The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Portugal. So if you are in Portugal, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Alentejo Region
Praia de Almograve Beach, Nascedios
Address – Praia de Almograve, Almograve, Nascedios, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°38’58.2″N 8°48’12.3″W
Praia de Almograve is located in Nascedios, in Alentejo, southern Portugal. Both sandy and rocky, this beach offers stunning scenic views, and is a great place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. The beach is a favorite for families with small kids since it is easy to reach, and during low tide, there are rock pools where they can safely swim. It never gets too crowded, and you can hike and climb on the surrounding hills, and walk your dog along the sand. There is a cafe and a beach bar in the area, where you can get food and drinks.
Tróia Peninsula Beach, Tróia Peninsula
Address – Praia de Tróia, Tróia Peninsula, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 38°29’10.0″N 8°54’33.4″W
Praia de Tróia is located in the Tróia Peninsula, in the Alentejo region of Portugal. With its calm and quiet atmosphere, white sand and clear waters, Praia de Tróia is the perfect getaway for a relaxing day. You can reach the beach by boat from Setúbal, and if you get lucky, you can spot dolphins during the short trip.. Even though the beach is usually windy, the waters are always calm; however, they can be cold on cloudy days. Nearby, you can find lots of facilities, from restaurants and shops, to resorts and soccer fields.
The Best Beaches in Algarve Region
Praia Dona Ana Beach, Lagos
Address – Praia Dona Ana, Dona Ana, Lagos, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°05’31.9″N 8°40’08.1″W
Praia Dona Ana is located in Lagos, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. Golden sands and crystal waters of a beautiful turquoise color, with the waves crashing against limestone rocks. This stunning landscape attracts many tourists and locals to the beach, which can give a crowded feeling around midday. However, earlier on the day, you can enjoy the views with a relaxing and quiet atmosphere. There are two entrances to the beach, both being a short flight of stairs; it is possible to rent hammocks or take your own umbrella. You can find a cafe on top of the cliffs on the right side, and a restaurant on the left end, both with tasty meals and amazing views.
Praia da Rocha Beach, Portimão
Address – Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°06’58.3″N 8°32’06.9″W
Praia da Rocha is located in Portimão, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. A popular, wide beach, with soft, white sand, rock formations and caves adding to the already stunning landscape view. Praia da Rocha has something for everyone, with an active atmosphere; however, this means the beach is usually busy. Besides swimming on the clear waters, you can hire jet skis and paddle boats. To the left side of the beach, there is a walkway leading out into the water, and with a lighthouse. On the sand, there is an outdoor gym, a playground for kids, and a volleyball net set up. Along the beach, you can find many restaurants and shops.
Praia da Mareta Beach, Sagres
Address – Praia da Mareta, Sagres, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°00’20.5″N 8°56’13.9″W
Praia da Mareta is located in Sagres, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. This beach, with soft sand of a beautiful golden color, is enclosed between rocky cliffs on both sides, and offers stunning views. The clear waters and great waves attract surfers all year long, but the beach is always quiet and rather empty. There are restaurants and bars nearby, but other facilities are very basic, which means the beach is not touristy and it never gets crowded. Praia da Mareta is great for disconnecting and having a relaxing day.
Praia do Barril Beach, Santa Luzia
Address – Praia do Barril, 8800-531 Santa Luzia, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°05’08.5″N 7°39’45.9″W
Praia do Barril is located in Santa Luzia, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. A long stretch of white sand, quiet and peaceful, perfect for walking and relaxing. The clear waters can be cool, but are still great for swimming or surfing. The highlight of Praia do Barril is the “cemetery” for old anchors, a tribute for the fishing community of the town of Tavira. There are a couple of restaurants nearby, a cafe and a small store.
Marinha Beach, Lagoa
Address – Praia de Marinha, Caramujeira, Lagoa, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°05’23.2″N 8°24’46.9″W
Marinha Beach is located in Lagoa, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. The golden sand is surrounded by towering cliffs, with arcs and caves on the turquoise water. You can hike around the top of the cliffs, from where you get the best views over the beach. There is a snack bar on the left end, and some vendors in the parking lot. During summer months, the beach can get highly crowded. As of August 2020, the parking lot is closed and under construction; because of this, you need to walk for over a kilometer to reach the beach.
Arrifana Beach (Praia Da Arrifana)
Address – Praia da Arrifana, Aljezur, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°17’33.1″N 8°51’53.1″W
Arrifana Beach is located in Aljezur, in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This extensive beach, with its golden sand and bright blue waters, is a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing. Arrifana Beach is perfect for surfing, and with surf schools nearby, you can get your very first lessons. There is a small restaurant right on the entrance to the beach. During the summer, the beach can get crowded, but to the left side it is empty and quiet.
Praia Do Camilo Beach, Lagoa
Address – Praia Do Camilo, Lagoa, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°05’14.2″N 8°40’05.8″W
Praia do Camilo is located in Lagoa, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. A small, sandy beach surrounded by towering cliffs, with rock formations emerging from the clear water. The views this beach offers are unforgettable, especially when it is empty and quiet in the morning. Snorkeling is a must, the clear waters allowing you to spot many small, colorful fish; besides, you can rent a kayak and explore the caves and arcs. There is a restaurant on top of the cliff, from where you need to climb down a flight of stairs to reach the beach.
Three Castles Beach (Praia Do Carvoeiro)
Address – Three Castles Beach, Carvoeiro, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 37°05’56.4″N 8°28’56.1″W
Three Castles Beach is located in Carvoeiro, in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. Soft sand, with warm, shallow water, and stunning rock formations breaking the horizon. The waters are clear and calm, safe for swimming and great for snorkeling. Before you climb down the steps to reach the beach, stop at the viewpoint, where you can admire the scenic view, rock formations and caves. Nearby, you can find endless options to dine; cafes, beach bars, pastries shops, and restaurants ranging from seafood, to Italian and British.
The Best Beaches in Centro Region
Praia Foz do Arelho Beach, Foz do Arelho
Address – Praia Foz do Arelho, Foz do Arelho, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 39°25’58.9″N 9°13’47.5″W
Praia da Foz do Arelho is located in Foz do Arelho, in Central Portugal. This beautiful beach, where a lagoon meets the ocean, is wide and sandy, with cool waters and a quiet atmosphere. The calm lagoon waters make it safe for small children to swim, although it can be very cold; still, the beach is a favorite among families. On the other hand, the ocean water has big waves, and some people take on the challenge to surf here. Along the entrance road, there are many seafood restaurants, beach bars and cafes.
The Best Beaches in Lisbon Region
Guincho Beach (Praia do Guincho), Cascais
Address – Guincho Beach, Cascais, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 38°44’03.5″N 9°28’20.7″W
Guincho Beach is located in Cascais, in the Lisbon Region of Portugal. Small but wide, this sandy beach has rocky areas and a mountainous backdrop, and it is famous for being in a James Bond film. The water is crystal clear, and the waves are perfect for many water sports; you can try surfing, kite surfing or windsurfing. To the left side of the beach, there are some restaurants, and at the right end of the beach, there is a beach bar where you can get refreshing drinks and ice cream. Avoid swimming with small children since the wind is strong and can create big waves.
The Best Beaches in Lisbon, Alentejo Region
Praia do Creiro Beach, Setubal
Address – Praia do Creiro, Setubal Municipality, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 38°28’47.7″N 8°58’45.0″W
Praia do Creiro is located in Setúbal, in the Lisbon Region of Portugal. This small sandy beach, with pebbly and rocky areas, has a mountain backdrop and a beautiful scenic view. The water is clear, shallow and great for snorkeling; however, it can be too cold some days, but you can rent a canoe or pedal boat, or climb on the mountainous area. There is a steep descent to arrive at the beach, which makes it rather empty on most days. You can get food and drinks from the cafes around the beach. Avoid going into the water without proper shoes since there are pebbles and rocks underwater.
The Best Beaches in Norte Region
Senhor da Pedra beach (Praia do Senhor da Pedra), Arcozelo
Address – Senhor da Pedra beach, Arcozelo, Portugal
Google Maps Link – 41°04’13.6″N 8°39’28.4″W
Senhor da Pedra Beach is located in Arcozelo, in Northern Portugal. A calm, wide beach, with soft white sand and beautiful views of a flat horizon. The first thing that catches the eye is the small chapel built on top of a rock formation, right on the shore. From the chapel, you can admire an unforgettable view, especially during sunset. Besides, it is said that the chapel was built on top of an old Pagan Ceremonial ground; on foggy nights, some recall seeing people holding candles. You can find small soccer and basketball fields, and a playground for kids. There are some restaurants, beach bars and cafes along the entrance road.