18 Best Beaches In Portugal

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Portugal is known for its stunning coastline with miles of pristine beaches. Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax in the sun, take a dip in the ocean, or explore the local wildlife, Portugal has a beach to suit your needs. From secluded coves to bustling resorts, here’s our list of the best beaches in Portugal. Discover what makes each one unique and find out which beach is right for you.

1. Camilo Beach, Praia do Camilo

Camilo beach is located near the city of Lagos, and is one of the best beaches in Portugal to visit. It is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in Algarve and its cliffs form a dramatic backdrop with breathtaking views. The sand is golden and the waters are crystal clear and inviting, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities.

There are also plenty of activities to enjoy on land, including volleyball courts, beach bars, restaurants and even beachfront massage services offered by locals.

Visitors can take advantage of Praia do Camilo's natural beauty with many different opportunities to explore. Visitors can hike along the coastal paths leading down to the beach or rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards to explore further out into sea caves and hidden coves located nearby.

2. Falésia Beach, Praia da Falésia

Falésia is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. It is located near Viana do Castelo, in the Minho region and nestles against a stunning backdrop of verdant vegetation and rocky cliffs. Every year tourists flock to this picturesque beach to soak up the sun, swim in its crystal clear waters and take part in an array of activities.

The wide golden sand on Praia da Falésia can accommodate many visitors at once, offering plenty of room for beach games or picnics with family and friends. In addition there are several bars nearby which offer a selection of snacks and drinks as well as traditional Portuguese dishes for lunch or dinner. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards or even go fishing off the coast if you wish.

3. Amado Beach, Praia do Amado

Praia do Amado, also known as Amado Beach, is a popular beach in Portugal's Algarve region. Situated in the municipality of Aljezur, it is easily accessible from nearby towns and cities like Lagos and Sagres and attracts both locals and tourists alike with its stunningly beautiful shoreline. The beach stretches for five kilometers along the Atlantic Coast, with its waters being particularly crystal clear on sunny days.

One of the most popular activities at Praia do Amado is surfing; an array of surf schools offer lessons to experienced and beginner surfers alike. Whether you already know how to ride the waves or need some guidance, there's something for everyone here.

In addition to this, you can enjoy other activities like sunbathing on the soft golden sand or swimming in the calm waters - perfect if you're looking for a peaceful day by the sea.

4. Quinta do Lago Beach, Praia da Quinta do Lago

Praia da Quinta do Lago, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a stunningly beautiful beach with picturesque views of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. Its golden sand stretches for miles, and the clear waters are perfect for swimming and other water activities such as windsurfing. The beautifully preserved natural environment creates an atmosphere that is both peaceful and invigorating.

Quinta do Lago Beach offers many amenities to its visitors. There are numerous restaurants and cafes serving up traditional Portuguese cuisine while providing spectacular views of the shoreline. You will also find a lot of excellent hiking trails nearby which allow travelers to explore the area's diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

5. Martinhal Beach, Praia do Martinhal

Praia do Martinhal is a great beach situated in the Sagres region of Portugal's Algarve coast. This picturesque cove is known for its crystal clear waters and golden sands, providing visitors with a beautiful setting to soak up the sunshine or take part in some exciting water sports.

The unique stretch of coastline surrounded by steep cliffs provides plenty of protection from strong winds and waves, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. Martinhal beach also has several nearby restaurants, bars, and cafes with terraces where you can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the stunning views.

If you're looking for something more adventurous during your visit to Praia do Martinhal, there are a few options available within a short walk from the beach such as scuba diving or sailing excursions.

6. Guincho Beach, Praia do Guincho

Praia do Guincho is a secluded beach in in Cascais, Portugal. It’s one of the most lovely beaches in Europe and a popular destination for travelers seeking respite from their everyday lives. With its white sand and clear blue waters, it provides an idyllic atmosphere to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs that create shelter from the wind, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming in safe conditions. In addition, there are plenty of activities that can be done at Guincho beach such as surfing, sailing and kitesurfing. The nearby village of Cascais also offers many restaurants and boutique shops for tourists to explore during their stay.

7. Rocha Beach, Praia da Rocha

I recently had the pleasure of visiting one of the country's best beaches called Praia da Rocha Beach during my stay in Portugal. This sandy beach stretches for miles along the Algarve coastline and is a popular tourist destination due to its excellent sand and crystal clear waters.

It also has one of the most stunning views I have seen in my travels; you can see all sorts of ships, boats and even dolphins cruising by. The sunsets here are particularly breathtaking as they light up the entire beach with a golden-orange hue.

Aside from its aesthetics, Rocha Beach also offers fantastic activities for visitors to enjoy. From jet skiing to parasailing, there’s plenty to do if you want an adrenaline rush. There are also a lot of cafes and restaurants located right on the beach that offer traditional food from Portugal that’s simply delicious to taste.

8. Nazaré Beach, Praia da Nazaré

Praia da Nazaré, known simply as Nazaré Beach, is situated in the Algarve area. The beach is located in a small fishing village of the same name and features two miles of pristine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. It was named one of Portugal's 10 most beautiful beaches by BBC Travel in 2014 and since then has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Nazaré Beach boasts golden sands which slope gently into the Atlantic Ocean, providing swimmers with a perfect spot to cool off in its calm waters. Vacationers can also explore nearby coves and rock formations or view unique aquatic wildlife such as sea turtles and dolphins during whale watching excursions. Furthermore, there are several restaurants along the shoreline serving up delicious local seafood dishes at affordable prices.

9. Comporta Beach, Praia da Comporta

Praia da Comporta is an amazing beach located in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This captivating beach is known for its long stretch of sand and crystal clear waters that make it an ideal destination for swimming, sunbathing, and just generally relaxing. It's also part of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, which promises both breathtaking nature and plenty of wildlife to observe in this natural park.

The area around Comporta beach is filled with picturesque villages where visitors can learn more about the local culture and cuisine. There are five nearby beaches, each offering something different; some have dunes others offer a variety of activities such as paddle boarding or windsurfing.

The area also contains several excellent restaurants near the shoreline that serve traditional dishes as well as seafood specialties caught fresh from the estuary’s waters.

10. Carcavelos Beach, Praia de Carcavelos

Carcavelos Beach, also known as Praia de Carcavelos, is one of Portugal's most popular beaches. Located in the municipality of Cascais, near Lisbon, this beach has a long stretch of golden sand along the horizon. It faces south so you can enjoy sunshine all day long and take in its stunning views overlooking the beach.

The waves at Carcavelos Beach are very inviting for surfers and body boarders alike who often catch some powerful swells here. There are plenty of places to rent equipment if you don't have your own gear and lifeguards are available during peak season for extra safety on the waves.

Away from the sea is a wide promenade dotted with bars and restaurants where you can relax after a day spent swimming or surfing.

11.Canto Marinho Beach, Praia do Canto Marinho

Praia do Canto Marinho, or Canto Marinho Beach, is located in the city of Portimão in Portugal. It is a beautiful beach that stretches along 1.2 km of pristine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This area of the Algarve has some of the best coastal views and it serves as an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing or simply taking a leisurely stroll along its shoreline.

Its natural beauty also attracts tourists from all over – surfers take advantage of its large waves to practice their skills while nature lovers appreciate the various birds that inhabit the site, making it an ornithologist paradise.

In addition to its artistic attractions, Canto Marinho Beach also offers several facilities such as showers, toilets and changing rooms for those who wish to make use of them during their visit.

12. Almograve Beach, Praia do Almograve

Praia do Almograve is a popular beach located in Portugal. With its soft, white sand and invitingly blue waters, it's no wonder why so many visitors flock to this spot every year. It is particularly renowned for its kitesurfing opportunities, with plenty of windy days providing ideal conditions for the sport. There are also more leisurely activities such as swimming and sunbathing available if one prefers that instead.

Away from the Almograve beach itself lies an array of seafood restaurants serving amazing seafood dishes. Here, you can try traditional Portuguese specialties such as caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) or grilled sardines – both cooked fresh daily from local fishermen's catch.

For those who want some nightlife entertainment, there are bars and clubs located nearby offering live music performances throughout the summer months.

13. Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo

Ribeira do Cavalo beach, situated on the western coast of Portugal, is a beach with both natural and man-made beauty. This stunning beach is characterized by its long stretch of golden sand contrasting against the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Its name originates from the fact that this was once a sheltered harbor for fishing boats, as "ribeira" means river in Portuguese.

The location also offers incredible views: there are cliffs to one side and a small mountain range to the other. The mountain range provides an opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path trails that wind through lush vegetation and bring travelers up close to amazing viewpoints overlooking Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo in its full glory.

14. Porto Santo Beach, Praia do Porto Santo

Porto Santo beach is an incredible location to experience the beauty of Portugal. Located on the island of Porto Santo ,27 miles from Madeira, this beach offers visitors a stunning and unique tropical paradise. The sand is fine and golden, giving it a distinct Mediterranean feel that cannot be found anywhere else in Europe.

The most remarkable feature of Praia do Porto Santo is its crystal clear turquoise water that appears almost unreal from afar. No matter what time of year you visit, you are guaranteed to find breathtaking sea views along with plenty of marine wildlife and activities for you to enjoy.

The beach itself stretches for over five kilometers and is relatively untouched by tourists which means there's plenty of space to spread out and relax. Aside from swimming, you can also enjoy various water sports like jet skiing, parasailing or even kite surfing if you prefer something more adventurous.

15. São Jacinto Beach, Praia de São Jacinto

Praia de São Jacinto is an exquisite beach located at the northern coast of Aveiro. The coastline spreads for more than 5 kilometers, covered with white sand and surrounded by tall and wild dunes. It also features a unique lagoon that is separated from the ocean by a lengthy stretch of shoreline.

Visitors come to experience its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views; sunbathing, fishing, swimming or simply admiring the calm waters are popular activities among locals and tourists alike.

Moreover, São Jacinto beach has evolved into one of the most sought after destinations for those who seek adventure. Its lively surroundings offer plenty of exciting activities such as jet skiing, surfing or paddle boarding; all these can be enjoyed thanks to its ideal conditions for water sports all year round.

16. Marinha Beach, Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is a wild beach located in Carvoeiro. It is known for its surreal beauty with golden sand and crystal-clear water. The beach features unique rock formations and cliffs which are ideal for climbing and exploring. Its picturesque views make it one of the most photographed beaches in the world, attracting many tourists from all over the globe.

The water at Marinha beach is quite shallow and only reaches waist deep in most areas, making it an ideal location for swimming. There are plenty of activities at the beach such as board rentals, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating trips to nearby islands like Ilha de Farol or Ilhavo.

17. Odeceixe Beach, Praia de Odeceixe

Praia de Odeceixe is a picturesque beach in the Algarve region. This remote area, located on the southern coast, combines beautiful landscapes with an abundance of wildlife and activities. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature while also taking part in some exciting recreational activities.

The Odeceixe beach itself is situated in a cove surrounded by white cliffs. Its golden sand stretches for over a kilometer as it slopes gradually into clear blue waters. The location offers excellent conditions for swimming or body surfing, depending on the waves that day, offering something for everyone regardless of their skill level.

After exploring the shoreline, guests can take advantage of one of its many hiking trails leading to some breathtaking views from the surrounding cliffs and hillsides.

18. Benagil Beach, Praia de Benagil

Praia de Benagil is a golden beach, so it's no wonder that it has become one of the most visited beaches along the coast. The picturesque setting features numerous sea caves, including one that has a natural archway opening, giving guests an incredible view.

The powdery white sand offers a pleasant contrast to the turquoise water, making Benagil beach an ideal vacation spot for people who want to bask in nature's beauty.

The primary way to get to the beach is by boat; however, those who are daring can hike along coastal trails from neighboring beaches and cliffs to reach Praia de Benagil. Accessibility is limited so only a few boats are allowed at any given time and accommodations near the beach are scarce in July and August.