In a nutshell
- Praia da Bordeira: Wide sandy beach with great waves for surfing, set amid the vast natural landscape of the Algarve’s west coast.
- Praia do Camilo: Beautiful sandy beach tucked between the Algarve’s iconic rock cliffs in the resort town of Lagos.
- Nazaré: Charming fishing village with an endless sandy beach and spectacular giant waves north of Lisbon.
- That was our quick overview of our three favorite beaches in Portugal. Looking for more? Here are all 22 of the best beaches in Portugal, complete with hotel recommendations.
Our Map of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Portugal
Whether it’s wild rock formations along the mainland coast or on the far-flung islands of the Azores or Madeira: Portugal has stunning beaches everywhere. With such an enormous selection, it’s not easy at all to decide on a spot for your beach vacation in Portugal.
So you know right away where each beach in this article is located, we’ve put together a map of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal for you.
The Best Beaches on the Southern Algarve Coast
The Algarve is probably the most popular destination for a beach vacation in Portugal.
Unlike the west coast, the sea on the south coast is very calm during the summer months, which means you can swim wonderfully here. The water is also quite warm by Portuguese standards.
You can read our detailed tips for the Algarve here:
Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo is located in the beautiful fishing village of Lagos. Even though almost every beach in Lagos is stunning, this one is our absolute favorite.
The path down to the beach is especially wonderful. If you head to Praia do Camilo very early in the morning, you can get the perfect shot of the deserted beach.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia do Camilo
For a stay near Praia do Camilo, we recommend the Charming Residence & Guest House Dom Manuel I. It’s located between the old town of Lagos and the beach — a 15-minute walk to the water.
Benagil
The beach at Benagil isn’t a typical swimming beach — it’s a genuinely popular attraction in Portugal. That’s because it’s located inside a cave, illuminated by sunlight streaming through a large hole in the middle of the cave ceiling.
You can only reach the cave by boat or kayak from the neighboring beach — also called Benagil. Swimming there is not allowed.
Since Benagil is no longer off the beaten path, it gets pretty crowded inside the cave. You’re also no longer allowed to set foot on the beach itself.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Benagil
Since Benagil is very touristy and better suited for a day trip, we recommend staying right in Carvoeiro. From there, you can get to Benagil very quickly. Our pick is O Quintal, located 6 kilometers from the beach.
Praia da Marinha
You’ve almost certainly seen Praia da Marinha on Instagram already. Countless people have shared their dream beach photos from here.
And once you’re there, you’ll immediately see why: The massive rock arches, tiny grottos, and towering rock formations are truly impressive. Combined with the turquoise water, they make for the most stunning photos.
Because many tourists have already figured this out, the beach fills up fast — the access road to the parking lot even gets closed off.
That said, if you simply get there as early as possible, you won’t have to share it with too many other people.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia da Marinha
Your best bet is the beautiful Vila Alba Resort, from where you can reach Praia da Marinha quickly.
Praia de São Rafael
Just over five kilometers from the resort town of Albufeira, you’ll find Praia de São Rafael. For us, it’s the most beautiful beach in the Albufeira area.
It’s perfect for cooling off, snorkeling, and swimming.
Just make sure to keep an eye on the tide times — the beach can get quite cramped at high tide. At low tide, you can walk through the beautiful rock cliffs and discover small grottos.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia de São Rafael
Our pick is the 5-star Kimpton Atlantico Algarve by IHG, which even has a private beach area just 5 minutes’ walk away. From this massive, luxurious property, you have a breathtaking view of the sea.
Praia do Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro practically screams Algarve with its rocky cliffs and the many white houses built haphazardly into the hillside.
Praia do Carvoeiro sits right in front of the small town. We especially recommend it for families — the cove is calm and shallow, and there are countless restaurants and cafés around the beach for when hunger strikes.
Afterward, you can stroll through the small town and snap cool photos of the rock formations at Algar Seco.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia do Carvoeiro
At Vivenda Brito, you’ll stay in cozy apartments just 150 meters from the beach. And if you don’t feel like walking at all, there’s even a pool.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on the Western Algarve Coast
Many people don’t even realize that part of the west coast belongs to the Algarve — and that part is absolutely stunning. We find it almost even more spectacular than the south coast.
The wind blows stronger here, the waves are higher, and the water is colder. For surfers, these are some of the best beaches in Portugal — a true paradise.
To reach the west coast beaches, having a car is strongly recommended. There simply aren’t any buses that go all the way to the water.
Praia do Beliche
If you’re vacationing on the Algarve, you definitely shouldn’t miss the town of Sagres. It sits at the southwesternmost point of Portugal, with beaches on both the south and west coasts.
Our favorite is Praia do Beliche — one of our most beloved sunset spots.
The sweeping view of the ocean while the wind blows in your face — it honestly doesn’t get better than that.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Beliche
We recommend staying in the town of Sagres, as from there you’re close not only to Praia do Beliche but also to other great beaches in Portugal. A very affordable and cool place to stay — just 3 kilometers from the beach — is Casa Azul Sagres – Rooms & Apartments.
Praia do Amado
Just a few kilometers further north lies the next dream beach: Praia do Amado — translated, that means Beach of the Beloved.
We definitely fell in love with it. Amid the fascinating natural landscape, you can truly leave everyday life behind, take great photos, and learn to surf.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Amado
Praia do Amado is far from any large hotels, but just 4 kilometers from the beach you’ll find the wonderful Monte de Vilarinha.
Praia da Bordeira
This is pure, wild nature. Even when you spot it from above, a feeling of freedom washes over you: no towering hotel buildings, untouched nature, and a fascinating rocky coastline.
Here you can lay back on the wide sandy beach and watch surfers pull off their cool tricks.
Praia da Bordeira is located near the town of Carrapateira — about 20 kilometers north of Sagres. You can also reach Carrapateira by bus.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Bordeira
Since there are no accommodations right at the beach, we recommend staying in Carrapateira. From there, it’s about 2 kilometers to the beach. A very budget-friendly option is Carrapateira Lodge.
Praia da Arrifana
The beach at Arrifana is set among spectacular rocks and is especially great as a photo spot at sunset.
The surf conditions here are practically perfect — but for that very reason, the water is packed with surfers, so you’ll have to fight for every wave.
Arrifana is located near the charming little town of Aljezur. The beach parking lot sits considerably higher than the beach itself, so be prepared for a fairly long, steep walk down to the water.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Arrifana
There aren’t any real hotels in the small village above the beach. A smaller but very cozy spot with a fantastic view and pool is Biscuttela Vicentina, just 1.2 kilometers from the beach.
Praia do Odeceixe
Praia do Odeceixe has a breathtaking location — the Ribeira de Seixe river empties into the sea right here, forming the boundary between the Algarve and the Alentejo region.
In the calm river mouth, kids can splash around or paddle on a stand-up paddleboard, while you take in the dramatic panorama of Portugal’s west coast.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Odeceixe
We love AL-Odeceixe Verde! Bright colors, a lovely atmosphere, and a pool — all at a great price.
The Most Beautiful Beaches near Lisbon
It’s pretty convenient that Portugal’s capital sits almost right on the ocean — that way, you can perfectly combine your Lisbon city trip with a beach vacation in Portugal.
Just a few train stops from central Lisbon, there are great beaches for surfing and relaxing. We’ve written a separate article about our six most beautiful beaches near Lisbon:
The most beautiful beaches near Lisbon
Praia do Galapinhos
South of Lisbon, on the Setúbal Peninsula, lies the Arrábida National Park — home to some seriously dreamy beaches, including Praia do Galapinhos.
Thanks to its position in a south-facing bay, the water is calm and crystal clear, making it a wonderful spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Galapinhos
About 10 kilometers from Galapinhos is the town of Setúbal. From there, you can reach the beach and the beautiful Arrábida Nature Park quickly. Our recommendation is the Rio Art Hotel — right on the water in Setúbal.
Praia da Ursa
Praia da Ursa is located near the popular day trip destination of Sintra and is a true gem, hidden among rocks and cliffs.
Only the occasional visitor thinks to make a detour here, which means you can enjoy the beautiful panorama without much of a crowd.
The path to the beach is already a little adventure in itself — you’ll want a decent level of fitness, because the hike back up can get seriously exhausting.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia da Ursa
Your best option is a place to stay right in Sintra. Just a few meters from the bus station is Chalet Saudade. The rooms are lovingly and tastefully decorated, and the breakfast is world-class. It’s about 14 kilometers to the beach.
The Most Beautiful Beaches North of Lisbon
The beaches 30 to 120 kilometers north of Lisbon are a popular destination for surf enthusiasts of all kinds.Whether total beginners, occasional surfers, seasoned pros, or spectators — this stretch of Portugal’s coastline draws everyone in.
Beyond the surfing, the coastal towns also impress with their beautiful sandy beaches.
Ericeira
Ericeira is a charming little fishing village about 40 kilometers north of Lisbon. Even though there are actually several beaches here, most people just refer to the place as Ericeira.
But the more the merrier! That way, there’s something for every type of beach vacationer. Particularly beautiful is the calm swimming beach Praia dos Pescadores.
Several of Ericeira’s beaches rank among the top surf spots in Portugal: Foz do Lizandro, for example, is great for beginners, and Coxos is strictly for the pros.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Ericeira
In the historic center of Ericeira you’ll find Ericeira Soul Guesthouse, with cozy rooms and its own pool. It’s only 100 meters from Praia dos Pescadores.
Peniche
Much like Ericeira, Peniche is also a true surf town with several beaches, located just over 100 kilometers north of Lisbon.
Some of the best spots around Peniche are Praia do Portinho da Areia Sul for swimming and Praia Baleal for surfing in Portugal.
No matter what kind of beach vacation you’re planning, you’ll definitely be happy in Peniche.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Peniche
Our top pick is MH Peniche. From here it’s only 350 meters to Cova da Alfarroba beach, which borders Praia Baleal. The rooms are spacious and inviting, and breakfast is excellent.
Praia da Nazaré
Nazaré is best known for its giant waves, which can reach up to 30 meters high in winter. You’d probably want to skip swimming here at that time of year.
Instead, you can take amazing photos and videos of the waves and watch daredevil surfers hurl themselves into the monster swells.
In summer the waves aren’t quite as massive, and the beach at Nazaré is a great place to sunbathe and relax.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Nazaré
At Hotel Mar Bravo, you stay right on the beach at Nazaré and enjoy a fantastic ocean view from your room. The hotel’s restaurant serves excellent food.
The Best Beaches in Northern Portugal
If you want to explore northern Portugal, you can easily work in a few beach days here too. Just keep in mind that the water in the north is almost always cold.
We personally find the south a bit more beautiful, but the beaches in northern Portugal have their own appeal. Fewer tourists, more greenery, and everything around you is genuinely, authentically Portuguese.
Praia da Apúlia
About 40 kilometers north of Porto and 30 kilometers west of Braga, you’ll find the seemingly endless beach of Praia da Apúlia.
Cute windmills, sweeping dune landscapes — this beach has a character all its own, almost reminiscent of a northern European coastline.
The seawater at Praia da Apúlia is said to have an especially healing effect thanks to its high iodine content.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia da Apúlia
The guesthouse Casa do Vale is located just 3 minutes from the beach. The staff is wonderfully warm and serves a great breakfast every morning.
Praia de Miramar
South of Porto and just 30 minutes by train from the city center, you’ll arrive at Praia de Miramar.
The standout feature of this sandy beach is the church Capela do Senhor da Pedra, which sits perched on a rock right at the water’s edge and gives Praia de Miramar a very special charm.
The beach also has a few genuinely great dining options at very reasonable prices.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia de Miramar
About 1.3 kilometers south of Praia de Miramar, but also right on the water, you’ll find Casa da Granja Boutique Hotel: a beautiful old villa with cozy rooms and a pool.
Our tip: Combine your beach vacation in the north with a few days in Porto. Portugal’s second-largest city is absolutely worth a visit.
Make sure to read our tips for Porto
The Most Beautiful Beaches in the Azores
The Azores are essentially out in the middle of nowhere — somewhere between Portugal and the USA.
In total, the archipelago consists of nine islands, and it mainly attracts nature lovers and hikers.
The Azores aren’t known for long sandy beaches — but there are still a few genuinely beautiful beaches on the islands. And they’re almost never overcrowded.
Our tips for a vacation in the Azores
Santa Bárbara on the Island of São Miguel
São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores, known for the brilliant green of its landscapes. And one of our favorite beaches is here too: Santa Bárbara.
On the black sand beach, kids can build sandcastles to their hearts’ content, and the high waves draw plenty of surfers.
For a beach day on São Miguel, Santa Bárbara is definitely our top pick on the island.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Santa Bárbara
Your best bet is to stay in the nearby town of Ribeira Grande. From there, it’s about 15 minutes on foot to the beach. We recommend Hotel Verde Mar & SPA, with an ocean view, pool, and a great spa area.
Praia Formosa on the Island of Santa Maria
The island of Santa Maria is especially known for its many hours of sunshine — it’s even called the Sun Island.
A perfect spot for a beach vacation, then. The most beautiful beach on Santa Maria for us is Praia Formosa.
This gorgeous sandy beach is surrounded by lush greenery and an impressive rocky coastline — a great place to get a tan and unwind.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia Formosa
There are only a few hotels on Santa Maria. We recommend staying at Charming Blue in Vila do Porto: a nice hotel in a central location, just 6 kilometers from the beach.
Fajã de Lopo Vaz on the Island of Flores
One of our absolute favorite beaches in all of Portugal is on the island of Flores. The island is a dream for lovers of wide-open nature and untouched landscapes, and Fajã de Lopo Vaz is simply beautiful.
The black beach is perfect if you love raw, unspoiled nature. You can reach it via a beautiful, easy hiking trail from the little village of Lajes das Flores.
One thing is certain: you won’t have to worry about crowds here.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Fajã de Lopo Vaz
In the nearest town, Lajes das Flores, you’ll find Casas das Flores — a simple but clean place to stay with a beautiful terrace. At 3 kilometers from the beach, it’s a perfect base for the hike.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Madeira
On the Portuguese island of Madeira, tucked between breathtaking steep coastlines, you’ll also find the occasional dream beach.
The island draws mainly active vacationers and nature lovers with its spectacular landscape. But beach lovers will find their happiness here too. Since temperatures are still great even in late summer, Madeira makes a fantastic travel destination in September.
Read our tips for Madeira too:
Praia do Garajau
In the southeast of Madeira, near the capital Funchal and the airport, lies Praia do Garajau — a somewhat tucked-away little beach that you reach by gondola going down.
And the ride is absolutely worth it! The scenery at Praia do Garajau is incredible. The enormous rock next to the beach — with Cristo Rei perched high up on top — looks completely surreal.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Praia do Garajau
In a quiet location just 2 kilometers from the beach, you’ll find Apartments Madeira (a very creative name, we know). You get a fantastic overall package with a great ocean view, cozy rooms, and a lovely pool.
Seixal
On the completely opposite side of Madeira — in the northwest — you’ll find an incredibly beautiful lava beach.
It’s made up of very dark sand and stones and sits well sheltered in a bay, which makes it great for kids too.
Another highlight is the waterfall right at the beach. So after a swim, you can head straight to a natural shower.
Our Hotel Recommendation for Seixal
You’ll find great service, a delicious breakfast, and very charming décor at Casa Das Videiras. It’s only 100 meters to the beach.
General Information about Beaches in Portugal
Here are a few important things to know before your beach vacation in Portugal.
Water Temperature in Portugal
The ocean in Portugal is generally very cold. Even if the air temperature is 30 degrees Celsius, that doesn’t mean the water is warm enough for swimming.
The Atlantic is at its warmest in Portugal in August and September. In northern Portugal, the water reaches around 18°C (64°F), and around Lisbon it’s about 19°C (66°F).
On the south coast, it can warm up to 24°C (75°F). The rule of thumb is: the closer you are to the border with Spain, the warmer the water gets.
In Burgau, for example, the sea doesn’t really reach a comfortable swimming temperature until September. On the other hand, in some spots near Spain the water can still be above 20°C (68°F) even in November.
Getting to Portugal’s Beaches
Getting to Portugal’s top beaches by public transportation? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.
You simply can’t reach the most beautiful beaches out in nature that way — this is especially true for Portugal’s west coast.
We strongly recommend renting a car, especially if you want to explore multiple beaches. Portugal is also extremely well suited for a road trip along the Algarve or a road trip through Portugal by camper van.
The beaches closer to towns — such as near Porto, Lisbon, Lagos, or Sagres — are also easily reachable by train or bus. Just keep in mind that those beaches tend to be considerably more crowded as a result.
