17 Best Beaches in Portugal

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If you’re looking for the best beaches in Portugal, you’ve come to the right place! Portugal is arguably one of the best beach destinations in Europe. With its year-round warm weather, beautiful cliffs, and stunning southern coastline, it’s no wonder so many people head to Portugal (especially the Algarve) when they’re looking for a beach break. I have to admit, I fell in love with the beaches here when I visited Portugal. They really are as stunning as they look online!

From rugged cliffs to golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this country offers a diverse range of beaches that are perfect for both sun-seekers and adventurers. Whether you’re a beachcomber in search of tranquil coves or an avid surfer riding the waves, one of the best beaches in Portugal is sure to tempt you.

The 17 Best Beaches in Portugal 

Choosing the perfect area of Portugal to base yourself for the perfect beach break is no easy task. Hence why I’ve rounded up the 17 best beaches in Portugal, revealing why this southwestern corner of Europe should be on every beach lover’s bucket list. 

1. Praia da Rocha, Portimão

One of the most famous beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is absolutely stunning. This was one of the first beaches we visited in Portugal, and it is everything you’d expect from a Portuguese beach.

This iconic stretch of golden sand is flanked by the gorgeous towering limestone cliffs that Portugal’s coastline is known for. This paired with the crystal-clear waters and selection of rocky coves you can explore, makes this beach one of my personal favourites. 

We decided to walk down this beach, climbing on the rocks, swimming in the ocean and paddling in the shallows. It was so beautiful at both ends of the shore, and a great beach for both sunbathers, adventurers, and families. There are lots of coves and rocky places to explore, and you can also climb to the top of the cliffs and admire the views of the beach from above. 

As well as the sands itself, the beachfront promenade here features an array of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants after a day of relaxing on the sand, or go for a drink in the evening and explore the nightlife.

2. Praia de Alvor, Alvor

Almost a complete contrast to Praia da Rocha, Praia de Alvor is a calm, much quieter beach. It doesn’t have the rocky cliffs that Portugal is known for. Instead, you’ll be treated to a vast expanse of soft golden sand, dunes, and a wooden walkway along the length of the beach.

You can rent a sun bed and spend the day catching the rays, play some beach games, or choose to go for a leisure stroll along the walkway instead. What sets Praia de Alvor apart is the surrounding natural beauty. This includes dunes and a lagoon, which provide a tranquil backdrop for relaxation and birdwatching. 

The welcoming, small-town atmosphere of Alvor complements the beach perfectly. You’ll find a delightful array of restaurants, quaint shops, and a genuine sense of local authenticity. It’s a much less touristy than Praia da Rocha. We stayed in Alvor when we visited Portugal for this precise reason. 

Praia de Alvor is one of the best beaches in Portugal for those seeking a quieter, more authentic Algarve experience, with the simple pleasures of sun, sea, and seafood.

3. Praia do Vale do Olival, Benagil

This beach is one of the more beautiful hidden gems in Portugal. Right around the corner from the famous Benagil Cave, popular for its hidden beach and boat tours, this beach remains much quieter and less touristy.

This pristine stretch of golden sands is flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs, but it’s also surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. The green contrasts with the yellow and blue perfectly, and creates a serene beachscape that seems a world away from the bustling tourist hubs. Its intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking a quiet escape, a peaceful day of sunbathing, or a romantic seaside stroll. 

It’s ideal for those seeking a more intimate beach, and it’s also stunning at sunrise!

4. Praia de Albufeira, Albufeira

In complete contrast, Albufeira is one of the busiest beaches in Portugal. On the edge of one of the Algarve’s most popular resort towns, Albufeira, this is a vibrant and lively beach that beautifully combines natural beauty with a bustling atmosphere. 

Its long stretch of golden sand is fringed by a bustling promenade dotted with restaurants, bars, and shops. You can rent sunbeds and catch a tan, participate in a range of watersports, or explore the views from the cliffs around the bay. 

The beach is well-equipped with amenities too. There are showers, toilets, and a great selection of restaurants and cafes around the edge of the beach, perfect for an ocean-front dinner of fresh seafood. It is definitely not a quiet beach though, so bear this in mind if you’re looking to visit.

5. Praia do Faro, Faro

One of the many beaches close to the fabulous city of Faro is Praia do Faro. Running more or less parallel to the gorgeous Ludo walking trail, a wonderful way to experience this beach is via a hike. There is a circular trail from the beach car park to the Ponte da Quinto da Lago on the Ludo trail. It returns via the beach and takes about 2-3 hours to walk. 

Praia do Faro is a beautifully flat beach made up of striking golden sand. It’s the perfect place to find yourself a secluded spot to relax away from the crowds (if you are happy to walk for a while). If your beach preference includes amenities then stick closer to the Ponte Praia do Faro (the bridge that takes you to the beach). 

Here you’ll find a cluster of beach restaurants, hotels and cafes. There are showers and toilets located in this area too. During the summer months, eight lifeguard stations ensure the safety of all who come to swim on this gorgeous sandy beach. 

This beach is suitable for everyone, including people with difficulty walking, as there are ramps from the car park down onto the beach section called Praia do Faro (Mar). This section has been classified with an “Accessible Beach” award. There are beach walkways, accessible toilets and reserved parking spaces.

Praia do Faro is easily reached by bus from Faro (bus 16). There is plenty of parking nearby if you have your own car.

6. Praia dos Três Irmãos, Alvor

Praia dos Três Irmãos is one of the best beaches in Portugal located in Alvor, just outside of the better-known town of Portimao. The beach stretches 7 km and is sheltered between the ocean and cliffs. 

The beach is known for its rock formations creating small caves and coves to explore. These also provide a retreat from the sun. The name of the beach is translated as “the three brothers” referencing three rocks on the beach.

There is a parking lot available nearby that leads to a wooden path that will take you down the beach. There are showers to rinse off, several cafes and restaurants along the beach, and vendors walking the beach with snacks and drinks. 

7. Praia das Azenhas do Mar, near Lisbon

Nuzzling the cliffs 40 minutes northwest of Lisbon sits the breathtaking village and beach of Azenhas do Mar. A pool set into the rocks fills at high tide, and the sand almost disappears. Though the beach is only 30 meters wide, it has everything for a perfect day near the ocean: restrooms, showers, a lifeguard (during the bathing season), a parking lot, and a variety of dining options, from bar food to a fantastic high-end restaurant overlooking the sea. 

Eateries include Restaurante Azenhas do Mar, Adega das Azenhas, and Água e Sal. Suitable for solo travellers, couples, or families.

This is also a great hike near Lisbon. Hikers walking from Praia da Macas to the south will enjoy the steep photogenic descent into the village and onto the beach.

Azenhas do Mar is 40 minutes northwest of Lisbon via the A37 and only 15 minutes northwest of Sintra. If you’re without a car, take the train from Rossio and transfer in Sintra to the 1254 bus towards Magoito or the 1248 towards Av Eugene Levy (bus drivers will help you find the right one). It takes a little under two hours. The beach is not wheelchair accessible.  

8. Praia do Carvalho, Carvoeiro

Praia do Carvalho is a beach located along the Seven Hanging Valley Trail in the Algarve. It is one best beaches in Portugal and one of the most beautiful spots along the hike.

Many people stop at Praia do Carvalho because it is much quieter than the next beach, Benagil, known for its impressive sea cave. Plus, the closest village is Carvoeiro, located 4km away.

The best way to get to Praia do Carvalho is by car. There is a parking lot located right at the entrance of the beach. There is also a bus that connects this beach to Portimão, but it runs only during the summer and at limited times.

What makes Praia do Carvalho so special is that there is natural shade during a large part of the day, which is rare for most beaches in the Algarve. To access the beach, you need to go through a passage carved in the stone. The rocks have such a unique formation that they make natural shade around the edges of the beach.

The downside is that there are no facilities at Praia do Carvalho. You must bring all your snacks with you and, most importantly, water.

9. Mosteiros Beach, Azores

As you might expect from an archipelago, the Portuguese Azores – a group of islands located 950 -1400 miles off Portugal’s mainland – have some epic beaches. One of the best is Mosteiros Beach, located on the far west end of Sao Miguel Island, the largest and most populous island of the Azores. 

The hallmark of Mosteiros Beach is its volcanic jet-black sand. Surrounded by high cliffs, the beach is small, but very scenic, with striking rock formations just offshore. You’ll also find tidal pools and excellent sea glass picking. Since the beach is west-facing, plan to catch the sunset here. 

If you like to be off the beaten track and are more interested in soaking up views than sun rays, this is a beach for you. Air temperatures never climb much past 75 degrees in the summer and seas can be rough, so swimming isn’t always an option.

For those wanting to take a dip in the North Atlantic, there are public toilets and showers, as well as a couple of snack bars. The small town of Mosteiros surrounds the beach and offers a few other places to grab a snack or cup of coffee. 

10. Praia da Corredoura, benagil

The “Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos” (Route of the Seven Hanging Valleys) in the Algarve is one of the best hiking trails in Europe. Corredoura’s Beach is one of the gems you’ll find along the 6 km (12 km roundtrip) between Marinha’s Beach and Vale de Centeane’s Beach. 

The impressive Corredoura Beach is known for its clear, calm waters. It’s the perfect spot not only for swimming but also for snorkelling. Although as soon as you see it, you’ll want to jump right in, this beautiful beach is only accessible by sea. You can get there by kayak or by boat and enjoy its golden sand to sunbathe in solitude. 

The perk is that a trip like this allows you to admire the impressive caves and sea arches along this coast. Since it’s a wild beach, there are no facilities so be sure to bring plenty of water and maybe a sandwich. 

It’s best to go between May and October (try to avoid July and August which are peak season and very busy). But, in the autumn and winter months, temperatures are usually around 18ºC (colder at night). Nonetheless, it’s not uncommon to be surprised by an occasional warmer afternoon in October or November. 

11. Praia da Bordeira, Sagres

Located on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, Bordeira Beach is not far from the country’s southwestern tip Sagres.

The best way to get there is by car, so if you have a rental car or are on a Portugal road trip, you can reach Praia do Bordeira in around half an hour from Aljezur, Lagos or Sagres. From the parking lot, you get to the beach via a lovely wooden path with amazing views of the coast.

It may be one of the widest strips of sand in Portugal. This means you will almost always find a calm space at Praia da Bordeira. So, it’s not only popular among surfers but also among beach lovers who love to spend a day relaxing in the sand. It’s one of those magical areas where a river meets the sea. But be aware that, like most beaches in Portugal, it can be quite windy.

Besides, it’s a natural beach without any facilities, but a gem where you can enjoy Portugal’s beautiful nature. During the high season, there are some sunbeds and the beach is observed by a lifeguard.

12. Seixal Beach, Madeira

Madeira is one of the most spectacular islands in Europe. Located in the Atlantic Ocean and belonging to Portugal, Madeira is known for its Jurassic Park-like scenery, with tall mountains and cliffs that drop dramatically into the sea.

Out of the very few sandy beaches in Madeira, Seixal is unique due to its fine volcanic black sand. Seixal is a small, narrow beach, located in the north of the island. You can get here by hiring a car from Funchal, or by hiring a taxi. In Madeira, taxi drivers are licensed as guides as well, and they can offer fixed prices for guided trips to different parts of the island.

The beach doesn’t have a lifeguard, but it does have toilets and showers. There are also a few restaurants where you can try the traditional Madeiran food nearby. Across the street, there are natural pools, where you can swim as well.

What makes this beach spectacular is the scenery, making it the most beautiful in Madeira. The cliffs covered with lush vegetation drop sharply into the sea, in front of the beach. There is even a waterfall on the versants of the mountains. 

13. Fuseta Beach, Fuseta

Fuseta, a small town in the Algarve, has not just one but two beautiful beaches: Praia da Fuseta (Ria) and Praia da Fuseta (Mar). One faces the serene Ria Formosa, while the other is on an island facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Praia da Fuseta (Mar), located on the island just off Fuseta, is only accessible by boat. The beach there stretches out for miles making it easy to find a quiet spot with an amazing view of the crystal clear water of the Atlantic Ocean. However, you only have lifeguards, toilets and a beach bar near the pier.

Praia da Fuseta (Ria) is a short stroll from Fuseta’s town centre. The water here is calmer and warmer compared to Praia da Fuseta (Mar) since it’s within the Ria Formosa lagoon. It’s an ideal beach for families with children, offering all essential amenities such as restrooms, restaurants, lifeguards, and more. Praia da Fuseta (Ria) is also an excellent destination to try water sports like stand-up paddling since the waves aren’t as strong.

Fuseta has it all, from a picturesque natural beach that sees fewer visitors to a family-friendly beach, nestled within the safety of a lagoon.

14. Praia Dona Ana, Lagoa

Praia Dona Ana is a gorgeous beach just outside of the town of Lagos in the Algarve region. It is easily accessible from Lagos by car or bus. 

The beach consists of a long strip of soft golden sand that comes up a ways from the water. This means that even on crowded days you shouldn’t have much problem finding a spot to lay your towel. 

The area is surrounded by stunning yellowish-orange sandstone cliffs with several massive boulders resting in the water near the beach.

Families with small children and individuals with mobility limitations should note that the only way to the beach is down a fairly long staircase.  

The water can be a bit cooler than expected due to it being the Atlantic Ocean. But, on a hot summer day, it’s very refreshing. The persistent waves are fairly strong but not overwhelming.  There were no noticeable drop-offs near the shore, so you can safely wade out into the water.

Praia Dona Ana is a great beach for families. Aside from the beauty of the beach and water quality, there are clean restroom facilities available for beachgoers. This all makes it an enjoyable beach experience.

15. Praia do Camilo, Lagoa

Found among towering cliffs in the southern region of Algarve, Praia do Camilo is a gem that shows why the Algarve is home to some of the best beaches in Portugal. Praia do Camilo offers more than just stunning views and a soothing atmosphere. With a beautiful panoramic view at the top, descending the stairs reveals a picturesque cove of golden sand and dramatic limestone formations.

Accessible via a wooden staircase of 200 steps, this secluded beach does make you work for your sunbathing spot. But, the rewards are worth every step, with photo opportunities along the way.

The waters are crystal clear, making this beach ideal for snorkelling or taking a refreshing dip. Visit at low tide, when there is more beach to enjoy and you can access the snorkelling easier.

To get to Praia do Camilo, you can rent a scooter in town and drive here, taxi, or bus. Restaurants and toilets are only available at the top of the stairs, so go before and after your beach visit.

16. Praia da Batata, Lagoa

You’ll find stunning beach after beach stretching for miles in the Algarve in Portugal, with plenty of cute towns all along the way. One of the most chill and beautiful towns is Lagos, with its nearest beach being Praia da Batata.

The best part about this beach is its convenient location, as it is just a 5 to 10-minute walk from anywhere in town! The town itself is also easily reached from Lisbon via a 3.5-hour bus. A bit too far for a day trip but absolutely perfect for a short stay.

Thanks to the beach’s proximity to town, it’s really perfect for anyone travelling without a car. You can easily spend the day lounging by the water. But, it’s also the perfect place to grab a takeaway meal and eat while the sun sets. Walia Kebab House and Lagos Pizza are two affordable options nearby. There’s even a small café and bar on the beach (although it closes before the evening) and a free toilet at the entrance.

Praia do Batata is also the perfect starting point for some beach-hopping either by Uber or foot. Praia do Pinhao, Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo just a few minutes walk away. Just make sure to download offline maps first as the SIM cards in Portugal often have poor reception around here.

Thanks to its convenient location, easy amenities and genuinely gorgeous scenery, Praia da Batata is an absolute must-visit.

17. Marinha Beach, Lagoa

Marinha Beach in southern Portugal is not only one of the most stunning beaches in the Algarve but in the country. Nominated the most beautiful beach in Europe several times, it is starting to become more and more popular. Yet, it has kept its beguiling beauty with its picturesque rock formations standing tall in the turquoise water. 

The beach sits below golden cliffs and parts of it disappear during high tide. In the summer months, there is a lifeguard and there is a restaurant with public toilets on the beach. Besides this, there are no amenities, so you must bring your own parasol. 

Note that there are several steps to reach Marinha Beach, so it is not wheelchair friendly. Even going with a pushchair can be challenging, though not impossible. On top of the cliffs, before reaching the steps taking you down to the beach, there is ample parking and a few kiosks where you can purchase ice cream and cold drinks in the summer. 

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