12 Beautiful Beach Destinations in Portugal for Your Next Coastal Getaway

Portugal is one of the warmest countries in Europe, which means you can find a warm and beautiful beach destination even when the rest of Europe is freezing. With so many beachfront towns, choosing one that offers perfect scenery, clear waters, water sports activities, and soft sands can become difficult.

Luckily, Portugal has no shortage of beautiful seaside destinations to explore. Whether you are looking to get active in the waters or just relax by the sea, these are some of Portugal’s most beautiful beach towns.

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Cascais

If you’re looking for a beach town in the Portuguese Riviera with a relaxing vibe, head to Cascais. This coastal resort area west of Lisbon has a little something for everyone. For sunbathing and swimming, check out Praia do Guincho, which has scenic dunes and strong surf. On the other hand, the calmer waters of Praia da Conceicao are perfect for families with kids.

The seafood is fantastic here, especially the day’s fresh catch at restaurants along Avenida Valbom. You may also love that Cascais is just 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Lisbon’s city center, which makes it a great day trip from bustling Lisbon.

Aveiro

Aveiro has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, get active with watersports, or immerse yourself in the culture. The beaches here have soft white sand and usually calm water, making them ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and other activities.

Some of the most popular beaches are Praia da Barra and Costa Nova. Praia da Barra is known for its tranquility and dunes, while the 6-mile (9-kilometer) Costa Nova is known for its colorful striped houses. When you need a break from the sun and sand, explore Aveiro’s historic city center, with its picturesque canals, art nouveau architecture, and seafood restaurants.

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel’s main city, has some of the most stunning beaches in the Azore region. You can bask in the sun, go for a swim, or simply enjoy a peaceful escape in a natural paradise. You’ll find a Blue Flag beach near the town center called Praia do Populo (Praia Pequena). It has black sands and clear azure waters.

Praia dos Moinhos, on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada, is a small yet scenic beach that lures many tourists. A short walk from the parking area leads you to a black sand beach, where you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of crashing waves.

Azenhas do Mar

Nestled within the municipality of Sintra, this charming village captivates visitors with its stunning cliffside views, traditional whitewashed houses, and rich cultural heritage. The combination of natural beauty and historical charm makes Azenhas do Mar an exceptional destination for travelers seeking a serene yet vibrant coastal experience.

One of the most striking features of this beachside town is its dramatic cliffside location, with houses cascading down the cliffs. Aside from offering spectacular vistas, the cliffs also create a sense of tranquility and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Some Azenhas do Mar beaches to explore include Aguda, Azenhas do Mar, Grande Beach and Maçãs.

Tavira

With over 11 miles (18 kilometers) of coastline to explore, Tavira has a beach for every mood. Praia da Terra Estreita, south of town, is a quiet beach with golden sand. It’s only accessible by ferry, keeping crowds away. Tourists spend their days here swimming, sunbathing, and birdwatching.

For a more secluded experience, head to Praia do Homem Nu, perfect for a natural retreat surrounded by perfect scenery. Praia do Barril also awaits! This Blue Flag beach has lifeguards on duty during summer, and its calm, shallow waters are ideal for little ones.

Câmara de Lobos

Beaches in Portugal_Câmara de Lobos — © AlenKadr / Adobe Stock

The picturesque fishing village of Camara de Lobos is a perfect escape along Portugal’s coast. It features a charming harbor and pebbly beach surrounded by dramatic sea cliffs.

Once a whale-hunting port, today, the harbor is filled with colorful fishing boats and offers scenic views of the Atlantic.

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When visiting, walk along the harbor promenade, watch the fishermen unload their daily catch, and enjoy a coffee or meal at seaside cafés.

There’s a small pebble beach in the harbor that’s suitable for sunbathing and swimming. You can also hike 15 minutes west to Praia da Vigia, a secluded coast tucked below dramatic sea cliffs.

Peniche

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With its historic town center, fresh seafood, stunning beaches, and natural scenery, Peniche offers a perfect seaside getaway in Portugal away from the crowds of the Algarve.

Two of the most popular shores in this seaside town are Baleal, and Praia do Medão Grande, which attract surfers from around the world seeking the perfect wave. Even if you’re not into surfing, these beaches are gorgeous to walk along and offer seaside cafes with fresh seafood and chilled wine.

For calmer waters that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, head to Consolation Beach.

No visit to Peniche is complete without seeing its 16th-century sea fortress, Fortaleza de Peniche, perched atop the town, offering panoramic sea views.

Vila do Conde

A charming beach town just north of Porto, Vila do Conde is worth a week-long getaway. Praia Azul is a popular attraction featuring soft golden sand and beautiful sunsets. In the summer, you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas to relax under the warm Portuguese sun.

When ready for a break from the coast, stroll through the picturesque historic center, check out the 15th-century Gothic church of Matriz de Vila do Conde, or explore the numerous art galleries, shops, and cafes along the streets. Seafood lovers will delight in Vila do Conde’s cuisine, which typically features fresh fish and shellfish straight from the Atlantic.

Óbidos

Beaches in Portugal_Óbidos — © Armando Oliveira / Adobe Stock

A few days in this town will leave you feeling relaxed, recharged, and longing to return. Medieval walls enclose Obidos but opens onto miles of golden sand beaches and the blue waters of the Atlantic. Here, you can spend your holiday swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or learning to surf on the gentle waves.

For the best views, climb the steps of the Castle of Obidos. The medieval castle dates back to the 8th century and is open daily. On a clear day, you can see Peniche, home to some of Portugal’s best surfing.

Faro

Faro, located in the Algarve region, is a popular beach getaway along the country’s southern coast. A charming old town with nature reserves and miles of sand – Faro has something for every kind of traveler.

The city center has cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes, and a historic cathedral worth exploring. You’ll find the Ria Formosa Nature Park outside this municipality, a perfect spot for birdwatching. You can also take a boat tour to spot flamingos, herons, and other wildlife at the park.

Of course, no trip to the Algarve is complete without beach time. Praia de Faro welcomes many tourists seeking to sunbathe and swim.

Sintra

Whether you fancy a lively beach with amenities, an isolated cove, or something in between, the Sintra coastline delivers. It is home to some of Portugal’s most stunning beaches. The famous Praia das Macas is a family-friendly coast with cafes lining the promenade and lifeguards on duty during summer. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak.

For a lively beachfront scene, head to Praia Grande, an over half a mile (850 meters) stretch of golden sand.

If seclusion is what you’re after, trek down to Praia da Adraga, a hidden gem surrounded by dramatic cliffs. These pristine sands have no development, just you, the sand, and the rolling Atlantic waves.

Sesimbra

Sesimbra is a charming beachfront town with everything you didn’t even know you were looking for – incredible views, delicious food, and a relaxing vibe.

Praia do Ouro, or Gold Beach, is the main shore in Sesimbra, and it lives up to its name with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It is ideal for families, thanks to its calm waves and excellent facilities, including lifeguards and outdoor showers. Other beaches you may want to try include California, Praia do Meco, and Praia de Foz.

When visiting Sesimbra, try the local seafood, considered some of the best in Portugal. Popular dishes include grilled sardines, caldeirada (fish stew), and choco frito (fried cuttlefish).