Discover the 11 Best Beaches in Portugal

Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Portugal provides seaside escapes of every variety. You can look forward to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near dramatic sea cliffs, and dune-backed expanses facing thrilling surfing spots. The challenge is deciding where to begin. Therefore, we’ve narrowed it down to 11 of our absolute favorites, urging you to start planning your next beach break in Portugal.

1. Praia dos Galapinhos, Parque Natural da Arrábida

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, you can find yourself amid the coastal wilderness of the Parque Natural da Arrábida. Here, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline, which is dotted with hidden coves and sparkling beaches. The most lovely is the Praia dos Galapinhos, which offers white sand and crystal-clear waters. The calm seas make it a great swimming spot.

2. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe

Amid the wilder shores of the western Algarve, Praia de Odeceixe hits all the right notes, drawing both families and surfers. Its unique location gives it surprising versatility, lying at the mouth of the Rio Odeceixe. The beach features a sandy riverside section that’s perfect for splashing about without worrying about the pounding surf—ideal for small kids.

Planning tip: If it’s waves you seek, stroll over to the ocean, where rideable breaks arrive year-round, with optimal conditions in winter. Various surf academies can help you hone your skills.

3. Praia Baleal, near Peniche

About 5km (3 miles) northeast of Peniche, Praia Baleal is a real showstopper of a beach. This stretch of sand is actually a causeway, linking the mainland to the scenic, island-like village of Baleal, which stands atop a craggy headland jutting from the Atlantic Ocean. The fantastic sweep of sandy beach here offers swimming options both to the north and south, along with some fine surfing.

4. Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

This huge beach at the eastern end of Ilha de Tavira boasts golden sands and inviting, clear waters, plus a sprinkling of beach bars and a windsurf school. Outside the peak months of July and August, it feels wonderfully remote and empty, offering a true escape.

Planning tip: Ferries make the 10-minute hop to the island from Quatro Águas, 2km (1.25 miles) southeast of Tavira, one of the Algarve’s most charming towns.

5. Praia da Falésia, near Albufeira

The Algarve has more than its fair share of breathtaking beaches, and this 6km-long (3.7 miles) strip of sand, backed by stunning ochre-hued cliffs, is one of its most impressive. Located 8km (5 miles) east of Albufeira, this strand can get crowded in summer, especially when the tide is in.

Planning tip: Visit during the low season—November to March—for a quieter experience.

6. Praia de São Jacinto, near Aveiro

Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and endless sand dunes, this magnificent beach forms the western flank of the São Jacinto nature reserve. Although it’s a bit of a trek to get here, the journey is worth it for those who prefer their beaches sandy, remote, and rugged.

Planning tip: To reach Praia de São Jacinto, take a 20-minute bus journey from Aveiro to Forte da Barra, a ferry to São Jacinto, and then a brisk walk to the beach.

7. Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo

Near the country’s northern border with Spain, Viana do Castelo offers an appealing medieval center, an attractive riverfront, and lovely beaches just outside the city. The standout is Praia do Cabedelo, a 1km-long (0.6 mile) arc of powdery pale-golden sand against a backdrop of grassy dunes and wind-blown pines.

Planning tip: Best reached on a five-minute ferry trip from the pier south of the Praça da Liberdade.

8. Praia das Furnas, Vila Nova de Milfontes

Praia das Furnas is a long stretch of fine sand backed by small rocky cliffs, located on the left bank of the Rio Mira. The sandbars in the area make for enjoyable frolicking in the waves, making it perfect for tiny travelers taking their first dip in the sea.

Planning tip: Reach here by car or take the small ferry from Vila Nova de Milfontes, a charming low-key resort town.

9. Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Praia do Camilo exemplifies the small sandy coves dotting the coastline of the Algarve region. Located on the outskirts of Lagos, this small, dramatically set beach is one to visit. It features about 200 wooden steps for beachgoers to descend to the golden strip of sand lapped by shallow turquoise waters.

Planning tip: Arrive early or visit during off-peak seasons to secure towel space.

10. Costa da Caparica, near Lisbon

One of the easiest beach escapes near Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica on the Setúbal Peninsula has a seemingly never-ending beach that attracts sun-worshipers craving tans, surfers keen to ride Atlantic waves, and day-tripping families seeking clean water and soft sand.

Although it hasn’t escaped development, a short distance to the south, high-rises soon give way to pine forests and mellow beach-shack cafes.

11. Praia do Norte, Nazaré

An underwater canyon off the coast of northern Portugal creates ideal conditions for some of the biggest swells on Earth. Watch these monsters roll in at Praia do Norte, a wild beach backed by dunes just north of Nazaré.

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo has a terrace for ocean-viewing and contains a small museum about the big waves and the surfers who have ridden them, featuring record-breaking rides.