Portugal is one of the favorite destinations for tourists seeking water activities, which has great beaches along its entire coast. If you are looking for a good place to relax near the sea, there are options from north to south of Portugal. Algarve region of Portugal are considered Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2023.  Good beaches are not restricted to the famous Algarve region. International lifestyle magazine “Delhi Magazine” has chosen the 10 best Portuguese beaches for this summer. The Portuguese territory has beaches along its entire coast. There are 832 km of Atlantic coast and from north to south the landscapes will change, as will the water temperature and climate.

See the Top 10 below:

Top of the most famous beaches in Portugal

Here are ten of the most famous beaches in Portugal, each offering a unique and beautiful experience.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve:

Located in the Algarve region, Praia da Marinha is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s known for its stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and unique rock formations. The beach is surrounded by rugged coastline and offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and exploring sea caves.

How to Reach: Praia da Marinha is situated in the Algarve region, approximately 20 kilometers from the town of Albufeira. The nearest major airport is Faro Airport, which is well-connected to major European cities. From Faro, you can either rent a car or take a combination of trains and buses to reach Albufeira, and then proceed to the beach.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Praia da Marinha is during the spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is warm, and the crowds are thinner. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for sunbathing and exploring the surrounding cliffs.

Praia da Rocha, Algarve:

Another gem in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is famous for its golden sands and dramatic cliffs. It’s a popular destination for beachgoers seeking a lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and water sports facilities. The beach also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

How to Reach: Praia da Rocha is conveniently located in Portimão, Algarve. The nearest major airport is also Faro Airport. From Faro, you can take a direct train or a combination of train and bus to reach Portimão. The beach is easily accessible from the town center.

Best Time to Visit: The summer months (July and August) are the most popular, but also the busiest. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in late spring (May) or early autumn (September), when the weather is still warm but the crowds have subsided.

Nazare Beach, Silver Coast:

Nazare gained international fame for its enormous waves, attracting professional surfers from around the world. The North Beach, in particular, is known for some of the largest waves ever surfed. In addition to its surfing credentials, Nazare also offers a charming town, historic sites, and beautiful views from the Sitio da Nazare viewpoint.

How to Reach: Nazare is located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, approximately 120 kilometers north of Lisbon. The easiest way to reach Nazare is by train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car for a scenic drive along the coast.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nazare depends on your interests. For surfing enthusiasts, the winter months (November to February) bring some of the largest waves in the world. However, for a more leisurely beach experience, visit in the summer (June to August) when the waters are calm and inviting.

Praia da Comporta, Setúbal Peninsula:

Praia da Comporta is a hidden gem along the Setúbal Peninsula. It’s known for its unspoiled, wild beauty, with stretches of pristine white sand and dunes. The beach is surrounded by pine forests and rice fields, creating a unique and tranquil environment. It’s a favorite among those seeking a peaceful escape.

How to Reach: Praia da Comporta is nestled on the Setúbal Peninsula, approximately 120 kilometers south of Lisbon. The most convenient way to reach Comporta is by car. From Lisbon, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus station.

Best Time to Visit: The late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit Praia da Comporta. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the beach is less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty.

Praia do Guincho, Cascais:

Located near Lisbon, Praia do Guincho is famous for its powerful waves, making it a hotspot for surfers and windsurfers. The beach is backed by sand dunes and the Sintra mountains, creating a dramatic backdrop. It’s also a popular spot for kite flying and sunbathing.

How to Reach: Praia do Guincho is located near the town of Cascais, approximately 30 kilometers west of Lisbon. The easiest way to reach Guincho is by car, which takes around 40 minutes from central Lisbon. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cascais or hire a taxi.

Best Time to Visit: Praia do Guincho is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, particularly surfers and windsurfers. The best time to visit for these activities is during the late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) when the waves are at their most inviting.

Praia de Carcavelos, Cascais:

Just a short distance from Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is one of the largest and most popular beaches in the Lisbon area. It offers a wide stretch of golden sand and is known for its consistent surf. The beach has a lively atmosphere, with numerous beach bars and restaurants along the promenade.

How to Reach: Praia de Carcavelos is located just 20 kilometers west of Lisbon, making it easily accessible from the city. You can reach Carcavelos by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station in approximately 25 minutes.

Best Time to Visit: Due to its proximity to Lisbon, Praia de Carcavelos is a popular year-round destination. However, the best time to enjoy the beach to its fullest is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm, and the sea is inviting.

Praia da Falesia, Albufeira:

Praia da Falesia is renowned for its stunning red cliffs, which provide a striking backdrop to the golden sands and clear waters. It’s an ideal destination for beach walks, and there are numerous coves and rock formations to explore. The beach is also known for its picturesque sunsets. It ranked 6th in the Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2023.

How to Reach: Praia da Falesia is situated near Albufeira in the Algarve region. The nearest major airport is Faro Airport. From Faro, you can rent a car and reach Albufeira in about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a combination of trains and buses.

Best Time to Visit: The spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Praia da Falesia. During these months, the weather is warm, and the beach is less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the cliffs and the sea.

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Praia do Camilo, Lagos:

Praia do Camilo is a small, picturesque beach near Lagos, Algarve. Accessible via a steep wooden staircase, it’s surrounded by towering cliffs and sea caves. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. It’s an intimate and romantic spot favored by couples and photographers.

How to Reach: Praia do Camilo is located near the town of Lagos in the Algarve. From Faro Airport, you can rent a car and reach Lagos in about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Faro to Lagos, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Best Time to Visit: The late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Praia do Camilo. During these months, the weather is warm, and the beach is less crowded, providing a tranquil setting for exploration and relaxation.

Praia da Ursa, Sintra:

Praia da Ursa is a hidden gem located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Accessible by a steep trail, this wild and rugged beach is characterized by its stunning rock formations and dramatic cliffs. It’s a popular spot for photography and those seeking a more secluded beach experience.

How to Reach: Praia da Ursa is located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, approximately 40 kilometers west of Lisbon. The beach is accessible by foot via a challenging trail, which takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It’s recommended to wear sturdy footwear.

Best Time to Visit: The late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Praia da Ursa. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the beach is less crowded, allowing you to fully appreciate its wild and rugged beauty.

Praia da Bordeira, Aljezur:

Situated in the Western Algarve, Praia da Bordeira is a vast, unspoiled beach known for its wild and natural beauty. It’s a favorite among surfers and hikers, with its rolling dunes and expansive sands. The nearby village of Carrapateira offers a charming place to explore after a day at the beach. Its rank 2nd by forbes magazine in The 15 Most Beautiful Beaches In Europe, According To European Best Destinations.

How to Reach: Praia da Bordeira is situated in the Western Algarve, approximately 120 kilometers west of Faro. The easiest way to reach Bordeira is by car. From Faro, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Alternatively, you can take a combination of trains and buses.

Best Time to Visit: The late spring (May) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Praia da Bordeira. During these months, the weather is warm, and the beach offers a peaceful escape with its rolling dunes and expansive sands.

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Praia da Arrifana, Algarve:

Praia Da Arrifana, nestled in the Algarve region of Portugal, is renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty and exceptional surfing conditions. Encircled by rugged cliffs, this beach boasts golden sands and crystalline waters, providing an idyllic setting for both seasoned surfers and novices. The consistent, rolling waves make it a prime spot for surf enthusiasts. Moreover, the beach’s dramatic coastline and adjacent trails offer ample opportunities for hiking and exploration, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking coastal scenery. In 2023, Lonely Planet included Praia da Arrifana on its list of the top beaches in Europe.

Best Time to Visit: The optimal time to experience Praia da Arrifana is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the beach is less crowded compared to the peak summer season. This offers a serene environment for relaxation and surfing. Additionally, the sea remains inviting for swimming and water activities.

How to Reach: Praia da Arrifana is accessible by various means. The nearest major town is Aljezur, located approximately 10 kilometers away. From Aljezur, a scenic drive or taxi ride leads to the beach. If arriving from farther destinations, Faro Airport is the closest international airport, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to Praia da Arrifana. Alternatively, one can use public transportation, with regular buses connecting Aljezur to nearby cities and towns.

Porto Santo Golden Beach

Porto Santo is a small island in the Madeira archipelago known for its stunning beaches, including the famous Porto Santo Golden Beach.

Specialty of Porto Santo Golden Beach:Porto Santo Golden Beach is renowned for its fine golden sand, which stretches for about 9 kilometers along the southern coast of the island. The sand is composed of a mineral called “calcarenite,” which is believed to have therapeutic properties, particularly for rheumatic and orthopedic conditions. This has led to the beach being referred to as the “Golden Sand Beach” or “Therapeutic Beach.”  In 2022, European Best Destinations acknowledged this beach as one of the best beach destinations in Europe.

How to Reach Porto Santo Golden Beach:

1. By Air: The most common way to reach Porto Santo is by flying into Porto Santo Airport (PXO) from Madeira or mainland Portugal. Several airlines operate regular flights to the island.
2. By Ferry: It’s also possible to reach Porto Santo by ferry from Funchal, Madeira. The journey takes a few hours and provides scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

    Best Time to Visit Porto Santo Golden Beach:

The best time to visit Porto Santo, including its Golden Beach, largely depends on your preferences and               what you’re looking for:

• Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season. The weather is warm, and the sea is pleasant for swimming. However, the beach can be crowded, and accommodations may be more expensive.
• Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October): These are excellent times to visit as the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner compared to the summer months. Prices for accommodations and flights may be more reasonable.
• Winter (November to February): While temperatures remain relatively mild, it’s the least popular time for beach activities. However, if you’re interested in the therapeutic properties of the sand, this might be a good time to visit for a quieter experience.
• Therapeutic Visits: If you’re particularly interested in the therapeutic benefits of the sand, it’s advisable to visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) when the weather is still pleasant but the beach is less crowded.

Remember to check local weather forecasts and availability of accommodations before planning your trip.

These ten beaches showcase the diverse and breathtaking coastal landscapes that Portugal has to offer. Whether you’re seeking vibrant beach towns or tranquil, hidden coves, Portugal has something for every type of beachgoer.

FAQ:

Question: Where are the nicest beaches in Portugal?

Answer: The answer is Algarve region of Portugal, Algarve has the finest beach in Portugal.