Best beaches in Portugal offer something for every traveler, but finding the right spot for sun, sand, and sea can be tricky.
You don’t have to worry—we’ve explored the coast and can guide you to the top choices:
- Family-friendly beaches
- Quiet, scenic spots
- Places for adventure and water sports
Follow our simple plan to visit the Algarve, the Lisbon area, and Northern Portugal. Keep reading to enjoy beautiful views, calm waters, and memorable beach days.
Best Beaches in the Algarve, Portugal
1. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is one of the most well-known beaches in the Algarve. It appears on many postcards, travel ads, and holiday brochures. Visitors come to enjoy the cliffs, clear water, and quiet coves nearby.
The beach has more than just the main area. Facing the ocean, visitors can go right to Praia da Mesquita, a small, calm cove under high cliffs. Going left leads to Praia do Buraco, where people can explore sea caves and take photos of unusual rock formations rising from the water.
Praia da Marinha is busy during the summer. Visitors are advised to come early, especially on weekends when locals and tourists fill the beach. In the summer, a snack bar offers drinks and light food. Still, bringing personal supplies is a good idea.
2. Praia de Odeceixe
Praia de Odeceixe is a wide beach shaped like a “thumbs up.” The North Atlantic Ocean meets the Ribeira de Seixe river here, which separates Portugal’s Beja and Faro districts.
The beach is ideal for relaxing with a towel and a picnic, especially during quieter months. Visitors can also enjoy views of the ocean, the river, and the nearby green hills. A short walk leads to even better views for those who like light hiking.
At the edge of the beach, a small town offers a bar, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a simple guesthouse with affordable rates.
3. Praia da Falésia
Praia da Falésia looks like the sand stretches forever when seen from the cliffs. It is close to the resort town of Vilamoura. The beach is very beautiful at sunset, when the cliffs turn shades of orange and gold.
Visitors can take a walk along the boardwalk without getting sandy. After the walk, they can have dinner in one of the nearby villages or resorts.
For easy access, visitors can stay at Pine Cliffs Resort. The resort offers several restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and many activities for children.
4. Praia do Barril
Praia do Barril is a well-known beach in Tavira, at the eastern edge of the Algarve near the Spanish border. The beach has long stretches of white sand, calm water, and dunes, making it a good choice for families.
Visitors can see the area’s fishing history through the anchors on the sand and the old fishermen’s cottages, which are now small cafés. The water is often warmer here than at other beaches in the Algarve, making it good for swimming.
Best Beaches around Lisbon, Portugal
5. Praia da Adraga
Praia da Adraga is a beach for strong swimmers or anyone who wants a short paddle after a picnic, as the waves can be powerful. The beach looks attractive in any weather and has a dramatic feel in winter when dog walkers move between the cliffs and the white waves.
The beach is about a 25-minute drive from Sintra, making it popular with visitors staying for a long weekend. Public transport can get visitors nearby, but a short walk is needed if they do not rent a car.
For a convenient stay, visitors can check into Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais, near the UNESCO Heritage town of Sintra.
6. Praia do Portinho da Arrábida
Praia do Portinho da Arrábida is a beach south of Lisbon, just past the Ponte 25 de Abril. Its closeness to the city makes it a popular spot in summer for tourists and locals. The beach is large, so visitors usually have no trouble finding space for a towel.
There are also other nearby coves to the east, toward Setúbal, such as Praia da Anixa and Praia de Galapinhos, which offer quieter areas to enjoy the sun and sea.
7. Costa da Caparica
Costa da Caparica is a beach area just across the River Tagus, a short drive from Lisbon. Some parts of the coast have apartment buildings and hotels, while other areas have more natural sand. Visitors can also find small shops and bed and breakfasts, making it a good spot for a city-and-beach visit.
Although it looks like one long beach, Costa da Caparica is made up of several smaller beaches. Praia da Saúde is good for sunbathing and having lunch at nearby restaurants like O Golfinho. Praia da Mata has a few reed umbrellas for shade. Praia do Berto, at the southern end, is quieter and a little apart from the city.
Best Beaches in Northern and Central Portugal
8. Praia de Moledo
Praia de Moledo is a beach near the Spanish border. It has a long stretch of sand, views of the Camarido Forest, and sights across the bay to the hills of Spain.
The beach is often windy and has strong waves, which makes it good for kite surfing. It is usually quiet and calm, except in August when it can get busy.
Visitors enjoy the open space and the natural scenery, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
9. Praia do Carvalhal
Praia do Carvalhal is a beach in Comporta, just over an hour south of Lisbon. It has a long stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water, making it a popular spot for visitors.
The beach has practical amenities, including umbrellas and sun loungers for rent, a tent for massages, and a small library with books and daily Portuguese newspapers. Nearby, Restaurant Diniz, run by a former fisherman, serves fresh fish in a relaxed and casual setting.
Best Beaches in Portugal: A Recap
The best beaches in Portugal offer something for every visitor. For warm, sunny days and calm water, summer is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other beach activities at beaches like Praia da Marinha or Praia da Falésia.
For fewer crowds and milder weather, spring and early autumn are good for visiting quieter beaches such as Praia da Adraga or Praia do Carvalhal.
Even in cooler months, some beaches, like Praia de Moledo or Costa da Caparica, are still enjoyable for walks, taking photos, and relaxing by the sea. From tall cliffs and small coves to long sandy stretches and lively boardwalks, Portugal’s beaches offer many ways to enjoy the coast throughout the year.
