Portugal’s coastline stretches about 1,115 miles (1,794 km) along the Atlantic, and it changes character as you go. Down south, you’ve got calm coves and warmer water. Head north, and things get wilder—bigger waves, broader beaches, fewer crowds. A lot of the towns along the coast were once small fishing villages—and many still are. You’ll still see daily fish markets, boats heading out before sunrise, and old cafés serving grilled sardines and vinho verde. Here’s our pick of the best beaches in Portugal.
Praia de Tavira is on Ilha de Tavira a sandbar island that runs from Tavira towards Fuseta and is reached by a ferry from the mainland. Don't expect hotels here, but come for acres of sand and a few beachy restaurants.
You can rent pedalos, umbrellas, and sun loungers on the main beach in summer, although you should factor in a few crowds in July and August. Visit off-season, and you'll have the deserted shores almost entirely to yourself.
Nearby Tavira is a good base for exploring this part of the Algarve, and it's also home to one of the best pousadas in Portugal, if you want some tradition with your stay.
Praia de Tavira is on an island just off the coast from Tavira town. To get there, hop on a ferry from the Quatro Águas pier. In summer, there are extra departures from the town center. Water taxis are also an option if you want a quicker or more flexible ride. Once you arrive, it’s an easy walk along a boardwalk through the dunes to the beach. You’ll find parking near the ferry terminals if you're coming by car.
May, June, September, and October are good times to go—temperatures are still warm, the water’s swimmable, and it’s not too crowded. July and August are busier, with more people and livelier beach scenes. In the winter months, the island is quiet and peaceful, though most services are closed and ferry schedules are more limited.
Praia da Tavira is one of the few island beaches in Portugal © Henry Oude Egberink/Shutterstock
Discover the coast between Armação de Pêra and Centianes, the largely undeveloped stretch where you'll find lovely beaches like Praia da Marinha and Benagil as well as seasonal fish restaurants and places where you can sail to visit spectacular sea caves.
Praia da Marinha is a warren of coves and not much else, apart from a few restaurants in summer. If you want to explore a little, follow the clifftop path from Marinha to Benagil. The beach sits just below the cliffs, and it's from here you can catch boat tours to see those caves. This is one of the best things to do in the Algarve, and among the best beaches in the Algarve.
These beaches sit along a scenic stretch of coast between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. The easiest way to reach them is by car—public transport is pretty limited in this area. For Praia da Marinha, there’s a wooden staircase leading down from the main parking area. To see the Benagil Cave, you’ll need to book a boat trip from Benagil Beach or one of the nearby towns. If the sea’s calm and you’re confident in the water, kayaking to the cave is also an option.
Late spring and early fall usually mean pleasant weather and fewer people. If you want to photograph the cliffs, go early in the morning before the sun is too high. Cave tours are best on calm days, which are more frequent in summer. Winter brings a wilder feel—great views, very few people, but colder water and fewer boat tours.
Praia da Marinha, a classic Algarve beach © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock
Nazaré is one of Portugal's top surf towns and has all the trimmings that come with that reputation. It also has a great beach with clean and expansive sands, although expect it to be busy in July and August, as Portugal is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Even in summer, treat the Atlantic here with caution when it comes to swimming. Autumn and winter are the best times for surfing; waves are world-class, and the ones at Nazaré North Beach regularly break records in wild January and February.
Nazaré is around 1.5 hours by car from Lisbon via the A8 highway, or you can catch a direct bus from several major cities. The town itself is divided between the beach area and the clifftop district known as Sítio, which are linked by a funicular. To get to North Beach, where the big waves hit, drive or walk north from the town center. Parking fills up fast in summer or during big-wave surf events, so arrive early if you’re driving.
For a relaxed beach day, June and September usually bring good weather without huge crowds. If you're hoping to see the massive waves, plan to come between October and March—January tends to be the peak for surf. Festivals in May and August celebrate the town’s fishing roots and bring more local life to the streets.
Nazaré, one of the best beaches Portugal has for surfing © Solianova Margarita/Shutterstock
The village of Odeceixe is one of the best places to get off the tourist trail guide, but it comes alive in summer, attracting streams of surfers and visitors to nearby Praia de Odeceixe.
Just four kilometers west of the village, this remarkable beach is one of the most sheltered on the coast and good for swimming or surfing. From May to September you can ride a little road train from Odeceixe to Praia de Odeceixe. Alternatively, walk the pretty path to the beach; it's worth some legwork.
From Odeceixe village, you can catch the seasonal tourist train between May and September. It’s a slow ride but a nice way to see the landscape. If you’re driving, just follow the road heading west from the village—it’s easy to find. There's also a trail that winds through the countryside and takes around 40 minutes on foot. Bike rentals are available in the village if you prefer to cycle.
May and late September are good times to go if you want mild weather and fewer people. Summer brings warmer water and beach services, but August is the busiest. In spring, the hills around this Portugal beach are covered in wildflowers, and surfers usually head here between September and November.
Take the cute road train to Praia de Odeceixe © CroMary/Shutterstock
Foz de Minho, just southwest of Caminha town, is Portugal's most northerly beach and even gives you views of Spain in the distance. It's close to the Rio Minho estuary, sheltered by pine forest and has a fortified island not far from the shore.
Choosing less-traveled coasts in Portugal for a less touristy experience is just one of the inspired ideas in our round up of the best Portugal travel tips.
From Caminha, it’s about a 2-mile (3km) drive along the coast. Buses do run in summer, but not very often. A lot of people cycle—bikes are easy to rent in Caminha, and the road is flat. You can also take a river cruise from Caminha that sometimes includes beach stops. During summer, small boats can reach the island of Ínsua if conditions are good.
July and August are the warmest months, with the best swimming conditions. June and September are quieter but still warm enough to enjoy the beach. The north gets more rain than the Algarve, so it’s worth checking the forecast. In spring, the pine forests around the beach are especially green, and fall days often have clear views across the river to Spain.
Get to know more northerly Portugal beaches © Vita Borges/Shutterstock
If you're in any doubt as to why the Algarve is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal to visit, take a walk to Praia da Figueira. It's worth the effort; it only takes 25 minutes, and the countryside all the way is gorgeous.
Start at Figueira village and follow a rough-looking track that winds through some ruins. From there it's a straight route to Praia da Figueira. You can't drive to the beach, so it's often completely deserted, another reward for walking.
Start from the village of Figueira and follow the footpath through old stone ruins and coastal vegetation. It’s about a 25-minute walk—nothing too steep, but you’ll want decent shoes. There’s no public transport to this Portugal beach and no services once you’re there, so pack what you need. An offline map is a good idea since mobile reception can drop out.
Weekdays in June or September tend to be quiet. Even in summer, mornings before 11 AM are often peaceful. In spring, the walk down is especially pretty with wildflowers in bloom. This beach is best for those looking for a low-key, out-of-the-way place. You can visit outside of peak season too, but if you’re planning to swim, summer’s the safest time.
The best beaches in Portugal are often the least visited © Shutterstock
The Alentejo covers almost a third of Portugal, so of course it's home to one of the country's best beaches. You'll find Comporta in remote northern Alentejo, a little west of historical Alcácer do Sal.
The beach is known for endless deserted sands most of the year, although its very good seafront restaurants attract a lot of savvy Lisboetas during summer. In fact, Alentejo is good for food all around and home to some of the best restaurants in Portugal.
Comporta is about a 90-minute drive south of Lisbon. The most straightforward route to this Portugal beach is via the A2 highway and then the N261.
There’s also a bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal to Alcácer do Sal, where you can transfer to a local bus to Comporta, though connections can be infrequent. The nearest train station is also in Alcácer do Sal, but you’ll need a ride from there to the beach.
Late spring and early fall—think May to mid-June or September—bring warm, beach-friendly weather without the crowds. July and August have warmer water, but the beach fills up fast, especially on weekends as it's a popular thing to do in Lisbon to come to this beach. Winter (November through March) is quiet and atmospheric, with wide skies and very few people around. Just don’t expect to swim then.
Endless deserted sands on Comporta beach in Alentejo © mrfotos/Shutterstock
In this region you'll find some of Europe’s finest beaches, and also the busiest in summer. So it's worth seeking out these two sandy stars close to Carrapateira village in the more remote part of the Algarve.
Wild Praia da Bordeira is the one for spectacularly tall dunes and almost perfect peace. Or if you want a little more life, head to broad and sandy Praia do Amado and pick a spot on the beach to watch surfers doing their stuff.
Praia do Barril is just west of Tavira on the Ilha de Tavira barrier island. You can park near the Pedras d’El Rei holiday village and either walk the flat path across the lagoon (about 1 mile/1.5 km) or take the small tourist train that runs regularly and is a fun way to get there. If you’re staying in Tavira, it’s a quick drive or taxi ride, or you can cycle along the coast.
June and September are ideal if you want warm weather without peak-season crowds. July and August are the busiest months, especially with families, but the beach is long enough to find some breathing room. Early mornings are peaceful, and sunsets here can be great, especially in late summer.
Praia da Borderia comes with spectacular views © cmspic/Shutterstock
The Parque Natural da Arrábida has been a protected area since 1976, so unsurprisingly, it's home to a lot of wildlife, including polecats, buzzards, and eagles. The craggy Serra da Arrábida range is here too, which adds significant drama to the coast.
Pretty, white sand coves are the thing here, and Praia Galapos is the least touristy of the lot. Close to Portinho da Arrábida, you'll find the beach sheltered by pine forest, and if you want to swim, it's known for calmer than usual Atlantic waters.
The easiest way is by car from Setúbal—about a 20-minute drive through Parque Natural da Arrábida. The road is scenic but narrow and winding, especially as you get closer to the coast. In the summer months (June to September), a shuttle runs from Setúbal to help limit traffic in the park, which makes things easier.
If you're up for a walk, there’s a trail from Portinho da Arrábida that takes around 30 minutes through shaded forest. There is limited parking close to the beach, but it fills up early in high season.
Late May and early June are a good bet for warm weather and smaller crowds. Because the beach is sheltered by the surrounding cliffs, the water tends to be calmer and slightly warmer than other Atlantic beaches. Weekdays are quieter even in the middle of summer. September still feels like summer here, and the sea stays warm after heating up through July and August.
Galapos beach in Parque Natural da Arrábida - one of the best beaches in Portugal © Nuno Carraca/Shutterstock
The Portuguese love the unspoiled Alentejo coast with its landscape of gentle hills and sea cliffs, scattering of low-key resorts, and lovely, sandy coves.
Porto Côvo town is one of the best for beaches in Portugal and a popular weekend escape from the city for Lisboetas. It can get busy in August, but off season there are few, if any, crowds here. Head north of the town for Praia Grande, and don't miss Praia da Samouqueira for its stunning rock formations.
You can reach Porto Côvo by car from Sines in about 20 minutes (12 miles/20 km) or from Vila Nova de Milfontes in around 30 minutes (18 miles/30 km). Regional buses run from nearby towns, though the schedules are limited outside of summer. Praia Grande is easy to reach—just walk north from the town center.
For something quieter, follow the trail heading south to Praia da Samouqueira. If you’re staying in town, renting a bike is a nice way to hop between the different beaches. This is also where you'll find one of the best beach towns in Portugal.
May and September usually bring warm weather without too many people. July weekdays can still be manageable if you avoid midday. Locals tend to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on hot days. In winter, the coastline feels wilder—great for walks and watching big Atlantic swells, but not safe for swimming.
One of the charming coves at Porto Côvo © Cernamolisa/Shutterstock
Praia do Guincho is a wide, windswept beach just outside Cascais. It's known for strong Atlantic winds and big waves, which draw in surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers. It’s not the best place for a casual swim—currents can be strong—but the views and energy of the place make it worth the trip.
The beach sits within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, so it feels a bit more wild and exposed. If it looks familiar, you might’ve seen it in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
From Lisbon, take the A5 highway toward Cascais, then follow signs to Guincho. It's easily one of the best road trips in Portugal.
If you’re not driving, buses 405 and 415 run from Cascais town center. You can also bike along the coastal path—about 30 minutes from town with great views the whole way. If you take a taxi or rideshare, you’ll still need to walk a short distance from the parking area down to the beach.
Go between May and September for the best beach weather. Afternoons can get very windy, so mornings are calmer—better if you're hoping to swim or just want a quiet walk. If you're into wind sports, late afternoon is usually when the conditions pick up. Winter sees bigger waves and rougher conditions, so it’s only really an option for experienced surfers.
Praia da Adraga sits just past the village of Almoçageme, tucked between cliffs. It's smaller and feels more sheltered than some of the bigger beaches nearby.
There are dramatic rock formations, caves, and natural arches that become more visible at low tide. It’s a good beach for swimming when conditions are calm, and there’s a simple seafood restaurant right at the edge of the sand that gets steady local traffic.
Driving is the easiest way—it’s about 9 miles (15 km) from Sintra. Head toward Almoçageme and follow the signs down a narrow road to the beach. Public transport is limited, but bus #403 from Sintra drops you in Almoçageme, and it’s a 1-mile (1.5 km) walk from there. Some shuttle services run in summer from Sintra. The road is winding, but the views are worth it, this is one of the best things to do in Portugal.
June to September is your best window for swimming. Mornings and evenings during the week are quieter, and the light is good for photos. Low tide is the best time to explore the caves and tide pools. It can be breezy even in summer, so pack a light jacket or sweatshirt.
Praia de Dona Ana is a Portugal beach tucked between cliffs just south of Lagos. It’s one of the more sheltered beaches in the area, so the water stays calm—good for swimming and snorkeling when visibility is decent.
At low tide, you can see more of the limestone formations and shallow pools. It’s a small beach and gets crowded in summer, but it’s easy to reach, and the views from the cliffs above are impressive.
Walk from Lagos town center in about 20 minutes—just follow the coast south. There are also summer buses from the main terminal to the beach. Water taxis from Lagos marina are a good alternative and give you a nice view of the coastline.
If you’re driving, head toward Ponta da Piedade and park in the lot above the beach. It fills up early in peak season. See our sample week long Portugal itinerary to see how to best split up your time in the country.
May to October is your best bet. September usually brings warm water without the heavy crowds. Mornings are quietest and best for photos. Try to go at low tide if you want to check out the rock formations and pools.
Praia do Meco is a wide stretch of sand just outside Sesimbra, within the Serra da Arrábida region. It runs for about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and has a laid-back, natural feel.
The southern section has long been known for being Portugal’s first official naturist beach, and that vibe still holds. Dunes and pine trees line the back of the beach, and the Atlantic feels wild and open here.
It draws mostly adults looking for a quieter day by the sea. There are a few casual seafood places nearby—Bar do Peixe is one of the better-known ones. The waves can get strong, so it’s not the best for swimming unless you’re confident in the water.
As is true for getting around in Portugal in general, driving is often your best option. From Lisbon, head toward Sesimbra, then follow signs to Alfarim. At the roundabout in the village, take the exit toward the beach. You’ll find parking in nearby fields, usually €1–2 for the day.
There’s no public bus that goes directly to the beach, so if you’re using public transport, plan to grab a taxi for the last leg from Sesimbra or another nearby town. If you're planning on staying in the city, see our guide to the best area to stay in Lisbon.
June through September is when most people go to this Portugal beach, and lifeguards are on duty during those months. For a quieter visit, try late spring or early fall—May and October still have decent weather but fewer people. Winds are common, so mornings are generally calmer than afternoons. Sunset here is also worth sticking around for if the sky’s clear.
Praia da Ursa is tucked below the cliffs just west of Cabo da Roca. It’s named after a bear-shaped rock offshore—"ursa" means bear in Portuguese.
Getting there isn’t easy, but that’s part of what keeps it quiet. This Portugal beach feels remote, surrounded by steep cliffs and open ocean. It’s a favorite with photographers and couples, but not great if you’re traveling with kids or have mobility concerns.
There’s no road down, so you’ll need to hike. The trail takes around 20 minutes and is steep and rocky. There are two main paths—one more scenic (as are most of Portugal's hikes), one more direct—but both require good footwear and a bit of balance.
To get there by public transport, take the train to Cascais or Sintra, then bus 1624 to Cabo da Roca. From there, walk toward the trailhead. If you’re driving, you can park near Cabo da Roca or closer to the path along a gravel track. Rideshares from Lisbon cost about €20–25, less if you’re coming from Cascais or Sintra.
Go between May and September for the best chance of good weather. It’s quieter on weekdays and during shoulder months like May or October. Early mornings are usually calmer for swimming, while late afternoon is good for photos. Skip it if it’s windy or rainy—getting down (and back up) can be sketchy when the trail is slippery.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Don't miss our guides to how many days to spend in Lisbon and how many days to spend in Porto.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 02.06.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Portugal
