll be entertained by the local surfers catching a wave and the many chic beach bars dotted along the coast.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon, and drive 30 minutes to the coast.
Getty ImagesPraia de Moledo, Moledo
The far north
Close to the Spanish border, Moledo’s beach has been attracting visitors for more than a century with its long stretch of sand, pretty landscape panoramas of the Camarido Forest and views across the bay to the hills of Spain. Often windy and with strong waves, it’s ideal for kite surfers. Porto-born photographer Eduardo Leal, who knows the area well, says: ‘I love Moledo. The surf is good and it has lovely scenery. Other than in August, when it can be busy, it’s a relaxing and peaceful beach.’
Get there: fly to Francisco de Sá Carneiro then a 50-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia de São Jacinto, Aveiro
South of Porto
Bordered by dunes and a nature reserve, Praia de São Jacinto’s long stretch of sand is a place of escape. The dunes are home to unique plant and bird life, there are no cafés or bars, the waves are good for surfing and the seemingly endless stretch of sand, ideal for long strolls, feels pleasingly wild and deserted: bring a book, switch off your phone and savour the sound of the waves. Taking the boat from Aveiro across the river is the fastest and simplest way to get there.
Get there: fly to Porto then a 90-minute drive
Getty ImagesPortinho da Arrabida, Sierra da Arrabida, Setubal
South of Lisbon
Deep in the Serra da Arrabida national park, about 30 minutes’ drive from Lisbon, the cove of Portinho is flanked on three sides by tall, forest-covered mountains (and on the fourth by the sea, of course). The sandy beach, gently lapping waves and plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide make it a great place for families. There are pedalos, some with slides, for hire and a small selection of restaurants and cafés. The beach is popular and parking is limited so arrive early in the summer (before 10.30am) if you don’t want to have to walk the steep road down.
Get there: fly to Lisbon then a 50-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia do Carvalhal, Comporta
South of Lisbon
Comporta, just over an hour’s drive south of Lisbon, has become popular with the chichi families of the capital, and Carvalhal, with its long stretch of white sand abutting the turquoise sea, is their beach of choice. There are plenty of practical additions, including umbrellas and sun loungers to rent, a tent for massages and a small library with books for all ages and daily Portuguese newspapers to read on the rustic terrace. Nearby is Restaurant Diniz, run by a former fisherman and famous for its excellent fish dishes and casual barefoot feel.
Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour-15-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia de Odeceixe, Algarve
Northern Algarve
This wide bay of sand has something for everyone. The small river that joins the ocean on the north of the beach is great for children, with calm, warmer and shallower water. The main beach is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer and the waves are usually invigorating rather than violent. Just around the southern cliffs, accessible on lower tides, is a stretch of sand designated for nudists. There is a selection of cafés and restaurants on the clifftops overlooking the beach, the pick of which is Bar da Praia, where friendly Spanish owners Pedro and Pablo serve up tasty tapas and cold beers accompanied by a mellow soundtrack.
Get there: Fly to Faro then a one-hour-45-minute drive
AlamyPraia da Amália, Brejão
Alentejo
You need to park the car then walk 1km or so to Praia da Amália – across small streams, through a bamboo thicket, along a sandy path to the cliff edge and down rough-hewn stairs to the beach itself. This short walk often guarantees you’ll have this wonderful beach to yourself: along with a lovely stretch of sand, there’s a waterfall tumbling down the cliffs in one corner, rocks to explore and surf in which to play. There’s no lifeguard or café here, so bring a picnic and take care in the water.
Get there: fly to Faro then a one-hour-45-minute drive
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Getty ImagesPraia da Cordoama, Sagres
Algarve
Rodrigo Machaz has been visiting the Algarve since he was a child and today runs Memmo Baleeira in Sagres, the hotel of choice for international surfers. ‘My favourite spot for surfing and a great beach day is Praia da Cordoama,’ he says. ‘Start at the Miradouro da Cordoama viewpoint which has amazing views of the coast. Once you’re on the beach, the long sandy stretch is perfect for a walk at low tide and the sand banks make for good surfing, depending on the swell and tide. Bring a bottle of wine: the sunset here is wonderful, too.’
Get there: fly to Faro then a one-hour-25-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia do Barril, Tavira
Algarve
Portugal’s best beaches are undeniably beautiful but the Atlantic water that borders them can often be chilly. Tavira, at the easternmost point of the Algarve beside the Spanish border, is your best bet for warmer bathing and Praia do Barril is a family favourite, with its long stretches of white sand bordered by dunes and calm, clear water. The area’s fishing history is evident in the many anchors that decorate the sand and the former fishermen’s cottages, now converted to cafés.
Get there: Fly to Faro then a 40-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia da Adraga, Sintra
North of Lisbon
Praia da Adraga sits just north of Lisbon at the base of the forested Sintra hills. Its sandy stretches are interspersed with rocks and the beach is flanked by high cliffs that provide much-needed shade in mid-summer. The wild Atlantic ocean dishes up plenty of waves, making it popular with surfers. A small restaurant overlooking the sea serves fish and seafood and, if you’re feeling active, you can hike after lunch along the cliff top to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost tip of Europe.
Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour drive
www.umlisboetanocampo.blogspot.co.ukPraia da Baleeira, Serra da Azoia
South of Lisbon
The sea that surrounds Portugal's Costa Azul ('Blue Coast') certainly lives up to its name - it's startlingly blue against the white rockface. Hidden along the south coast, amongst wild rosemary and clifftops, this secret cove is an undiscovered gem and ideal for those who like to skinny-dip. Protected by cliffs on both sides, it remains off-the-radar due to its small size and steep climb down. Here, the wild hills of the Setúbal Peninsula fall away to the searingly blue sea, and make this cape perfect for the adventurous beach hunter. The famous 18th-century Cabo Espichel Lighthouse and Nossa Senhora do Cabo church nearby, just 3km to the west, are also worth seeing – as are the 145-million-year-old dinosaur footprints that chase up the cliffside.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon then a one-hour drive
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Getty ImagesPraia do Carvalho, Benagil
The Algarve coast can be over-run in the high-season but Praia do Cavalho is a beautiful sandy cove and, surprisingly, never too busy. Sandstone cliffs flank the golden beach and the sea resembles a sapphire shard wedged in between. Access is through a tunnel, with steps hewn from sandstone. Come at low tide to laze on the sand and explore the cliffside riddled with caverns and more tunnels. At high tide the sea swirls and surges into the caves and shoots spray out through blowholes in the cliff path. Nearby Benagil is famous for its sea caves.
Get there: Fly to Faro then a 50-minute drive
Praia da Franquia, Vila Nova de Milfontes
This secluded beach lies by the sandy banks of the Mira river as it meets the sea. A little further inland is the ancient fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes. The river meanders widely before the sea here and the beach is protected from the wilder waves further out. Try canoeing up the Mira river (contact Surfmilfontes, +351 928 078 950) or head into the village to feast on some of the Alentejo region's finest fish dishes. The arroz de peixe, fish rice cooked in a clay pot, is particularly good at Restaurante Porto das Barcas (+351 283 997 160).
Getting there: Fly to Beja then a 90-minute drive
AlamyPraia da Arrifana, Aljezur
Costa Vicentina
Along the Algarve end of the Costa Vicentina, this sandy beach is sheltered by giant orange sandstone cliffs sloping down to the sea. Popular with surfers, brave the waves with some body surfing. In the evening the cliffsides catch the sunset over the Atlantic sea and there is a decent local restaurant, which serves fresh fish. The coastal paths of Aljezur and the Rota Vicentina wind over the tops of the cliffs. Local donkey treks can be booked with Burros e Artes (+351 967 145 306).
Getting there: Fly to Faro then an 80-minute drive
Edwina PitcherPraia de Cavaleiro, Odemira
Costa Vicentina
Inhabited since prehistoric times, the Costa Vicentina has sparked the curiosity of adventurous people down the ages. As one of the most westerly parts of Europe, this was often the last shore that sailors would see as they set sail for foreign lands and the first to emerge on their return. Praia de Cavaleiro is one of many secret beaches here and has dramatic, strata rock formations. A goat track with wooden railing leads down to the sands, waves crash and seagulls, safe from Atlantic winds, chase the tide. Come here in spring to see storks building their nests. Fishermen's trails and smugglers' tracks weave their way over this coastline and the Rota Vicentina, which totals 400km of hiking routes along this coast, connects many of them. Nearby, a 2km stroll south, is Cabo Sardão, the most westerly promontory of the Alentejo region.
Getting there: Fly to Faro then a one-hour-50-minute drive
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Virgílio Rodrigues/StillsBerlengas Archipelago, Peniche
North of Lisbon
Head out over the high seas from the Peniche coast to this mysterious archipelago, just 10-15km offshore by ferry. Berlenga Grande is the largest of these islands. Pink rock and green grass slope down to the water's edge, while hundreds of seagulls wheel and caw overhead. An enigmatic 16th-century fortress, built on the monastic remains of a rocky island, can be reached by a zig-zagging bridge out over rocks, or by a short swim. There are a couple of beautiful small beaches here, and caves with silvery fish can be reached by swimming, paddle-boarding or kayaking. Cova do Sonho is one of the best of several caves lit-up by the aquamarine water.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon then an 80-minute drive. During July and August, boats leave three times a day from Peniche harbour: call Viamar (+351 262 785 646). For diving call AcuaSubOeste (+351 918 393 444). For day trips call SUP Academy (+351 962 374 793)
Turismo do AlgarveIlha da Fuseta, Faro
East Algarve
The coastline of the eastern Algarve says goodbye to cliffs and caves, and hello to 60km of lagoons, sun-drenched dunes and sandy islands between the Ria Formosa and the open sea. Ilha da Fuseta is the most beautiful of these sandy islands, protected by a little inlet (known as a barra). At low tide, you can walk across the sand to the island. There are many shallow pools with warm water, perfect for children, and colourful fishing boats moored nearby. Just inland are the tidal marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, so look out for hundreds of pink flamingos that gather near these salt-marshes.
Getting there: Fly to Faro then a 30-minute drive
Edwina PitcherRibeira das Tainhas, São Miguel
The Açores Islands (commonly known as the Azores) were formed by explosions of elemental force. Today their black sand beaches, pumice stone rocks, crater lagoons and lava-warmed pools are clear reminders of their wild, volcanic past. Ribeira das Tainhas is a black sand beach in a tiny cove between grassy cliffs. Within easy swimming distance is a pumice stone outcrop with rocky ledges - perfect for climbing up and jumping from into the clear blue water. The jumping rock can be popular with locals, but for a really wild beach, head 5km east to Praia da Amora, deserted but for pau santo, the sacred and deeply scented bark that falls from its trees onto empty sands. By Edwina Pitcher
Getting there: Fly to João Paulo II then a 30-minute drive
Edwina Pitcher is author of 'Wild Guide Portugal: Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life' (£16.99, Wild Things Publishing)
Edwina Pitcher's 'Wild Guide Portugal: Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life'