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Best beaches in Portugal

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal. Photo by Julia Solonina

We discovered 10 beaches in Portugal that have highest-rated reviews

When compiling our list of the best beaches in Portugal, we kept in mind that many travelers are seeking unique and memorable beach experiences. To make it easy for them to plan their vacations, we included information on the surrounding areas, nearby activities, beach cafes and accommodations near each beach. This way, our list provides all the necessary information to help travelers choose the perfect beach in Portugal for their vacation.

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Portugal is a popular destination for beach vacations, known for its clear waters, golden sands and scenic coastal views. The Algarve region in particular is a popular destination for beach-goers, with a variety of beaches to choose from, such as Praia da Rocha, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Marinha, Praia da Dona Ana, Praia da Falesia, Praia da Ursa, Praia do Guincho, Praia de São Rafael, Praia do Vau and Praia de Santa Cruz. Each beach offers something unique, whether it be seclusion, natural beauty, water sports or picturesque surroundings.

When planning a beach vacation to Portugal, it is important to consider the time of year, as the peak tourist season is from June to September, which can lead to crowded beaches and high accommodation prices. It is also worth considering the proximity to other attractions, such as historical sites and natural landmarks, as well as dining and entertainment options in nearby towns.

Portugal offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts, catering to the different needs and budgets of travelers. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that allow visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

Portugal is a great destination for beach vacations, offering a combination of beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and a variety of activities and entertainment options. So let’s go ahead and see what are the best beaches in Portugal that are waiting for you and your family. Don’t spend more money for booking flight tickets! Compare all airlines and booking systems before you buy the airlines tickets to Portugal.

Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Praia do Camilo, Lagos – This small, secluded beach can be reached by a steep staircase and is known for its clear waters and rock formations. It’s a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Praia do Camilo - one of the best beaches in Portugal
Praia do Camilo – one of the best beaches in Portugal. Photo by Marina Esterlein

Praia do Camilo is a small, secluded beach located in the town of Lagos in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its clear waters and rock formations, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach can be reached by a steep staircase, making it less crowded and more peaceful.

Surrounding areas and neighborhoods of Praia do Camilo

The surrounding area of Praia do Camilo is mostly residential, so there are not many beach cafes or restaurants on the beach itself. However, the town of Lagos is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic center, with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a fresh fish market. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Lagos, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Lagos is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons.

Overall, Praia do Camilo is a great spot for travelers looking for a secluded and peaceful beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Lagos for dining and entertainment options.

Hotels in Lagos, Portugal

Praia da Marinha, Lagoa

Praia da Marinha, Lagoa – Often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, Praia da Marinha features clear waters, high cliffs, and unique rock formations.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal. Photo by Julia Solonina

Praia da Marinha is a highly-rated beach located in the town of Lagoa in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is often ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, known for its clear waters, high cliffs, and unique rock formations. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Praia da Marinha’s surrounding areas

The surrounding area of Praia da Marinha offers different types of options for dining and entertainment. There are a few beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. The town of Lagoa is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic center, with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a fresh fish market. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Lagoa, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Lagoa is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons. The beach is located near the famous Algar Seco and Ponta da Piedade, which are famous for their geological formation, and can be accessed by boat or by foot.

To sum up, Praia da Marinha is a great spot for travelers looking for a picturesque beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Lagoa for dining and entertainment options, and also a chance to explore the nearby natural attraction and enjoy the water sports.

Hotels in Lagoa

Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos

Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos – This beach is known for its golden sands and crystal clear waters, as well as its rock formations that create natural pools. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos, Portugal
Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos, Portugal. Image: Shutterstock / DaLiu

Praia da Dona Ana is a popular beach located in the town of Lagos in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its golden sands, crystal clear waters, and rock formations that create natural pools. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.

The surrounding area of Praia da Dona Ana offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. There are a few beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. The town of Lagos is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic center, with a variety of restaurants, bars and clubs as well as a fresh fish market. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Lagos, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Lagos is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons. The beach is also relatively close to the city of Lagos, which is another popular tourist destination in the Algarve region, where you can find a variety of museums and historical sites.

In summary, Praia da Dona Ana is a great spot for travelers looking for a beautiful and peaceful beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Lagos for dining and entertainment options, and also the option to try out the water sports and explore the nearby historical sites.

Find hotels in Lagos, Portugal

Praia da Falesia, Albufeira

Praia da Falesia, Albufeira – This long beach features red cliffs, golden sands and clear waters. It’s a popular spot for water sports and sunbathing.

One of the best beaches in Portugal - Praia da Falesia
Praia da Falesia, Albufeira. Image: Shutterstock / Martin Valigursky

Praia da Falesia is a long beach located in the town of Albufeira in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its red cliffs, golden sands, and clear waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.

Surrounding area of Praia da Falesia

The surrounding area of Praia da Falesia offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. There are a few beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. The town of Albufeira is nearby and offers a wide range of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its lively nightlife and variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Albufeira, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Albufeira is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons.

In summary, Praia da Falesia is a great spot for travelers looking for a long and beautiful beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Albufeira for dining and entertainment options, and also the opportunity to try out the water sports and explore the nearby coast.

Hotels in Albufeira, Portugal

Praia da Ursa, Sintra

Praia da Ursa, Sintra – This beach is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with high cliffs, rock formations, and clear waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming and hiking.

Praia da Ursa, Sintra, Portugal
Praia da Ursa, Sintra, Portugal. Photo by Samuel Jerónimo

Praia da Ursa is a beach located in the town of Sintra, in the Lisbon region of Portugal. The beach is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with high cliffs, rock formations, and clear waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking.

The surrounding area of Praia da Ursa is mostly residential, so there are not many beach cafes or restaurants on the beach itself. However, the town of Sintra is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic and cultural sites such as the Sintra National Palace and the Pena Palace, as well as its picturesque streets, cafes and restaurants. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and guided tours that depart from Sintra, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Sintra is also a popular spot for hiking and climbing, with several trails that lead to the beach. There are also several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons.

Hotels in Sintra

Praia do Guincho, Cascais

Praia do Guincho, Cascais – This beach is known for its strong winds, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also features dunes, cliffs and clear waters.

Praia do Guincho, Cascais, Portugal
Praia do Guincho, Cascais, Portugal. Image: Shutterstock

Praia do Guincho is a beach located in the town of Cascais, in the Lisbon region of Portugal. The beach is known for its strong winds, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It also features dunes, cliffs and clear waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

The surrounding area of Praia do Guincho offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. There are a few beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. The town of Cascais is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic center, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a fresh fish market. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Cascais, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Cascais is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons.

In summary, Praia do Guincho is a great spot for travelers looking for a beach with strong winds, perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Cascais for dining and entertainment options.

Praia de São Rafael, Albufeira

Praia de São Rafael, Albufeira – This beach is known for its clear waters, golden sands, and rock formations. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Praia de Sao Rafael, Albufeira, Portugal.
Praia de Sao Rafael, Albufeira, Portugal. Photo by Dan Gold

Praia de São Rafael is a beach located in the town of Albufeira in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its clear waters, golden sands, and rock formations. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

The surrounding area of Praia de São Rafael offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. There are a few beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. The town of Albufeira is nearby and offers a wide range of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its lively nightlife and variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Albufeira, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Albufeira is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons.

Praia de São Rafael is a great spot for travelers looking for a beautiful and peaceful beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Albufeira for dining and entertainment options, and also the opportunity to try out the water sports and explore the nearby coast.

Praia do Vau, Portimão

Praia do Vau, Portimão – This long beach is known for its clear waters, golden sands, and rock formations. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

 

Praia do Vau is a long beach located in the town of Portimão in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its clear waters, golden sands, and rock formations. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Praia do Vau, Portugal
Praia do Vau, Portugal. Image: Shutterstock / Americo Lopes

The surrounding area of Praia do Vau offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. There are a few beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. The town of Portimão is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic center, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a fresh fish market. There are also plenty of shops, supermarkets, and souvenir shops in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and boat trips that depart from Portimão, allowing visitors to explore the coast and nearby caves and grottoes.

For those looking for more adventure, Portimão is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are several rental shops and schools in the area that offer equipment and lessons.

In summary, Praia do Vau is a great spot for travelers looking for a long and beautiful beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Portimão for dining and entertainment options, and also the opportunity to try out the water.

Hotels in Portimao

Praia da Rocha, Portimão

Praia da Rocha, Portimão – Known for its golden sands and clear waters, this beach is a popular spot for water sports and sunbathing. It’s also home to a number of restaurants and bars.

Praia da Rocha, Portugal
Praia da Rocha, Portugal. Photo by Duarte Grilo

Praia da Rocha is a popular beach located in the town of Portimão, in the Algarve region of Portugal. The beach is known for its golden sands and clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also a popular spot for water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

The surrounding area of Praia da Rocha offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. There are a number of beach cafes and restaurants on the beach promenade, serving a variety of seafood dishes and local specialties. There are also plenty of bars and clubs in the area, making it a popular spot for nightlife. The town of Portimão also has a variety of shops, supermarkets and souvenir shops, making it easy for travelers to find what they need.

For those looking for more options, the nearby town of Alvor is known for its traditional fishing village atmosphere and offers a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as a fresh fish market.

There are also several hotels and vacation rentals in the area, catering to a range of budgets. Praia da Rocha is also relatively close to the city of Lagos, which is another popular tourist destination in the Algarve region.

Overall Praia da Rocha is a great spot for travelers looking for a mix of beach and nightlife activities, with a wide range of options for dining and accommodation.

Praia de Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras

Praia de Santa Cruz, Torres Vedras – This beach is known for its long stretch of golden sands, clear waters and rock formations. It’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Boulder in the sea at Santa Cruz beach, Torres Vedras, Portugal
Boulder in the sea at Santa Cruz beach, Torres Vedras. Image: Shutterstock / Liliana Marmelo

Praia de Santa Cruz is a beach located in the town of Torres Vedras in the Lisbon region of Portugal. The beach is known for its golden sands and clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.

The surrounding area of Praia de Santa Cruz is mostly residential, so there are not many beach cafes or restaurants on the beach itself. However, the town of Torres Vedras is nearby and offers a variety of options for dining and entertainment. The town is known for its historic center and the Saint Mary church, there are also several restaurants and bars, serving a variety of seafood and local specialties. There are also several shops and supermarkets in the town.

Accommodation options in the area include hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels, catering to a range of budgets. There are also several tour operators and guided tours that depart from Torres Vedras, allowing visitors to explore the coast, as well as the local history and culture.

In summary, Praia de Santa Cruz is a great spot for travelers looking for a beautiful and peaceful beach experience, with the option of exploring the nearby town of Torres Vedras for dining and entertainment options, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the local history and culture.

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Van Flyer
the authorVan Flyer
Contributor at Eurodirections.com
Van is a contributor to Eurodirections.com travel magazine. He is passionate about technologies, travel and blogging.

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