The country is famous for its delicious cuisine, charming cities, and stunning coastline. Though most of the well-known beaches are in the southern Algarve region of Portugal, the northern and central regions also have beautiful beaches that are worth a visit. If you are planning your next beach vacation, keep reading, as we have compiled a list of the best beaches in Portugal!
If you have your heart set on visiting this beautiful country, check out our Things to do in Porto and Things to see in Lisbon bucket lists! You can also check out our delicious guide to Portugal’s best food and our guide to the best time of year to visit Portugal! We’ve got everything you need to prepare for your next visit to Portugal!
1. Praia de Adraga, Sintra–Cascais
Lisbon
About an hour and a half away from Lisbon, you will come across Sintra, a magical city full of ancient castles, forests and seaside cliffs. At the base of these cliffs, there are several hidden coves, including Praia da Adraga. The stunning beach is shaped like an elephant’s trunk, with the rocks protruding into the ocean. Praia da Adraga is quite popular amongst surfers, yet nonetheless remains crowd-free through the summer months. From here you’ll also find a 5 km walking trail that leads to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost tip of Europe. For all you need to know about Praia da Adraga, click here.
2. Praia Dona Ana
Algarve
Located in Lagos, Praia Dona Ana is one of the most picturesque beaches in the famous Algarve region. Conde Nast Traveller even named it the “best beach in the world”! The turquoise water, white sand, and surrounding sandstone cliffs attract hundreds of travellers year-round. The beach also boasts many facilities, including a restaurant and a cliff-side café. You can access the beach via a long wooden staircase, or arrive by boat from Lagos for a view of all the impressive rock formations. For more information, click here.
3. Praia da Miramar
Vila Nova de Gaia
Most of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches are in the Southern region of the Algarve, yet the northern part of the country plays host to a handful of beautiful beaches as well! Praia da Miramar is located on the Atlantic Coast, close to the charming city of Porto. The wide sandy beach is quite picturesque and has a 17th-century chapel in the centre. What’s great about Praia de Miramar is that it is less crowded since it’s one of the lesser-known beaches in the South. Find out all about Praia de Miramar here.
4. Praia da Ursa
Lisbon
Just south of Cabo da Roca, Praia da Ursa is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. The name of the beach stems from “Rocha da Ursa,” which translates to ‘bear rock’. Rocha da Ursa is one of the two giant rocks on the northern end of the beach, which takes the shape of a bear. It is slightly difficult to find, but the trek down the rocky path is worth it when you arrive at this stunning, unspoilt spot. Click here to get all the information about this beautiful beach in Portugal.
