10 Best Beaches to Visit in Portugal

With its breathtaking cliffs and natural limestone rock arches rising from the water, Praia da Marinha is among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

On private chartered boat tours or beach-hopping trips in the Algarve, you can take in the stunning coastline views or find a spot beneath a beach umbrella to soak up the sunshine. The sand and cliffs match in golden hues and the water is a stunning shade of turquoise.

Praia da Marhinha’s seemingly hidden location beyond the summits of Lagos’ coastal cliffs beckons travelers looking to admire the natural beauty and enjoy the gentle waves suitable for families with young children.

Best for: Families with young children and snorkelers wanting to enjoy calm, clear waters full of diverse marine life.

Within Vicentine Coast Natural Park’s protected coastline, Praia da Bordeira rewards travelers stepping away from the crowds with breathtaking, unspoiled views.

Wander the long stretch of golden sand surrounded by low-lying hills covered in emerald vegetation. Powerful waves break beyond Praia da Bordeir’s shore, inviting surfers to enjoy the swells’ spoils and intrepid explorers to savor guided horseback rides completely immersed in the natural beauty.

Watch the sunset from the sea or on horseback before returning to your accommodation in the far-flung reaches of Portugal’s western coastline.

Best for: Surfers and remote beach seekers wanting to escape the crowds amidst natural wilderness.

Nestled in the Arrábida Natural Park, Praia de Galapinhos' beauty lies in its untouched natural setting and tranquil atmosphere.

Visiting the sparkling blue bay, you will feel worlds away as you lounge on the soft white sands, with lush vegetation-filled cliffs as a backdrop. Its location within a preservation area keeps big crowds away, making it perfect for a private beach picnic.

Access to the beach is via a steep, rocky path that makes it feel even more secluded, and travelers making the journey share the sand with only a few others.

Best for: Couples and nature lovers seeking dramatic seaside landscapes and picturesque sunsets.

With calm, child-friendly waters and plenty of space along the long stretch of sand, Praia do Barril is the perfect shore for a family beach getaway near the Algarve’s small town of Tavira.

Blue recliners pepper the white sand beneath shade-cloth pergolas and provide a place to escape the sun. After enjoying a day on the beach, stroll past the Anchor Cemetery, a collection of large anchors stationed on the banks of the beach that serve as a monument to the coastal town’s former tuna-fishing community.

In the evening, return to your accommodation nearby for a night relaxing poolside and enjoying the sunset over the sea from your private patio.

Best for: Families with toddlers and history buffs, with its anchored wooden fishing boats evocative of Tavira's fishing-village past.

Nestled in the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park, Praia do Portinho da Arrábida offers a secluded haven for those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. This hidden gem, located near Setúbal, is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation that characterize the region's natural beauty.

Praia do Portinho da Arrábida is a local favorite, attracting travelers who yearn for a serene beach experience away from the crowds. The crystal-clear waters and golden sands create a perfect setting for relaxation. Snorkeling enthusiasts will delight in exploring the diverse marine life that thrives along the coastline, while private charters offer opportunities to bask in the views by boat.

As the day winds down, visitors can savor a gourmet picnic on the beach, indulging in the flavors of locally sourced produce and fresh seafood.

Best for: Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking scenery

Nestled between towering cliffs along Portugal's Estremadura coast lies Praia da Adraga beach, a hidden gem in Sintra that’s just a short drive from Lisbon.

Its stunning cove cradles fine golden sands and calm turquoise waters. The beach is relatively small, but rarely feels crowded, despite its popularity. This is thanks to the secluded cove circling the sands, which gives it an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples.

With rugged rocky scenery typical of Portugal’s coastlines, Praia da Adraga encapsulates the raw, natural beauty of the country’s top beaches to visit.

Best for: Couples and honeymooners seeking beautiful rock formations to explore amidst sandstone cliffs.

Tucked away in a secluded bay just outside the coastal town of Lagos lies Praia do Camilo, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve region.

The serene beach dazzles visitors with its striking bay protected by golden cliff formations jutting dramatically from the azure waters. The sand retains a pristine natural beauty, with access down steep wooden stairs flanked by lush greenery clinging to the clifftops.

Find a quiet corner of the beach to set up for the day and enjoy the stunning vistas with your partner or family along the rugged Algarve coastline.

Best for: Beachgoers wanting nearby amenities with picturesque views of distinctive sandstone rock formations.

Carved into the cliffs, the sublime Benagil beach of Praia do Carvalho offers a dreamy escape from the more crowded shores in the Algarve.

Access to the beach is via a manmade tunnel cutting through the rocks, and you will feel transported to another world as you meander through the rocky tunnel and out the other side onto the golden sand. The sense of remoteness and seclusion of Praia do Carvalho only heightens its mysticism for travelers looking to uncover the Algarve’s hidden gems off the mainstream tourist track.

With sweeping azure sea views and an iconic rock formation rising from the water just beyond the shoreline, Praia do Carvalho is a picture-perfect beach on which to enjoy the sunshine.

Best for: Sightseers arriving to see the iconic ocean cave and golden cliffside views flanking the small, hidden-gem shore.

Praia da Rocha is a bustling and popular beach to visit on trips taking you to Portimão in the Algarve. The extensive beachfront offers something for everyone, whether families enjoying the calm, shallow waters or couples spending the afternoon in the sun.

Praia da Rocha stands out not just for its sheer size and natural beauty, but for how accessible and accommodating it is for travelers. The lively promenade running behind the beach overflows with restaurants, shops, and luxury hotels, while retaining the old town’s Portuguese charm.

For visitors aiming to experience the Algarve’s quintessential beach atmosphere combined with postcard-worthy landscapes, Praia da Rocha is a must-visit.

Best for: Families and couples looking for popular and lively places to experience after comfortable beach days.

Off São Miguel's southern coast lies the postcard-perfect Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a truly unique beach destination to visit on Azores Islands vacations.

The picturesque islet dazzles with its volcanic crater formation, sheltering an idyllic lagoon featuring calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. While there is no sand to call this a beach in the truest sense of the word, travelers can lay blankets along the fringes of the crater and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The allure of this popular islet, with boats continuously ferrying visitors from the coast, lies in its exotic landscape and impeccable photo-worthy scenes.

Best for: Marine recreation seekers wanting to snorkel and swim around this unique, emerald-hued volcanic islet.

Portugal stands out as a European gem for spectacular beaches that pair exotic natural beauty with excellent accessibility. Whether travelers seek remote island playgrounds or vibrant resort towns, there are coastlines across Portugal that cater perfectly to beachgoers of every type.

When planning your beach vacation, explore more inspiration in our Portugal travel guide or browse our collection of featured Portugal tours or beach vacations.