Best Beaches in Portugal – 20 wonderful beaches you have to see!

Praia Dona Ana, Best Beaches in Portugal

Portugal has a number of different natural wonders that are worth visiting while you are here and especially beaches are what makes this country so popular among tourists and sea lovers. Here we have prepared a list of Best Beaches in Portugal with pictures and a map!

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Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. They often appear among the TOP beaches of the world, so let’s take a look at them!

Best Beaches in Portugal

1. Praia Da Rainha

Praia Da Rainha, also known as Queen’s Beach, is a small cove that is absolutely ideal for swimming. It doesn’t get the droves of tourists that some of this country’s other beaches do.

It has an almost magical feel to it that you will be sure to fall in love with the moment you arrive. The water is crystal clear, and the town itself is very charming.

Praia Da Rainha, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia Da Rainha, Best Beaches in Portugal by Vitor Oliveira / flickr.com

2. Peniche

There are numerous beaches that you can visit in the town of Peniche, including North Sand Portinho Beach, Gâmboa Beach and a lot more all around. The waters here are very calm, which makes them ideal for surfing.

Here you will find miles of sandy shoreline that is very inviting. It is a wonderful place to visit for the entire family. You won’t have any trouble finding restaurants and cafes in the area either.

Peniche, Best Beaches in Portugal

Peniche, Best Beaches in Portugal by Vitor Oliveira / flickr.com

3. Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha has a number of tall rock formations, caves and coves that make it a truly spectacular sight to behold. It is one of the best spots in the entire country for snorkelling because of the clear blue waters and ample sea life.

This is a very popular tourist beach, so be prepared to contend with the crowds.

Praia da Marinha, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Marinha, Best Beaches in Portugal by Sergei Gussev [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

4. Nazare

Nazare is a beach that is well-known for its huge waves, which is precisely why it attracts so many surfers each day. The towering cliffs and the chapel on top of them make this beach a great place to relax in nature for a little while.

It is home to the largest underwater canyon in all of Europe, over 100 miles long. Fishing is a very common activity in this town, and the local seafood is simply delicious.

Nazare, Best Beaches in Portugal by lele3100 [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

5. Praia Zambujeira do Mar

Praia Zambujeira do Mar is the perfect place for families to visit. It has numerous restaurants with generous portions of delicious seafood.

There are multiple trails that you can hike on in this area to enjoy all of the nature it has to offer. In August there is a massive music festival each year that you should try to catch. If you want a break from the tourists, try to come here in the off-season.

Praia Zambujeira do Mar, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia Zambujeira do Mar, Best Beaches in Portugal by brunzo30 / pixabay.com

6. Troia Peninsula

Troia Peninsula is located just south of Lisbon, and it makes for an excellent getaway from all the tourists and noise of the city. Here you will find dolphins and many other types of sea life splashing around in the water.

There are regular boat trips that you can take around this area to see some of the local marine life.

Troia Peninsula, Best Beaches in Portugal

Troia Peninsula, Best Beaches in Portugal by Husond [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

7. Praia da Prainha

Also known as the “Little Beach”, Praia da Prainha offers a very scenic landscape for you to enjoy on your trip. It typically isn’t crowded with tourists, and the huge rock formations add an ominous beauty that you won’t ever forget.

This is a great place to go swimming and snorkelling. If you are interested in seeing some marine life, you will want to keep this in mind. The bluish-green waters are very clear, making it perfect for this activity.

Praia da Prainha, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Prainha, Best Beaches in Portugal by Joseolgon [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

8. Lagoa de Albufeira

This beach makes for an excellent day trip because of its unparalleled beauty. There are numerous rivers and lagoons in the area, and the sand dunes are quite impressive.

Here you will find smooth and calm waters that are ideal for swimming. This area also has a lot of exotic birds that you can see from the numerous viewing stations.

Lagoa de Albufeira, Best Beaches in Portugal

Lagoa de Albufeira, Best Beaches in Portugal by Walterpeitz [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

9. Praia da Costa de Santo Andre

When you are looking for the perfect beach for surfing, Praia da Costa de Santo Andre is an excellent choice. It is also perfect for bird watching, and it’s rife with sea life.

The white sandy shoreline seems to go on forever, and it’s highly recommended that you take a walk down it. Even just lying out in the sun on the soft sand is a wonderful experience.

Praia da Costa de Santo Andre, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Costa de Santo Andre, Best Beaches in Portugal by Rodrigo Soldon / flickr.com

10. Portinho da Arrabida

Portinho da Arrabida doesn’t take long to get to from Lisbon, and it is well worth the drive. In the summer months, this because is packed with tourists, but it’s much more peaceful in the off-season.

No matter what time of year you visit though, it is quite an amazing sight, to say the least. This beach has numerous restaurants that serve seafood, and it is always fresh.

Portinho da Arrabida, Best Beaches in Portugal

Portinho da Arrabida, Best Beaches in Portugal by Pemanuelp [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

11. Praia da Miramar

Praia da Miramar isn’t quite as sunny as Lisbon, but it still has tons to offer for just about everyone. This area has an incredible nightlife that is definitely worth exploring.

The beach here is only several miles from the city proper. It has numerous towering rock formations and white sand stretching down as far as the eye can see.

Praia da Miramar, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Miramar, Best Beaches in Portugal by Superbrose at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

12. Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is known for its unique rock formations and crystal clear bluish green waters. There are numerous caverns that you can explore while you are here, making it a perfect place for adventure seekers.

In this area, you will find plenty to do, especially at night. There are lots of great restaurants and bars that you can relax in after you have had your fill of this gorgeous beach.

Praia da Rocha, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Rocha, Best Beaches in Portugal by Steven Fruitsmaak [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

13. Praia da Comporta

This is yet another beach that will make for one amazing day trip. It is a bit more out of the way than some other beaches, which means there aren’t a lot of tourists to contend with.

It’s a very peaceful place with white sands and clear blue waters. You can get something to drink and eat right on the beach, making it a truly relaxing experience.

Praia da Comporta, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Comporta, Best Beaches in Portugal by Gustavo Veríssimo / flickr.com

14. Praia do Guincho

The huge jagged cliffs and massive waves that this beach has to offer, make it a surfer’s paradise. It is also a great place for scuba diving, as it’s rife with marine life.

This beach can be found in Serra da Sintra national park in Lisbon, which is a beautiful place overall. It will make for the perfect day trip from Lisbon if you are staying in the area.

Praia do Guincho, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia do Guincho, Best Beaches in Portugal by Husond [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

15. Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo

This beach truly looks like something from a postcard, and it is well worth the 40-minute trip from Lisbon. You will need to take a little trip down a trail to get here, but it’s not very difficult at all.

Summer is the high season, and it is the perfect time to go kayaking. This area also offers some amazing swimming and scuba diving.

Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo, Best Beaches in Portugal by Vitor Oliveira / flickr.com

16. Praia da Falesia

Praia da Falesia is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Portugal thanks to its tranquil surroundings and crystal clear water. Therefore, during the summer months, it is quite full, but there is always a place to rent a couch.

There are several restaurants and bars by the beach, and the nearby towns offer many other entertainment options.

Praia da Falesia, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia da Falesia, Best Beaches in Portugal by Derks24 / pixabay.com

17. Praia Dona Ana

Lagos has always been known as a major fishing port, and even after years and centuries, it retains its unique historic touch, complete with narrow streets, as well as rocky massifs that stretch around the coast.

And right in this picturesque location is the smaller beach of Praia Dona Ana, which beauty is famous not only throughout Lagos but in the whole of Portugal.

Praia Dona Ana, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia Dona Ana, Best Beaches in Portugal by Felix König [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

18. Meia Praia

Meia Praia is a beach between Alvor and Lagos, a semi-circular shape and is over 4 km long. It is surrounded by sand dunes and big shells can be found here.

The beach is also popular among nudists, but due to the vastness of Meia Praia, the nudist part is not marked here, so the unprepared random visitor can be quite surprised.

Meia Praia, Best Beaches in Portugal

Meia Praia, Best Beaches in Portugal by Vitor Oliveira / flickr.com

19. Praia de Odeceixe

Not every visitor goes to Odeceix. It is a village on the west coast, on the border between Algarve and Alentejo.

However, whoever goes to Odeceix will always be enchanted by the picturesque village and the incredibly photogenic beach, surrounded by the village and the huge rock. The place is popular especially among surfers and tourists.

Praia de Odeceixe, Best Beaches in Portugal

Praia de Odeceixe, Best Beaches in Portugal by Vitor Oliveira / flickr.com

20. Your tip?

And what is your tip on the best beach in Portugal? Please comment on below and let us know! 🙂

Portugal boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers. From the golden sands of the Algarve region to the rugged coastlines of the Azores and Madeira islands, Portugal offers a diverse range of beach experiences.

Visitors can relax on pristine beaches, indulge in water sports, or explore hidden coves and sea caves. With a pleasant climate and a laid-back atmosphere, Portugal’s beaches provide the perfect setting for a sun-soaked getaway, where travelers can unwind, enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, and savor the fresh seafood delicacies that Portugal is famous for.

Julius Szabo

Since 2010 I have created a lot of travel-inspiring websites, have written countless travel articles and made a hundred thousand pictures and videos. Govisity.com is the newest one, my other way to conquer the world! :)

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