When it comes to the best beaches in Portugal, there’s a great selection to choose from, with a range of beach types to please everyone. Whether you’re after a beach where you can swim in crystal clear waters or a beach where you can take on some big waves, the choice is yours. Add to that coastal hiking paths, stunning viewpoints, and quaint beach towns, and you’ll be all set for the holiday of a lifetime.
The best beaches in Portugal: Beaches in Lisbon
Praia do Guincho, Cascais
With an array of beaches on offer, you never have to travel too far to find the best beaches in Lisbon. Just north of Cascais, a town that’s part of the Lisbon district, you’ll find Praia do Guincho. A surfers’ paradise, this beach offers a brilliant swell for anyone into water sports. The sands are soft and golden so you can spend your day soaking up the sun if the water doesn’t tickle your fancy.
Boasting regular international surfing competitions, there’s always a buzz along this part of the coast. It’s a great place to learn to surf, kiteboard or windsurf, and it has a rental centre for anyone who wants to test the waters. If you prefer being a spectator, you can enjoy a chilled drink at the beach bar, relax in a beanbag and watch the world go by. With a regular bus service operating to this beach, it’s also pretty easy to reach.
Praia dos Galapos
If you’re searching for natural beauty, Praia dos Galapos is the beach for you. Just south of Lisbon, approximately an hour on the train, you’ll find this beach located in Parque Natural da Arrabida. With beautiful forested slopes, a white sandy cove beach and turquoise waters, it offers a family-friendly place to go for a dip. The calm waters are not only great for kids to paddle in but also provide superb snorkelling opportunities to marine life enthusiasts.
Whilst it is set in a secluded part of the park, you’ll still find two restaurants closeby which provide the perfect place to re-energise after a day on the beach. It’s recommended to travel by train rather than by car as parking can be a little tricky during peak season. This also gives you the option of exploring Lisbon after your day at the beach.
The best beaches in Porto
Praia da Aguda
It doesn’t take long to get to the best beaches in Porto either. About a 30 minute train journey from the northern Portuguese city lies Praia da Aguda. This beach tends to be popular with tourists and locals alike, especially as it’s reachable on the main railway line from Porto to Aveiro. Offering a vast stretch of golden sands, it’s an excellent destination whether you want to play sports or enjoy some peace and quiet.
A traditional fishing village boasting a small harbour and original architecture, you’ll be able to spend an afternoon exploring this quaint town. From beachfront fishermen’s houses to elegant cafes, you’ll love the low-key atmosphere this delightful beach has to offer. It’s worth noting that the beach is exposed to powerful waves and currents, so you should only swim when the lifeguard says it’s safe to do so.
Praia de Moreiró
Around a 30 minute drive, or 1h 15min by bus, north of Porto is another gem of a beach. One of the most popular aspects of Praia de Moreiróis is the lack of buildings in the vicinity and the quiet and chilled-out vibe it offers. A family favourite for those seeking a fuss-free day by the coast, you can swim with your kids, soak up the sun and play beach games on the soft sands. Whilst it is a relatively rural beach, you’ll still be able to find a few local restaurants and bars to grab some lunch.
There’s also a long footpath that stretches along the beach’s dunes, offering stunning views of the rocky coastline. If you’re planning on driving to the beach, it’s recommended that you arrive as early as possible as the car park can often fill up quickly.
The best Faro beaches
Praia de Faro
Set in the Algarve, Faro is never far away from some of the best beaches in Portugal. One of the best beaches in Faro itself is, approximately 15 minutes by car from the city. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this beach is that it’s located on an island called Ilha de Faro which can be accessed via a narrow bridge. This beach stretches over a few kilometres and offers families plenty of beautiful golden sands, turquoise waters and sand dunes.
The most popular area of the beach tends to be around the bridge where you’ll also find a range of bars and restaurants to enjoy. However, if you’re seeking out a quieter and unspoiled part of the beach, you can just keep walking along the coastline where there will be fewer people and buildings. If you are after an adrenaline hit, you’ll find a range of sports rentals, such as surfing, kite surfing, jet skis and kayaks. If you’re a lover of sunsets, it’s worth sticking around until the evening, when you’ll be treated to a breathtaking experience.
The cave of Benagil
One of the best beaches in Portugal is located at the cave of Benagil. Located close to the small fishing village of Benagil, the incredible sea caves offer a picture-perfect moment for you and your family. You can reach the caves via boat and kayak tours offered from nearby Praia de Benagil beach. However, if you want to explore the caves and secluded beaches for longer, you can also get there by hiring a kayak or swimming.
Once you’ve explored the caves, you can refuel at Praia de Benagil which has a selection of food and drink outlets for those who have worked up a hunger. There are also some very scenic hiking routes nearby which offer picturesque vistas along the coastline. All in all, this is one of the best beach days in Portugal, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The best Algarve beaches
Praia de Dona Ana
Known for its strikingly rugged coastline, the Algarve definitely has some of the best beaches in Portugal. Praia de Dona Ana is one of the most picturesque of these beaches and it’s located just outside of Lagos. Boasting crystal clear waters as well as steep and colourful cliffs, it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Unlike many beaches along this coastline, which are often subject to windy conditions, this beach is protected by cliffs, making it a prime sunbathing destination.
It’s also an excellent beach for kids to play on because it has a safe rocky coastline to explore and collect seashells. Whether you want to swim in turquoise waters or go for a hike and soak up the stunning scenery, it’s the perfect beach to while away the time. Located approximately 15 minutes from the centre of Lagos by public transport, it’s easily accessible for a day trip.
Praia do Camilo
Another one of the best beaches in the Algarve is Praia do Camilo, located relatively close to Praia de Dona Ana. One of this beach’s advantages is that it’s much quieter so you can enjoy a day of peace and tranquillity. The beach itself is separated into two different areas connected by a small tunnel in the cliffs.
You’ll find a restaurant at the top of the cliff, great if you’re travelling with kids. There are also various local accommodation options should you want to base yourself next to this small beach paradise. It takes a little bit longer to get to this beach from Lagos, approximately 30 minutes in total. Public transport, such as bus No 2, will take you most of the way. However, you’ll need to walk for about 10 minutes.
The best Albufeira beaches
Praia da Coelha
Another great location in the Algarve is Albufeira, a coastal city that offers fabulous beaches. One of the best beaches in Albufeira is Praia da Coelha, situated in the west of the Old Town. Surrounded by breathtaking yellow cliffs, it’s just another example of a beautiful beach setting in this region of Portugal. This showstopper of a beach has fine golden sands and crystal clear waters for you to enjoy.
The waters are also very calm, making it a perfect place to escape to with little ones. There are some coral reefs close by so snorkelling fans can enjoy a day swimming with marine life. Add the picturesque scenery and a trail path, and this beach has something for everyone. One of the aspects making this a family-friendly beach is that lifeguards are on duty, too so you can rest assured your children are being kept an eye on.
Praia de São Rafael
Another of the best beaches in Portugal is Praia de São Rafael, around a 15-minute drive from the centre of Albufeira. Similar to Praia da Coelha, this beach has a rugged coastline, golden sands and crystal clear waters. The main difference between the two beaches is that there are some cliffs in the middle of Praia de São Rafael, offering access to a shadier section of the beach.
As with much of the coastline in the Algarve, there are some spectacular viewpoints accessible via trail paths.
It’s a very accommodating beach that is accessible by wheelchair. In addition, there is a range of food and drink outlets, souvenir shops and a car park. If you’re after water sports, you can find different activities available here, so you can get your adrenaline hit if sunbathing’s not for you.
The best Funchal beaches
Praia Formosa
Many of the best beaches in Funchal are formed of rocky and volcanic stone, unlike your archetypal Portuguese beach. However, there are some stunning beaches to visit in Madeira nonetheless. Praia Formosa is not only a great day out but also a beach of historical importance, having been the point of invasion by the French Corsairs in 1508.
Nowadays, it’s a far more peaceful setting as families enjoy their holidays on the remarkable volcanic pebbles. With restaurants and shops lining the seafront, there’s plenty to do whilst you’re at the beach – great for families with curious kids. You can get to the beach in about 10 minutes by car from the centre of Funchal, but you can also walk it in around 25 minutes.
Calheta Beach
Located around a 40-minute drive from Funchal is Calheta Beach. It’s one of only a handful of sandy beaches on the island. The sand on this beach was imported and is surrounded by small breakwaters, meaning the waves and current don’t interfere with your swim. It’s the perfect beach for all ages as there’s a range of activities on offer. From an inflatable play area in the water to volleyball courts and restaurants on the sand, it’s got something for all the family.
You can hire sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach to keep you protected from the sun’s strong rays. There are toilets and changing rooms as well as a supermarket and car park. If you’re looking for a beach that has everything covered, then Calheta Beach is just the answer.
The best beaches of Portugal: FAQs
What part of Portugal has the best beaches?
Portugal has some amazing beaches throughout the country so you’re bound to find something you love. The best beaches in Portugal for surfing tend to be on the west coast between Porto and Lisbon, whereas more family-friendly beaches are often on the south coast in the Algarve.
Does Portugal have good beaches?
Not only does Portugal have some great beaches, it has some of the best beaches in Europe. Crystal clear waters and golden sands make for perfect family getaways. Alternatively, beaches with big waves offer the ideal place for adrenaline junkies to spend a holiday. If you’re into hiking, there are plenty of trail paths along the coastline.
Are beaches in Portugal swimmable?
Many of the beaches in Portugal are swimmable, with lifeguards often patrolling the waters. You might find that beaches in the Algarve are more suited for swimming and snorkelling, whilst the beaches on the west coast are better for water sports due to their exposure to the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the most beautiful area of Portugal?
No matter where you go in Portugal, you will find beautiful areas with stunning beaches. The Algarve, however, is considered to have one of the most beautiful coastlines, offering stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and golden sands.
