10 Best Beaches in Portugal

Portugal is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Long stretches of sand crowded with people or small hidden corners, crystal clear waters with spectacular rock formations, spectacular cliffs and giant waves. You can find all of this and more along the Atlantic coast of Portugal.

And with 1,794 km of coastline, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to seaside destinations. From the most famous on the Algarve coast to the surfers’ picks near Lisbon, through the lesser-known spots in the Alentejo region or all the way to Porto, discover a selection of some of the best beaches in Portugal.

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Praia da Marinha

This beach is probably one of the most spectacular must-see beaches in southern Portugal and is also not extremely crowded compared to other nearby beaches. The reason why it is not so visited is that it is not easily accessible. By public transport, there is a bus that goes there from Lagoa. The trip takes about 15 minutes, but it is only operated twice a day.

Before accessing the beach, walk to the top of the tall limestone cliffs that overlook the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the amazing rock formations. As you make your way along the narrow paths, you’ll discover amazing new sights and various viewpoints. There is even a point where, if you look from the right angle, the combination of the cliffs and a natural arch forms the shape of a heart. This place has also received the name of Heart Rocks.

Benagil Beach

When it comes to the best beaches in the southern Algarve in Portugal, you are sure to find this little gem among the top picks. The unique cave of Benagil is probably the most visited place in the Algarve.

The beach is actually separated from the cave, which can only be accessed by water. Boat trips are offered, you can rent a kayak or even paddleboard to get there. The bravest swim there from the nearby beach, about 200 metres away, but it can be risky depending on the waves. You probably don’t want to miss this place on your vacation in the Algarve. The nearest town is Carvoeiro, about 7 kilometres away.

Praia da Falésia

About 10 kilometres west of Albufeira, Praia da Falésia is a stretch of sand 7 kilometres long. This long strip of fine sand is supported by a large reddish wall made of sand and clay. Its warm and lively colour contrasts with the green of the sparse vegetation and the blue of the ocean.

Best of all, given the length of the beach, you won’t find it extremely crowded, allowing you to relax and enjoy some privacy. Reach Falésia beach by bus from Albufeira bus station. There are several rides available throughout the day, especially in summer.

Praia da Rocha

This large sandy beach near the city of Portimão is another popular tourist destination. More than just a beach, Praia da Rocha is a seaside resort, with several hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist attractions.

This place offers a little bit of everything: a wide sandy beach, dramatic limestone cliffs, clear waters, spectacular rock formations and lots of social activities. It is an ideal location for families and groups, easy to reach from the city of Portimão and well connected to the rest of the Algarve by trains and buses.

Praia do Camilo

This is usually a less visited, but top notch beach in the Algarve, Portugal. Like the previous beach, it is surrounded by high golden cliffs, which makes it feel like a hidden piece of paradise.

From the top, the multicoloured umbrellas give the place a lively look. There is no public transport to get here, so you can either walk 15 minutes from Praia Dona Ana or take a taxi or an Uber. If you walk, you can enjoy the stunning ocean views from the cliffs along the way, so worth it either way. You can then access the beach by descending about 200 steps down the cliffs.

Praia de Albandeira

The Praia da Albandeira is a small beach enclosed between the cliffs, near the natural arch of the same name. There are actually two beaches here, separated by a strip of land that extends into the ocean. A few small natural pools among the rocks allow you to enjoy slightly warmer water.

On Praia da Albandeira, the cliffs have been sculpted by the ocean, forming a small cave where you can enjoy the shade. To the east, the cliff extends into the ocean in the form of a large arc and creates a small bay with turquoise waters. This is the Arco da Albandeira. Unfortunately, this place is quite difficult to reach unless you have a car. You do have a few bus options from Lagoa though, with a few trips throughout the day.

Praia da Mareta

It is the first beach on the southern coast of the Algarve, at the western end, near the town of Sagres. It is also one of the largest beaches in the region, stretching for about 800 metres. The beach is flanked by cliffs that surround it and protect it from high waves.

The cliff to the west juts out into the ocean to the panoramic viewpoint of Cap de Sagres and the fortress of Sagres. On the east side, there is another viewpoint, Ponta da Atalaia. Given the easy access to the beach, you are likely to find it quite crowded during the summer months.

Praia do Brejão

You probably didn’t expect to find the Alentejo region in a selection of the best beaches in Portugal. And it’s really not for the beaches that people usually visit in this area. Nevertheless, there are some surprisingly beautiful places along the Costa Vicentina.

Praia da Brejão is also known as Praia da Amália, because the famous fado singer Amália Rodrigues used to spend time there in her house on the coast. Access to the beach is quite difficult and is only possible by going down the cliff. This and the fact that the beach isn’t exactly famous makes it a good option if you’re looking for a more secret spot away from the crowds.

Praia da Ilha Do Pessegueiro

This beach takes its name from the small island in front of it, Ilha do Pessegueiro. The island is close enough to be reached by swimming, but in summer many inflatable pontoon fishing boats take visitors there. In Roman times, there were settlements on the island, of which only a few ruins remain today.

Nowadays, you can still visit the remains of an old fish-salting factory. The beach is just three kilometres from the fishing village of Porto Covo. Also nearby is a 17th century fortress and a restaurant, A Ilha.

Praia Troia Mar

An endless stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear water that might as well make you feel like you are on a tropical beach. Tróia is a narrow peninsula located in the municipality of Setùbal, one hour from Lisbon. The peninsula is a seaside resort with several hotels and restaurants, casinos and even a golf course considered one of the best in Portugal.

Tróia can be reached from Setùbal by a short ferry ride. But this narrow strip of land is not limited to gastronomy and luxury hotels. It was once an important Roman fish-salting settlement, of which there are remnants that you can visit on the east side of the peninsula.