From the sun-drenched, golden cliffs of the Algarve to the wild, surf-pounded shores of the Atlantic, Portugal’s diverse coastline presents a spectacular variety of beaches. This shoreline offers everything from vast expanses of sand ideal for families to dramatic coves sculpted by the power of the ocean.

Portugal's beaches are as varied as the country itself. To the south, the Algarve offers picturesque bays and vibrant resort towns, while the west-facing Costa Vicentina presents a more rugged, untamed beauty. Close to Lisbon is a mix of sophisticated resorts and pristine scenery, which extends northwards along the Silver Coast with its dramatic cliffs, traditional fishing towns, and powerful surfing waves.

This variety provides a perfect setting for every type of visitor, from world-class surfing to sheltered coves ideal for a relaxing family holiday. This guide details the finest beaches and resort towns across Portugal to help you plan the perfect seaside holiday.

 

 

1) Praia do Creiro (Sesimbra)
Set at the foot of the lush Serra da Arrábida hills, this picturesque location shelters the beach from the full force of the Atlantic. This protection creates a bay of tranquil calmness, with clear, turquoise waters lapping a shoreline of soft, pale sand. It is a scene of serene perfection, offering an experience as close to a paradise beach as mainland Europe can provide.

2) Praia do Almograve (Alentejo)
Almograve is a magnificent display of nature’s raw beauty, where fine golden sands run between dark, layered cliffs and wild, sea-sprayed dunes. Part of the untamed Vicentine Coast, it’s a place to fully appreciate the grand scale of Portugal’s Atlantic shoreline.

3) Praia da Marinha (Algarve)
Praia da Marinha presents the definitive image of the Algarve coast, instantly recognised by its monumental golden cliffs and its iconic double sea arch. Access is via a cliffside path that opens onto a spectacular shoreline of hidden coves, sea caves, and towering pillars of limestone stand in calm, turquoise waters.

4) Tróia Peninsula (Setúbal)
A magnificent sandbar of powder-soft white sand stretching for 15 kilometres, creating an exclusive and secluded coastal escape for the rich and famous. Reached by ferry from Setúbal, Tróia’s western shore offers an almost endless horizon of serene blue water, with pods of resident dolphins often seen offshore.

5) Praia das Maçãs (Sintra)
A seaside town of delightful traditional character, Praia das Maçãs is best known for the vintage red tram which still makes the scenic journey from Sintra. The broad, golden bay is the heart of the village, offering an authentic slice of Portuguese summer life against the backdrop of the Sintra hills.

6) Praia do Camilo (Lagos)
Set within the dramatic Ponta da Piedade headland, this small cove is surrounded by the region's famed golden limestone cliffs. This spectacular natural enclosure provides perfect shelter from the Atlantic's sea swells, creating a bay of exceptionally clear and tranquil waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

7) Foz do Arelho (Óbidos)
A beach of spectacular natural design, formed by a massive sandbar that creates two distinct coastal experiences. One side faces the full power of the Atlantic Ocean, while the other offers the sheltered, serene expanse of the Óbidos Lagoon, whose calm waters are ideal for families and watersports.

8) Praia de Cacela Velha (Tavira)
An enchanting corner of the Algarve shaped by the rhythm of the tide. At low water, the sea recedes to reveal a vast sandbar island, creating a network of warm, shallow lagoons that invite exploration for hours.

9) Praia da Costa Nova (Aveiro)
This beach is instantly recognised by the vibrant, candy-striped palheiros, traditional fishermen's houses that line its promenade. This unique architectural charm provides a colourful contrast to the raw, windswept beauty of the vast beach and its protected dune system.

10) Praia da Rocha (Portimão)
The grand resort beach of the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is an immense expanse of golden sand that buzzes with summer activity. Framed by imposing red cliffs and a lively promenade, it offers a vibrant, sun-drenched atmosphere with every amenity close at hand.

The interactive map below displays the locations of Portugal’s ten finest beaches (marked in yellow) and the country's best resort towns (marked in green). Detailed guides to each of these resort towns are provided in the section that follows.

Best beaches: 1) Praia do Creiro 2) Praia do Almograve 3) Praia da Marinha 4) Tróia Peninsula 5) Praia das Maçãs 6) Praia do Camilo 7) Foz do Arelho 8) Praia de Cacela Velha 9) Praia da Costa Nova 10) Praia da Rocha

Best resort towns: 1) Cascais 2) Lagos 3) Vila Nova de Milfontes 4) Sesimbra 5) Ericeira 6) Tavira 7) Alvor 8) Albufeira 9) São Martinho do Porto 10) Nazaré

1. Cascais
An elegant coastal town that blends 19th-century grandeur with a sophisticated resort atmosphere. Once the summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, its charming historic centre of cobbled streets and grand villas is today filled with high-end boutiques and excellent restaurants. Its position on the Lisbon coastline provides beautiful sandy coves and a vibrant marina, making it the perfect base for exploring the region in style - Cascais guide.

2. Lagos
A historic and energetic town in the western Algarve, famed for its dramatic coastline of golden cliffs and spectacular sea grottoes. The ancient walled centre speaks of its importance during Portugal's Age of Discovery, offering a vibrant maze of cobbled streets, traditional restaurants, and lively bars. This unique combination of history and stunning natural scenery makes Lagos one of the Algarve's most rewarding destinations - Lagos guide

3. Vila Nova de Milfontes
A charmingly laid-back town on the Alentejo coast, enjoying a picturesque setting at the mouth of the Mira River. Vila Nova de Milfontes offers the unique advantage of both tranquil, family-friendly river beaches and the wild, surf-pounded shores of the Atlantic. It serves as a perfect, authentic base for exploring the untamed beauty of the Vicentine Coast and its renowned hiking trails - Vila Nova de Milfontes

4. Sesimbra
An authentic and lively fishing town set within a beautiful sheltered bay at the foot of the Serra da Arrábida hills. Overlooked by a magnificent Moorish castle, the town is renowned throughout Portugal for its exceptional seafood, served fresh in the many restaurants lining its waterfront. Sesimbra acts as the ideal gateway to the secluded, pristine beaches of the Arrábida Natural Park, offering a perfect blend of local character and natural beauty - Sesimbra guide

5. Ericeira
A unique coastal town that masterfully blends its heritage as a traditional fishing village with a cool, contemporary surf culture. As Europe's only dedicated World Surfing Reserve, it attracts surfers from across the globe, famed for its succession of powerful and consistent reef breaks. Away from the waves, the charming, whitewashed old town provides a vibrant hub of cobbled streets, excellent restaurants, and surf-centric boutiques - Ericeira guide

6. Tavira
Widely regarded as the most beautiful town in the Algarve, Tavira is defined by the Gilão River that flows through its historic heart. This elegant town is rich with Moorish heritage, revealing a labyrinth of cobbled streets, a Roman-era bridge, and fine gothic churches. It serves as a tranquil and cultured base from which to explore the pristine sandbar islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park - Tavira guide

7. Alvor
A delightful and low-key resort town that has retained the authentic character of its fishing village origins. Alvor enjoys a picturesque setting, where its historic, cobbled streets lead down to a tranquil river estuary. The town is perfectly positioned between the calm lagoon of the Ria de Alvor and a vast, golden sand beach that stretches for kilometres - Alvor guide

8. Albufeira
The most famous and energetic resort town in the Algarve, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive tourist amenities. Albufeira offers two distinct experiences: a charming, historic Old Town with whitewashed houses leading to a sheltered beach, and the famously lively "Strip," a bustling promenade of bars and restaurants that is the epicentre of the region's nightlife - Albufeira guide

9. São Martinho do Porto
A resort town renowned for its unique, perfectly shell-shaped bay that is connected to the ocean by a narrow inlet. This remarkable natural harbour creates a vast expanse of exceptionally calm, shallow waters, making it one of Portugal's safest and most popular beach destinations for families with young children. A wide promenade follows the curve of the bay, lined with cafes and restaurants that contribute to the town's relaxed holiday atmosphere - São Martinho do Porto

10. Nazaré
A town of dramatic contrasts, Nazaré is both a traditional fishing community and the epicentre of giant wave surfing. The main town is set along a vast, sheltered beach where local women still wear the iconic seven skirts, and the vibrant promenade is filled with superb seafood restaurants. To the north, the towering Sítio headland provides a spectacular viewpoint over Praia do Norte, where colossal winter waves have made Nazaré world-famous - Nazaré guide

Where is it? 12km to the west of Obidos
Suited for? Families, sunbathing, surfing, nature watching
Best words to describe it? Calm, natural, low-key, authentic
Why do we recommend it? The beach is positioned on the mouth of the Lagoa de Óbidos, and is one of the prettiest natural landscapes of central Portugal. This unique positioning of the beach means that one side is exposed to the might of the Atlantic Ocean, while the rear of the beach opens onto the calm waters of the lagoon. The town of Foz do Arelho, behind the beach, is a pleasant, low-key resort town, which is a favourite with Portuguese families.
Related articles: Obidos Guide

Praia da Foz do Arelho beach is adored by the Portuguese

Where is it? East Algarve, 5km from Tavira
Suited for? Families, sunbathers, cultural holiday, photography
Best Words to describe it? Unspoilt, calm and historic
Why we recommend it? Not only does the beach offer the soft sands and natural scenery of the eastern Algarve but it also provides a glimpse into the fishing heritage of the region. Lining the sand dunes are hundreds of rusting anchors (the Cemitério das Âncoras), a memorial to the abandoned tuna fishing community, which was based on the Praia do Barril until the 1960s.

Barril beach lies within the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a reserve that offers some of the finest, unspoilt beaches of the Algarve.
Our Opinion: Tavira, the closest town to Praia do Barril, is a fantastic destination for a holiday.
Related articles: Praia do Barril

There are hundreds of fishing anchors lined in the sands of the Praia do Barril

Where is it? Western Algarve, in Sagres
Suited for? Surfing
Best Words to describe it? Wild, powerful surfing
Why we recommend it? The extreme western Algarve is a region of towering cliffs, powerful seas and stark, wind-blasted scenery. Sagres is the largest town of this region, and contains four outstanding surfing beaches, ideal for experienced surfers. Our favourite beach in Sagres is the Praia da Mareta, as not only does it offer a vast expanse of sand, but is also within walking distance of the cafes and bars of the town.

The Praia da Mareta is slightly sheltered from the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean, by the barren headland on which the Fortaleza de Sagres fort is positioned.

Our Opinion: Sagres is such a wonderful location for surfing because the four beaches face slightly different directions, so no matter the conditions there is always somewhere to surf.
Related articles: Sagres guide

Sagres is a popular surfing destination, and some of the best swells are in the winter months

Where is it? 9km south of Porto
Suited for? Relaxing, sunbathing, families
Best words to describe it? Traditional and pretty
Why we recommend it? The Praia do Senhor da Pedra is the distinctive and much-photographed beach of northern Portugal. Perched on a rocky outcrop along the water’s edge is a Baroque chapel. Apart from being almost instantly recognisable, the beach is surprisingly good, while the surrounding town (Miramar) is likeable and low-key.

The Praia do Senhor da Pedra is characteristic of the Costa Verde (Green Coast), with its dark golden sands, black basalt rock outcrops and powerful Atlantic waves. The Costa Verde is often overlooked as a holiday destination but there are many fantastic beach towns including Espinho, Vila do Conde, Povoa de Varzim and Vila Praia de Âncora.
Our Opinion: The Praia do Senhor da Pedra is just a 20-minutes train journey from central Porto and is ideal for a beach day trip.
Related articles: Porto’s beaches

The coastline north from the Capela do Senhor da Pedra

Where is it? Tróia Peninsula,
Suited for? Sun-worshipers, relaxing
Best words to describe it? Undiscovered, pristine, refined
Why we recommend it? The Tróia Peninsula is an unbroken 15km sandy coastline, and the secret hideaway for Europe’s elite and super-wealthy. This immaculate coastline extends from Comporta in the south to Tróia at the northern tip of the Peninsula, while the middle sections conceal some of the quietest beaches of Portugal.

The town of Tróia buzzes in the summer and is a blend of sophistication and designer hotels, but just a short walk leads to nearly deserted beaches.
Tip: There is a regular ferry runs from Setúbal to Tróia, making it an easy day trip from Lisbon
Related articles: The Tróia Peninsula

The deserted Praia Atlantic beach on Tróia

Location: In the town of Praia da Rocha
Ideal for: Sunbathing, water sports, activities, and socialising
Key features: Vast, lively, active
Praia da Rocha stands out as Portugal's premier bustling tourist beach. Its natural beauty is so striking that it even manages to complement the towering hotels and apartments lining the cliffs above.

This beach is a hive of activity year-round. You'll find a wide range of beach sports and water activities, trendy beach clubs, and even summer festivals. Despite its popularity, Praia da Rocha's immense size easily accommodates the influx of summer tourists without feeling overcrowded.

For those seeking a bit more seclusion, the western end of the beach offers hidden coves tucked between distinctive red cliffs. These quieter spots provide a peaceful retreat from the lively main stretch.

Praia da Rocha exemplifies the best of what a busy resort beach can offer. It combines natural beauty with excellent facilities and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a top choice for visitors who enjoy an active beach scene.
Related articles: Praia da Rocha guide

The golden sandstone cliffs of the western Algarve

Where is it? South of Lagos, in the western Algarve
Suited for? Families, sunbathing, relaxing
Best Words to describe it? Beautiful, tranquil and stunning
Praia de Dona Ana is a visual masterpiece, framed by the golden cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland, with soft sands meeting calm, turquoise waters. Unlike many overhyped destinations, Dona Ana actually surpasses expectations in person.

This picturesque cove offers ideal conditions for a relaxing beach day. The sheltered location creates a tranquil environment perfect for sunbathing, while the calm waters are great for families with children who want to paddle or swim.

However, Dona Ana's beauty and proximity to Lagos (it's within walking distance of the town) come with a caveat - it can get crowded during the peak summer months. If you're visiting in July or August, you might want to arrive early to secure a good spot on the sand.

Despite the potential crowds, Praia de Dona Ana remains one of the Algarve's most captivating beaches. Its stunning scenery, combined with good facilities and easy access, make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the western Algarve. Just be prepared to share this slice of paradise with other beachgoers during high season.
Related Articles: Lagos beach guide

Golden sands and turquoise waters, beautiful!

Location: 5km north of Cascais
Ideal for: Surfing, hiking, nature appreciation
Key features: Unspoilt, bracing, rugged
Praia do Guincho is a wild stretch of coastline set within the dramatic landscape of Serra de Sintra Nature Park. This beach faces the full might of the Atlantic Ocean, drawing experienced surfers with its massive waves and expansive, uncrowded shore.

Guincho is part of a coastline characterized by towering headlands, jagged rocks, and exposed cliffs. Its untamed beauty offers a stark contrast to the more sheltered beaches of nearby Cascais.

This beach isn't for everyone. Strong tides and an almost constant breeze mean it's not ideal for a typical beach day. However, if you're passionate about surfing, kitesurfing, or simply appreciate rugged coastal scenery, Guincho is hard to beat.

The surrounding area also offers excellent hiking opportunities, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the Serra de Sintra up close. Despite its proximity to Cascais, Guincho feels worlds away from the bustling tourist areas, providing a slice of raw, natural Portugal.
Related articles: The beaches of Cascais

The wild and rugged setting of the Praia do Guincho

Location: 7 km south of Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Alentejo coastline
Suited for? Nature enthusiasts and scenery admirers
Key features: Vast, untamed, pristine

With raging seas, windswept cliffs and pristine sands, the Praia do Almograve is for visitors who appreciate nature’s raw power and beauty. This beach sits within the protected Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a region of Portugal that remains largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism.

The coastline around Vila Nova de Milfontes, which includes Almograve beach, reveals Portugal's raw, natural beauty. While it's far from the country's main tourist centers, those who make the journey to this remote area are richly rewarded.

Almograve beach stands out for its striking natural scenery, but its appeal is somewhat niche. The isolated location and often blustery weather make it best suited to those who appreciate nature in its wildest form, rather than traditional beachgoers. If you're seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience and don't mind braving the elements, Praia do Almograve offers a unique and memorable coastal adventure.

The Praia do Almograve is a vast expanse of golden sands, and never gets busy, even in the summer months

Where is it? Between Sesimbra and Setubal
Suited for? Families, sunbathing and relaxing
Key features: Picturesque, unspoilt, serene
Praia do Creiro is a slice of paradise, tucked between the lush forest hills of the Serra da Arrábida and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic. These waters are uniquely calm for the western Atlantic coastline, being sheltered by the jagged cliffs of the Serra da Arrábida. Best of all, it's only a 30-minute drive from central Lisbon.

This unique blend of gorgeous setting, good facilities, and proximity to the capital makes Praia do Creiro our top choice for Portuguese beaches. Whether you're looking for a family day out or a peaceful retreat, you'll find it here on this stretch of stunning coastline.
Related articles: The Serra da Arrábida

The stunning Serra da Arrábida National Park coastline