Exposed to the full force of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, Portugal’s coastline is as dramatic and as beautiful as you’d expect. The waves have carved cliffs into stunning shapes, caves, sea stacks and arches at a number of locations - such as the memorable coasts of Praia da Marinha and Praia de Benagil. The underwater geology at places like Nazaré has made it a surfing paradise that attracts the best surfers from around the world - all eager to pit themselves against the biggest waves ever successfully surfed. Throw in memorable white sands at the likes of Praia da Miramar and the Troia peninsula, and it’s easy to see why Portugal’s coast is so popular with residents and visitors alike. But where to start when planning your trip? Well, read on for 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
1. Praia da Ursa - contributed by Tour Guide, Beatrice Sacco
Praia da Ursa in Lisbon stands as a breathtaking and secluded beach gem. Accessible through a 20-minute hike from Cabo da Roca beach, it’s an ideal spot to spend either the entire day or just the afternoon. Positioned facing west, the beach offers an unparalleled view of a stunning sunset, making it an experience to remember. If you’re planning to trek to the beach, it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, considering the slippery and steep terrain there.
Since very few people usually make the descent, you can essentially have the beach and its tranquil surroundings all to yourself. Additionally, as the beach is a part of the Atlantic Ocean, you can anticipate cooler water and a breezier atmosphere.
Praia da Ursa
Address: Parque Natural De Sintra-Cascais, 2705 Colares, Portugal
2. Praia da Rocha
One of the most popular resort towns in the Algarve, the beach at Praia da Rocha is huge and boasts some very inviting sands which just itch to be used for a little sunbathing. A popular resort has grown around the attractive beach, boasting a vibrant nightlife with a number of themed bars and the wider Algarve is home to some water-based theme parks in the form of Slide and Splash, and Zoomarine. Those who want to go exploring further along the sands will find the nearby beach of Praia dos Tres Castelos, which features some fancifully shaped cliffs that invite photography.
Praia da Rocha
Address: Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Algarve
3. Praia Zambujeira do Mar
Located within the Costa Vicentina and Sudoeste Alentejano Nature Park, this beach at Zambujeira do Mar is one of several distinct coves and stretches of sand in the local area - so if you find one to be busy you may have luck elsewhere. What’s more, it has won Blue Flag award status, which recognizes the cleanliness of the water, the local facilities and the presence of a seasonal lifeguard. And it is also a popular surfing spot as well, so those who prefer more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits may wish to bear this in mind. Beach-goers seeking more sedate pleasures will likely enjoy a clifftop stroll and a view along the coast.
Praia Zambujeira do Mar
Address: Zambujeira do Mar, Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Alentejo, Portugal
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4. Portinho da Arrabida
Earning a deserved reputation as one of Portugal’s most stunning beaches, Portinho de Arrabida boasts gin-clear waters that have won legions of fans among those lucky enough to have visited. Indeed, this clarity makes it an excellent scuba-diving spot, and equipment can be rented from a local diving school. Located in a former fishing village, the beach is situated within a sheltered cove, which visitors have remarked has lent the area a wonderfully isolated and peaceful vibe. Those seeking to explore the area around the beach will also find a 17th-century fort and museum in the harbor.
Portinho da Arrabida
Address: Parque Natural da Arrabida, Setubal Municipality, Portugal
5. Praia da Nazaré
Even if you haven’t been to Nazaré, you’ll likely be familiar with it owing to the Herculean surfing feats that have been achieved there. The geology of the local coastline - most notably the underwater Nazaré Canyon - creates some of the biggest breaking waves anywhere on the world, and definitely the highest anyone has ever successfully surfed. Unsurprisingly, this has attracted major surfing contests, which draw huge crowds. But if it’s long sandy beaches you’re after instead, then you’re in luck too. Located on the Silver Coast, the beach is considered by many to be one of Portugal’s finest. The long sands are also an inviting place for a walk and, if you head up onto the cliffs - either by walking or taking the funicular railway - you are rewarded by some truly majestic views.
Praia da Nazaré
Address: Nazaré, Oeste, Leiria District, Portugal
6. Praia de Benagil
An undoubted highlight of Portugal’s coast, Praia de Benagil is famous for the truly spectacular sea cave Algar de Benagil. This colossal structure, which features arches, a natural skylight and even a small beach of its own, simply has to be seen to be believed. If you’re a budding photographer, then you’ll definitely want to make a beeline for it when conditions are right. Away from the cave, the small beach itself features soft inviting sands and azure waters that mean it can get quite busy at the height of the summer. Those looking to take a dip should also bear in mind that the water gets deep quite quickly, so don’t do anything risky.
Praia de Benagil
Address: Praia de Benagil, Benagil, Lagoa, Algarve
Tip from Content Creator
Have you ever been to a famous hotspot and been disappointed? We wanted to highlight the reality of travel and some of our less favourable experiences.
Although a golden paradise from up high, we found Benagil too intense. Maybe (definitely) we should have arrived earlier. The beach was packed with tourists leaving for the cave in kayaks and noisy speed boats that rushed past every few minutes. We’d still love to go to the cave at a quieter moment, but we can’t imagine how it would get in the peak summer if this was the condition at the end of September.
7. Praia Formosa
Located on Madeira, off the African coast, Praia Formosa is situated at the island’s capital of Funchal - making it a particularly popular destination with those visiting the area. In reality, the beach is several beaches - a large pebbly one and three smaller sandy stretches of coast, offering a varied beach-going experience. Certified by a Blue Flag for the quality of the water, prevalence of local facilities and presence of lifeguards, those who visit during the season will enjoy the added peace of mind that this brings. What’s more, time your visit right and your trip may coincide with some of the seasonal sports contests and activities. Its location on the island’s capital also means you’ll not have far to go to enjoy the vibrant nightlife, eateries and bars of the area. While sightseers will also enjoy the numerous local museums.
Praia Formosa
Address: Praia Formosa, São Martinho, Madeira, Portugal
8. Praia do Guincho
Boasting sands that stretch for roughly 800 meters (2,600ft), Praia do Guincho’s length and exposure to prevailing winds have made it a particularly inviting location for kitesurfers, windsurfers and surfing enthusiasts - so if you’re after a little adrenaline-fuelled fun in the water, you’ve come to the right place. Indeed, such is its suitability for the sports that it has in the past been used to host the windsurfing world cup and still hosts the Portuguese National Surfing and Bodyboarding Championships to this day. However, the same conditions and large breakers, which make it ideal for windsurfing and similar pursuits, also work against its suitability for those seeking to enjoy a swim, so bear this in mind. However, the large waves, dramatic scenery and location on the edge of the Serra da Sintra National Park make it a great spot for those looking to enjoy fine views or go for walks.
Praia do Guincho
Address: Praia do Guincho, 5km from Cascais, Cascais, Estoril coast, Portugal
9. Praia da Marinha
Beautiful scenery is guaranteed if you choose to visit Praia da Marinha (Marina Beach). Hailed by no lesser a publication than the Michelin Guide as being among the finest beaches in the whole of Europe, you can rest assured that your visit will be a memorable one. Located in the Algarve (and not far from the aforementioned Praia de Benagil), the beach can be a little tricky to reach, as the path descends sharply, but those who make the effort will be richly rewarded with picture-postcard views of the sandy yellow cliffs, the fine sands of the small beach itself and the clear blue waters of the ocean. What’s more, those same cliffs have been carved into some impressively dramatic sea stacks and natural arches.
Praia da Marinha
Address: Praia da Marinha, Caramujeira, in Lagoa Municipality, Algarve
10. Praia da Miramar
There aren’t many beaches that can say they have a chapel on the sands - but that’s the unusual claim to fame for Praia da Miramar. Erected on a sheltered rocky outcrop on the beach, the hexagonal chapel has been a memorable landmark for hundreds of years. Indeed, it is thought to have been built sometime around the late 17th or 18th centuries and it features three altars and an interior wooden pulpit. Get the camera out and it’ll definitely make for an effective target for your lens at sunset. The beach itself, meanwhile, is extensive and sandy and is a popular spot for sunbathers in the summer. The village of Miramar also features a number of beachside cafes.
Praia da Miramar
Address: Praia da Miramar, Arcozelo, Portugal
11. Troia Peninsula
Not a single beach in itself, Troia is instead an attractive peninsula that is home to a number of sandy stretches. Located next to the Sado River estuary, its position within easy reach of the city of Setúbal by ferry link has made the peninsula a popular spot among Portuguese people seeking to enjoy the long sands that can be found on its Atlantic and estuary-facing sides. Naturally, this popularity means that there are plenty of facilities in the local area - ranging from a casino and hotels to a swimming pool and a number of eateries. Those who go exploring will also find Roman ruins in the area, while the peninsula’s resident pod of bottlenose dolphins will likely appeal to wildlife fans - and the nearby marina offers boat trips for those eager to spot them.
Troia Peninsula
Address: Troia Peninsula, Grândola Municipality, Portugal
Time to hit the beach
Whether it’s dramatic and stunning rock formations, inviting white sands, powerful Atlantic breakers or adrenaline-fuelled surfing pursuits that you crave, Portugal’s stunning coastline has the lot. Where will your beach-going adventures take you?
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