Beaches in Portugal: 15 not-to-be-missed beaches

June 24, 2019

When people talk about Portugal, they often talk about its ideal quality of life! This is linked to a number of factors, one of which is undoubtedly the beauty of Portugal’s beaches. With an immense coastline, the country offers, from north to south, numerous beaches with different charms.

We couldn’t possibly list all the beaches in Portugal, but now that summer has arrived, I’ve decided to share with you a few of my “favorites” (this list is therefore subjective). Beaches that appeal to me because of their beauty, their originality or, paradoxically, their simplicity. For those of you who are a little chilly, Portugal’s beaches border the Atlantic Ocean, so the water is cool and ideal for firming up your skin! We’re off! Let’s discover Portugal’s beaches!

Some of the beaches in Portugal we’ll be talking about in this article.

1. Praia do Moledo in Caminha – District of Viana Do Castelo

I’ll start with a beach in the very north of Portugal, on the border with Spain: the Praia Moledo do Minho in Caminha. This is considered one of the best beaches in northern Portugal.

The beach is located some 20 km north of Viana do Castelo, 5 km from the mouth of the Minho River. It offers magnificent landscapes dotted with sand dunes. It is also renowned for its curative virtues, as the iodine content of its waters is said to be beneficial.

With its windy conditions, this beach is a delight for board sports enthusiasts(surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing).

Praia do Moledo

2. Praia de São Jacinto – Aveiro District

Now let’s go down toAveiro and introduce you to São Jacinto beach. If you’re in the mood for wild scenery, this is the beach to go to. It gives you the impression of being alone at the end of the world.

The beach is characterized not only by its miles of white sand, but also and above all by its magnificent dunes. The latter are “protected”, as they form part of the São Jacinto Dunes protected area.

Please note that the easiest way to reach this beach from Aveiro is by ferry from Gafanha da Nazaré.

Praia de São Jacinto

3. Praia do Osso da baleia – District of Leiria

A little further down, south of Figueira da Foz and north of Leiria, you’ll find Osso de Baleia, a beach similar to that of São Jacinto. It’s a beach hidden by its many dunes, which resemble the Landes dunes in France. Numerous wooden walkways have been installed to facilitate access.

Praia do Osso da Baleia

4. Praia da Nazaré – Leiria District

Nazaré beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world. One of the reasons for its worldwide popularity is that many people go there to break a world record. That of the biggest wave surfed! In 2011, the small town of 12,000 inhabitants became THE destination for wave chasers when surfer Garrett Mc Namara surfed a 23.77-metre wave and broke the world record. Just recently, on November 8, 2017, Rodrigo Koxa, a Brazilian, broke that record by 61 centimeters, surfing a 24.38-meter wave.

Fear not if you’re not a surfer. The ocean is not permanently agitated, and the waves are concentrated in Praia do norte due to a geological phenomenon peculiar to this location. A canyon descends to a depth of 5,000 meters and a length of 200km, this immense “hole” generates huge waves. The big waves are most visible in winter, particularly in December.

The beach is also overlooked by a 110-metre-high cliff: the Sitio, accessible by car, on foot or by funicular.

Nazaré beach seen from the Sitio at sunset.

Nazaré beach has also been a historic fishing port since the 17th century. Today, the fish – mostly sardines and cod – are dried on the beach.

Fish drying on Nazaré beach.

5. Praia São Martinho do Porto – Leiria District

We continue down the Portuguese coast to discover São Martinho do Porto beach. This beach is located 100 kilometers north of Lisbon and 13 kilometers south of Nazaré. In the past, the bay was used for shipbuilding, fishing and salt production. Today, it’s a popular spot for family tourism.

In fact, the Portuguese call this beach “Praia das Crianças”(Children’s Beach), as it is said to be one of the safest beaches in Portugal. Thanks to its shell-like shape, the ocean is particularly calm, allowing children to splash about in peace and quiet.

Praia São Martinho do Porto.

6.praia da Ursa – Lisbon district (Serra da Sintra)

50 minutes north of Lisbon lies the Sintra Natural Park. It includes some magnificent beaches: Praia da Adraga, Azenhas do Mar, Praia das Maças and the small, charming Praia da Ursa.

Praia da Ursa, which means “the bear’s beach”(don’t worry, you won’t come across any bears there), is a small beach hidden away in the magnificent Serra da Sintra. For me, it’s one of the prettiest beaches in the Sintra Natural Park. Golden sand and imposing rocks characterize this little beach.

Praia da Ursa

Like many of Portugal’s beautiful beaches, access to Praia da Ursa is not easy and even a little perilous, but that’s the price you pay for reaching this little hidden treasure! On the way down, be sure to take in the incredible views.

Before you head down to the beach, and before you regret going in flip-flops! Remember to wear closed-toe shoes for access.

7. Praia Ribeira do Cavalo in Sesimbra – Setubal District

After the Serra da Sintra, we now enter the Serra da Arrabida with the Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, some 50 minutes south of Lisbon, in Sesimbra. Its white sand, towering cliffs and turquoise waters make this beach sumptuous. The kind of beach where the “wahouuuu” effect is guaranteed.

To reach the beach, take a steep 15-minute trail. Colored markings on the rocks show the way. Again, avoid flip-flops, as the path is not easy, but it’s worth it! You won’t be disappointed once you arrive in this paradise.

Praia Ribeira do Cavalo.

8. Praia dos Galapinhos – Setubal District (Serra da Arrábida)

We remain in the Serra da Arrábida, which stretches from Sesimbra to Setubal. The magnificent Serra da Arrábida offers beaches that are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful in Portugal. I’d even go so far as to say that they rival those of the Algarve. Beaches of white sand and crystal-clear water that could be likened to Thai beaches(although, of course, the water temperature is different). These beautiful beaches are part of the Serra de Arrábida nature reserve, a protected area since 1976, which explains their wild character. Most are coves: Galapos, Galapinhos, Coelhos, and the most famous, Portinho da da Arrabida. Each is more beautiful than the next.

Aerial view of the Serra da Arrábida

I’ve chosen to tell you about the dos Galapinhos beach, but its description is similar to that of its neighbors mentioned above. To reach it, you have to take a short, steep path through lush vegetation. The beach is protected by cliffs, so the water is fairly calm and the beach not very windy. It’s paradise on earth for snorkelers. The turquoise-blue water offers perfect conditions for exploring the underwater flora and fauna.

Please note that from mid-June to mid-September, the access road is blocked. So you’ll need to park your vehicle at the Figueirinha beach, then walk 3km for the more sporty, or take a bus. Another ideal way to discover the beaches of the Serra da Arrábida is to rent a boat from Setubal or Sesimbra(I recommend Pierre Sousa of the À Vela Passeiosagency ) or rent a kayak from the praia da Figueirinha or Portinho da Arrábida.

Boat tour of the Serra da Arrábida.

9. Praia da Comporta – Setubal District

Staying south of Lisbon, we cross the Sado estuary and arrive at Troia. We descend a little further and are now in Comporta. Located some 100 km south of Lisbon and north of the Alentejo region, Comporta beach borders the Sado estuary nature reserve, a protected natural area. The beach offers stretches of white sand as far as the eye can see.

You won’t find any big buildings or hotels here; the beach is lined with a few wooden cottages. Old fishermen’s cottages that have been renovated for those who want to awaken their inner Robinson Crusoe. The hinterland includes numerous rice fields. Rice cultivation has been active since 1925!

Praia Comporta.

10. Praia da Samoqueira – Porto Covo – Setubal District (Alentejo)

When it comes to beaches, we often speak of the Lisbon and Algarve regions, but a little less often of the magnificent region in between: the Alentejo. The fishing village of Porto Covo is part of this region and features a series of charming beaches. So, if you’re planning to travel between Lisbon and the Algarve during your stay in Portugal, I’d advise you not to take the freeway but rather the Alentejo coastal road. You won’t be disappointed!

Once on this road, stop off at Samoqueira beach in Porto Covo. This beach is made up of many rocks and little sand, but that’s precisely what makes it so attractive! This layout creates small stretches of sand, a kind of private mini cove where you can relax in complete tranquillity. The contrast between the black rocks, golden sand and turquoise water is sure to seduce you.

Praia de Samoqueira.

And don’t miss a visit to the village of Porto Covo, a fine example of the Alentejo way of life, with its white houses and blue outlines.

Porto Covo village.

11. Praia de Odeceixe – Faro district (Algarve)

Odeceixe beach lies on the border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions, on the Vicentina coast. This boundary is easily visible due to the river that separates the two regions: the Seixe. And it’s precisely this river that explains the particular shape of the Praia de Odeceixe. It’s an immense beach created between the ocean and this famous river.

You can get there on foot from the village of Odeceixe (3km), or, in summer, take the tourist train (€1) that follows the cork-oak-lined road to the cliff-framed bay.

Due to its particular configuration, Odeceixe beach is well sheltered, making it ideal for children, who can enjoy the small lagoons that form at low tide. You can also hire kayaks in summer and access the river.

Praia de Odeceixe.

12. Praia da Bordeira – Aljezur – Faro district (Algarve)

We’re in one of the wildest corners of the Algarve, still on the Vicentina coast, between Aljezur and Sagres(yes, Sagres isn’t just a beer, it’s also a town!) and close to the village of Carrapateira. There are two beaches here: Carrapateira and Bordeira(named after the river that runs through it: the Bordeira River).

At low tide, Bordeira beach is one of the largest in the Algarve. At low tide, small lagoons form, much appreciated by children. But above all, it’s a favorite with surfers and kitesurfers, as it offers optimal conditions for the practice of these sports. And if you’re a keen walker, you can enjoy long, pleasant strolls along the nearby paths.

Unlike many other beaches in the Algarve, which are quite small and, due to their popularity, quickly become crowded during the summer months, Bordeira beach is huge(over 3km long). So, if you want to avoid the crowds on the beaches, Bordeira beach may be a good solution.

Praia da Bordeira.

13. Praia do Camilo – Lagos – District of Faro (Algarve)

When we talk about Lagos, we often refer to the Praia Dona Ana, but of course there are other beaches, including the charming Praia do Camilo. It’s tiny, its sand is fine and golden, it’s set among immense orange cliffs and its water is so translucent you’d almost think you were in a swimming pool.

Access to the beach is via a long wooden staircase. The beach’s reputation and small size mean that during the summer it quickly becomes overcrowded, so it’s best to get there early if you want to relax.

Praia do Camilo.

Another great thing about this beach is that it’s just aten-minute walk from one of the Algarve’s most beautiful spots: Ponta da Piedade(named “most beautiful beach in the world” in 2014 by the American newspaper Huffington Post). Once there, you’ll want to get out your camera to immortalize the magnificent view before your eyes. You can either stay at the top of the cliff and admire the different views before you, or go down the stairs and once at the bottom take a small fisherman’s boat for a stroll amidst these impressive cliffs.

Ponte da Piedade.

Finally, it’s not often that I recommend beach restaurants, and I’m more of a “tasca” than a tourist restaurant, but close to the Praia do Camilo and Ponte da Piedade is the renowned ” O Camilo” restaurant. I recommend you try the delicious grilled fish.

14. Praia da Marinha – Lagoa – Faro district (Algarve)

Cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Praia de Marinha at Lagoa in the Algarve is magnificent. It’s often the photo of this beach that tour operators use to extol the virtues of the Algarve.

The beauty of the Praia de Marinha is immediately apparent from the parking lot. The car park is located at the top of the beach’s cliffs, offering a magnificent panorama. In fact, even if you feel the urge to go down to the beach, I’d advise you to take some time to stroll along the cliffs. The views are magnificent.

The beach has the fine golden sand that characterizes Algarve beaches. This sand blends perfectly with the magnificent orange cliffs, which have been eroded into distinctive shapes. This erosion causes the cliffs to retreat by 2mm to 2cm per year.

Praia da Marinha (photo credit: comewithus.pt).

15. Benagil cave – Carvoeiro – Faro district (Algarve)

Benagil! This name is often mentioned in articles about Portugal, and no wonder: this place is sublime. You know the kind of place where your head looks like that of a cartoon character with his mouth open and his tongue hanging out! The kind of place where you can’t stop saying “wahouuu” and in which you take 15,000 photos! But you might ask, “Where is this place?

The Benagil cave is located near the Praia da Marinha, which we mentioned earlier. The bay of Benagil offers a small beach set amid high cliffs(so far, it’s a bit like every other beach in the Algarve). But that’s not where the surprise lies. You’ll have to take a boat, a kayak, or for the more sporty, swim for 10 minutes to reach the spectacular Benagil cave.

This place is a natural geological wonder. A small lagoon with transparent waters and a hole in the rock through which you can see the sky and the sun’s rays piercing it. A must-see if you’re in the Algarve! The photo by my Portuguese influencer friends ” ComeWithUs ” perfectly highlights the beauty of this place.

Benagil cave (photo credit: comewithus.pt).

In conclusion

That’s it, we’ve finished this little tour of Portugal’s beaches, and I hope you enjoyed it! There’s something for everyone, with magnificent beaches from the north to the south of Portugal. The beaches of the Algarve are much talked about, and it’s true that they’re sublime, but there are also a whole host of others with a variety of charms all over Portugal. As you can see, there’s plenty to do! And let’s not forget the river beaches, which are also very nice, especially in the Gerês region.

And what about you? What are your favorite beaches in Portugal?

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