Beaches
The best beaches in Portugal, from the Algarve to Arrábida
Portugal has golden cliff coves in the south, wild shores along the Alentejo and world-class waves in the north. These are the beaches worth planning a trip around, and where to stay for each.
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The steps down to Praia da Marinha zigzag between ochre cliffs. At the bottom the water is so clear you can see the seabed metres out, and the waves have carved arches and caves into the rock around the cove. It is early, and only a couple of photographers have beaten you to it.
Portugal has nearly a thousand kilometres of Atlantic coast, and its beaches change a great deal from south to north. The Algarve has sheltered cliff coves, the Alentejo has long, wild strands with barely a building in sight, and around Lisbon you find both surf beaches and calm bays inside nature parks. One rule applies everywhere: the Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean, so expect bracing water even in summer.
Short answer: which are the best beaches in Portugal?
Praia da Marinha and Praia do Camilo in the Algarve are the most famous cliff coves, Ilha de Tavira is best for long stretches of sand, and Comporta in the Alentejo is best for peace. Near Lisbon, the coves of the Arrábida park offer calm, clear water.
Best for cliffs: Praia da Marinha, Algarve
Best for families: Ilha de Tavira
Best for peace and quiet: Comporta, Alentejo
Best near Lisbon: Galapinhos, Arrábida
Best for surfing: Nazaré and Ericeira
Bela Vista Hotel
Bela Vista above Praia da Rocha, Portimão.
The western Algarve: the cliff coves
Praia da Marinha, between Carvoeiro and Albufeira, regularly appears on lists of Europe's finest beaches. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail (Sete Vales Suspensos) from Marinha to Benagil, one of Portugal's loveliest coastal paths.
The Benagil cave, with its hole in the roof letting light onto the sand below, is best seen by kayak or boat. Landing on the cave beach is no longer permitted.
Praia do Camilo near Lagos is reached by a long wooden staircase down the cliff. It is small, so arrive early. Further west, around Sagres, the coast turns wilder, with surf beaches and wind.
Bela Vista: the villa above Praia da Rocha
Bela Vista occupies an old villa clad in blue and white tiles on the clifftop overlooking Praia da Rocha, Portimão. From the terrace you look straight down onto the beach and its rock stacks. For travellers who want history and sea in the same window.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Bela Vista
Pousada Tavira
Pousada Tavira in its convent setting.
The eastern Algarve: sand islands and shallow water
East of Faro the coast changes character. The cliffs give way to sand islands in the Ria Formosa lagoon, and the water is warmer and calmer than in the west.
Ilha de Tavira is reached by ferry from Tavira. The beach runs for miles, and the further you walk from the jetty, the fewer people you meet. Nearby Praia do Barril has a cemetery of old anchors from the days of tuna fishing.
Praia da Falésia near Albufeira is a long beach beneath red and white cliffs, made for long morning walks.
Pousada Tavira: inside an old convent
Pousada Tavira occupies a former convent in Tavira, with a pool in the cloister garden and a short walk to the ferry for Ilha de Tavira. The town around it is one of the prettiest in the Algarve. A good pick for mixing beach days with town life.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Pousada Tavira
The Alentejo: wild beaches and Comporta
North of the Algarve begins the Alentejo coast, one of the least developed in Europe. Comporta has long beaches backed by dunes and rice fields, with thatched beach restaurants where Lisbon's wealthy keep summer houses.
Further south, Zambujeira do Mar and Odeceixe are worth the drive. At Odeceixe a river meets the sea beside the beach, creating a calm pool for children. The Rota Vicentina walking trail follows this entire coast.
Around Lisbon: Arrábida and the Sintra coast
South of Lisbon lies the Arrábida nature park, where green hills drop straight into the sea. The coves of Galapinhos and Portinho da Arrábida have clear, calm water that feels more Mediterranean than Atlantic. Access is controlled in summer, so take the bus or arrive early.
West of Lisbon, beneath the Sintra hills, Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa are wild beaches under tall cliffs. Ursa requires a steep path down. Waves can be powerful, so only swim where there are lifeguards.
North of Lisbon, Ericeira and Nazaré are the surf towns. Nazaré is famous for the world's biggest waves in winter.
When is the best time to go?
June to September is swimming season: the Algarve has the most settled weather, and the sea is warmest in August and September.
East is warmer than west: the Ria Formosa and eastern Algarve have calmer, warmer water than the west coast.
Spring and autumn are for walkers: the coastal trails of the Algarve and Alentejo are at their best in April, May and October.
Respect the flags: the Atlantic has strong currents. A red flag means no swimming.
Portugal's beaches: your questions answered
What is the most beautiful beach in Portugal?
Praia da Marinha in the Algarve is often named the most beautiful, with golden cliffs and clear water. Comporta and Arrábida are fine alternatives if you want peace.
Is the sea warm in Portugal?
The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean. It is warmest in the Algarve in August and September, and warmer in the east than the west.
Can you go inside the Benagil cave?
You can enter by kayak, paddleboard or boat, but landing on the beach inside the cave is no longer allowed.
Which beaches in Portugal are best for children?
Ilha de Tavira and the beaches of the Ria Formosa have shallow, calm water. Odeceixe has a river pool where the river meets the sea.
Where are the best beaches near Lisbon?
The coves of the Arrábida park, such as Galapinhos and Portinho da Arrábida, are best for swimming. Cascais and Carcavelos are the closest by train.