Portugal is a unique country and quite a bit exotic compared to European countries. If this country has anything to be proud of, it is certainly its beaches and coasts. You will find natural beaches, hidden beaches, large and small beaches, family beaches and perfect surfing beaches. We have chosen for you the most beautiful ones on this list:
1. Praia da Adraga, Sintra
The Praia da Adraga is situated in the Sintra district and in a stunning natural area. The Praia da Adraga is one of the most famous beaches for its spectacular scenery of gold sand beach settled between the cliffs. The beach is busy and especially in the summer season can be overcrowded. However, this does not change the fact that Praia de Adraga is incredible and worth visiting. The beach is accessible by car, and no bus runs exactly to the place. The beach has one restaurant with a café and toilets. While driving you will go through the spectacular Sintra Mountains that offer the most beautiful views.
Praia da Adraga
Address: Rua da Praia da Adraga 63, 2703-063, Portugal
2. Falesia Beach, Albufeira
Falesia Beach, Praia de Falésia, is a part of a continuous 7 km (4.3 mile) long sand coast, surrounded by a line of cliffs. The cliffs of various colors from red to white create a remarkable contrast and natural phenomenon. The beach is situated in the Algarve, and it’s a great spot to go when you are visiting Albufeira. The beach is accessible by walking. While strolling along an incredible footpath to this beach you can enjoy incredible overlooks. The water is clean, and the sand is gold and warm. The scenery and spectacular surroundings will charm you.
Falesia Beach
Address: Aldeia da Falésia, Olhos de Agua, Albufeira 8200-593, Portugal
3. Praia da Rocha, Portimao
Praia da Rocha, located in the western Algarve, makes over a thousand people happy every year. Praia da Rocha means “Rock Beach” and that is what you can expect! Rock Beach has been popular among Portuguese spirits since the last century. And, it’s no wonder. This beautiful coast with golden sand is surrounded by magnificent views. The water can be cold even in the summer months, but this is a common thing in Portugal. Praia da Rocha is a little over a kilometer (0.6 mi) long. There are many sports activities, restaurants and nightlife in the area.
Praia da Rocha
Address: Praia da Rocha, Portimao, Portugal
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4. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
Praia da Marinha, in English Navy Beach, is a beautiful beach situated on the coast of the Atlantic ocean in the Municipality of Lagoa. The beach won a few awards as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and even in the world. Steep cliffs surround the beach. When you arrive, you will have to walk down along the long stairs, and while going down to the beach, you will enjoy a stunning overlook.
The beach is often used for commercial uses for its unique beauty, golden soft sand, and azure water. The beach is well maintained and features a restaurant and public toilets. You can also take advantage of some water sports. The beach is accessible only by car. Due to the limited access, this beach is not as busy as others from Algarve.
Praia da Marinha
Address: Carvoeiro, Portugal
Portugal Tour Guide
Ana Cristina Paiva
I am an australian-born Portuguese living in Lisbon since I was 8 years old. I studied Tourism and became a Licensed Guide and I absolutely love my job! The Portuguese landscape, history, food, traditions have won me over and I hope to share all this with you! I live in an historical neighborhood and believe that the best way to get to know a city is by walking. During the tours I hope to answer your questions and curiosities, proving a memorable and fun learing experience.
Tours by Ana-cristina
5. Praia do Guincho, Cascais
Praia da Guincho, a wonderful beach in the Lisbon region, is a perfect place for surfers. Guincho is located on the edge of the Serra da Sintra National Park, making it way more natural and not so touristic. The beach is well known for its large waves and strong breeze that makes this location perfect for surfing and adrenaline sports.
Guincho Beach will be appreciated by those who are looking for nature and adventure. As the beach is ideal for surfers and adrenaline enthusiasts, it’s not recommended for children and families, however, lifeguards keep the place safe during the summer. This beach is a fantastic place for those who want to enjoy the waves and wild water and also for those eager for the spectacular views.
Guincho Beach
Address: Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais, Cascais, Portugal
6. Praia da Camila, Lagos
Praia da Camila, the gem hidden between the cliffs, is a stunning beach located in Lagoa, Algarve. Long wooden stairs take you down to the beach where you can enjoy the sunny beach with gold sand and clean sea. The beach features a restaurant, O Camila, where you can taste the local cuisine. The restaurant serves fresh seafood as well as the traditional Portuguese meals and is worth a visit. If you explore the surroundings, you will find another small beach with cliffs.
Praia da Camila
Address: Rua da Costa D'Oiro | between Praia Dona Ana Beach and Praia da Boneca Beach, Lagos, Portugal
7. Praia de São Rafael, Albufeira
Praia de São Rafael is situated in the Algarve and municipality of Albufeira. Limestone rocks surround the beach with golden sand and crystal water and form charming landscapes. The beach is busy and especially in the summer can be crowded, but if you walk a bit around you can find many hidden places to enjoy a peaceful time.
The beach is equipped with public toilets and showers and during the summer is lifeguarded. The beach features a car park, from where there is access by a path and boardwalk. The Praia de São Rafael is a charming beach with remarkable surroundings, like the other beaches in Algarve.
Praia de São Rafael
Address: Estrada do Aldeamento São Rafael 117, Albufeira, Portugal
8. Praia de Odeceixe Mar, Aljezur
In the Algarve and municipality of Aljezur is situated this gorgeous sandy beach. It is inside the Vicentine Coast Natural Park and at the mouth of the Rio de Seixe. On the south of the beach is a small cave with a sandy beach called Praia de Adegas, which is used as a nudist place. The easiest access is from the village Praia de Odenxe, from where a steep path gives access to the beach. On the beach, you will find a spot even in the busiest season. Its peculiarity is a river that flows along to into the ocean. The beach has a blue flag and has the perfect background.
Praia de Odeceixe Mar
Address: Estrada da Praia de Odeceixe, Aljezur 8670, Portugal
9. Meia Praia, Lagos
Meia Praia is the largest beach in the Lagos region, Algarve. The beach is four kilometers (2.4 mi) long leading from Lagos to the mouth of the River Odiáxere. The beach is spacious enough to handle all the waves of tourists, and you will always find a great spot to chill. The edge of the beach is filled with small cafés and bars, which are perfect for a drink or small snack. The main advantage of the Meia is surely its size. This spacious coast of golden sand and crystal blue water will satisfy anyone, and it’s a great place to spend a summer day!
Meia Praia
Address: Lagos, Portugal
10. Praia de Castelo, Albufeira
The Praia de Castelo consists of the main beach and several small beaches and coves. The main beach features sharp cliffs and the name translates to Praia of Castle. The beach was named after a fort that used to stand there in the past, and you can still find remains of this watchtower.
There is a small car park available from where the beach is accessed by wooden steps. The beach features a restaurant where you can taste the fresh seafood. There are also public toilets and showers. During the summer the beach is watched by lifeguards, so it’s a safe place. The beach is equipped with parasols and loungers that you can rent, making it an excellent choice for warm days.
Praia de Castelo
Address: R. da Torre Velha 2, Albufeira, Portugal
Nothing but gorgeous sceneries
Whether you visit Portugal in winter or summer, the beaches will always be one of the country’s most famous attractions. Golden coasts washed by the Atlantic ocean of azure colors is simply a gorgeous scenery. This list is just a small sample of beaches that you can visit here. Portugal offers many other amazing ones!
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