Portugal's Best Beaches
Portugal undeniably has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. With over 1,700km of coastline, there are numerous locations to fit any beach lover's desire. Whether you hit the beach to surf, soak up the sun, or escape, Portugal has your beach.
We took on the painstaking task of cruising down the coast to find, photograph, and walk these exquisite beaches. It's rough, I know. We just wanted to be sure we were thorough so you'd have plenty from which to choose! We've quickly fallen in love with Portugal! I'm sure we'll make this a static page and build onto it in the future! Some of these beaches are well documented, others are a bit hidden, and you'll need to use a GPS and a little walking to reach!
Related Links
Six Senses Douro Valley, A Portuguese Gem ⋆ Exploring Portugal’s Douro Valley ⋆ A Visit to Porto During COVID-19 ⋆ Good Vibes at Noah Surf House ⋆ The Best Hotels for 2021
Our Spotify ‘Beach Vibes’ Playlist
Praia da Física
In Santa Cruz | Where to Stay: NOAH
The beaches between Porto and Lisbon are notorious for great surf. With great surf comes a very chill vibe, one that always draws us in! We paused our adventure to stay at Noah Beach House on Praia da Física, knowing that we'd rapidly achieve that headspace that we craved! Noah's beachside bungalows and friendly staff provided the very feeling we were seeking. Relax in a private hut, lay in chairs with straw umbrellas, or venture out to walk the beach! This area is unique and different to many of the other beaches!
Located just 1 Hour North of Lisbon
Praia do Carvalhal, Comporta
South of Lisbon
While the fresh oysters and sparkling wine at Sublime Comporta Beach Club drew us to this beach, we stayed a while. We returned twice that week. We then returned just ten months later. It made that sort of impression! In the spring, this beach is quiet, with very few beachgoers. Most visit this area for the beachside restaurants and a little walk along the shore. In the summer, it comes to life! Praia do Carvalhal is just an hour south of Lisbon and the perfect break from the city!
Located Just 1 Hour South of Lisbon
Praia do Pinheirinho
Just south of Comporta and a few turns later, you'll find this hidden gem. Aptly named for the Pines around the area, you'll need the GPS. Wind back through a few pathways, park the car and walk ten minutes to the most heavenly beach. While the area is becoming more and more popular, we were the only people on the beach for 10km. It was an incredible feeling to find that level of remoteness and see so many wildflowers by the beachside. Seeking a bit of privacy, this one is for you.
Roughly 90 Minutes South of Lisbon
Praia de Caveleiro
This little beach is picturesque, remote, and can be pretty private on the right day too! Praia de Caveleiro features strata rock formations and a massive stone wall to enclose the shore. It's one of my favorite beaches in Portugal and is a must-visit! Laying on this beach and enjoying the breeze off the Atlantic is just amazing. Some refer to this beach as Praia da Carraca as well.
2 Hours South of Lisbon, 1hr 45min from Faro
Praia de Odeceixe Mar
As we continue down our north to south coastal drive, we find ourselves entering the ever-popular Algarve. Beaches are no longer secrets here, and people from all over Europe travel to the more touristic Algarve. The beaches here are often less windy and relaxed in the south. Praia de Odeceixe Mar has soft sands and beautiful turquoise waters, a perfect stop!
Less than 2hr from Faro on the West Coast
Praia da Arrifana
Towards the end of the Costa Vicentina, you'll find this shore, a favorite for surfers in the south. We took a long break at the overlook, admiring this one. There are numerous restaurants nearby, giving this beach and town a unique feel. Craving fresh fish and a break, head to Praia da Arrifana!
Just 1hr 15min from Faro
Praia da Cordoama
Just ninety minutes west of Faro, you'll find this favorite beach of international surfers. Located in Sagres, this beach is easy to find, and there is plenty of room for a long walk or to find your private spot. The swells can get a little crazy here, so beware! Pack a picnic, a cold bottle of wine, or a few beers! Just swinging by? Take a walk and grab a cold Sagres at Bar da Praia!
Just 1hr 20min from Faro
Praia do Camilo
The days of this beach being a hidden gem are years in the past! Camilo Beach is famous and for great reason! It's beautiful when quiet and has a great vibe when busy! The rock formations typically block the wind, so it's an ideal beach for sunbathing! Parking can be an issue, as can finding a spot on the beach sometimes! That said, it's one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches in the country and is a favorite for Instagrammers. If you're staying nearby, I'd highly recommend grabbing the camera gear and capturing sunrise! That's the quiet time!
Just 1 Hour from Faro
Praia Dona Ana
Those wanting to avoid the parking headaches and dense crowd at Praia do Camilo are heading to Praia Dona Ana. This reason is why most consider this to be the best beach in the Algarve. There's plenty of room, and you have the familiar sandstone cliffs and rock formations and the beautiful azure water. It's the best of both worlds. Grab a couple of towels and relax on the soft sands.
Less than 60min from Faro
Meia Praia
The beaches along the Algarve can vary drastically. Meia Praia is the perfect example. Located just 8.3km from Praia Dona Ana, Meia Praia is a vast stretch of white sand, with the size that I attribute to US Atlantic or Pacific coastlines. Finding this sort of open beach can be rarer in Europe! It has a beautiful feel with private huts or umbrellas with chairs.
Less than 60min from Faro
Praia da Rocha
In nearby Portimã, you'll find the next gem, Praia da Rocha. This Algarve favorite is also quite large and a short walk from the nearby hotels and resorts. The beaches get seemingly warmer as we progress around the coast. The cool Atlantic breeze dissipates, and you have more and more hot beaches like this one! A hot beach on a summer day is never a bad thing!
Less than 60min from Faro
Praia do Carvalho
When plotting my course and reaching up on this remote beach, located in the heart of the Algarve coast, it is touted as being surprisingly never too busy. I think the beachgoers on our day read the same bit of information! While a bit remote, it was in many others plans as well. It was beautiful and buzzing on a summer day! With the many nearby caves, this is a great place to explore!
Less than 60min from Faro
Praia dos Tremoços
If staying at Vila Vita Parc Resort, this private beach is the go-to spot if not hanging out poolside. Honestly, both are incredible in this five-star resort; you can't lose. We walked down late one morning, and all chairs were reserved, so we were forced to hang out poolside where the margaritas were flowing, a fantastic consolation. However, the next day, we were early, and Praia dos Tremoços was the place to be! With temps exceeding 34 degrees, and little breeze, we were missing the margaritas poolside. Luckily the Atlantic cools you off quickly!
Less than 60min from Faro
I'm a US expat, blogging photographer and world-traveler who may or may not like tequila a bit too much.