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Travel advice for Portugal
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 24.07.2022
Most visitors think the best beaches Portugal has are always in the Algarve. But the country's coast stretches for 1,700km and there are plenty of beautiful beaches in less touristy areas. In fact, beaches are one of the reasons Portugal is a new entry in our list of most beautiful countries in the world – voted by you in 2022.
But which beaches really are the best in Portugal? Here's our pick of 10 top beaches in the Algarve and beyond. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential travel guide for Portugal.
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
customize ⤍A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
customize ⤍Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
customize ⤍The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
customize ⤍Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
customize ⤍Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
customize ⤍Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
customize ⤍The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
customize ⤍Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
customize ⤍You can rent pedalos, umbrellas and sun loungers on the main beach in summer, although you should factor in a few crowds in July and August. Visit off season and you'll have the deserted shores almost entirely to yourself.
Nearby Tavira is a good base for exploring this part of the Algarve and it's also home to one of 9 of the best pousadas in Portugal, if you want some tradition with your stay.
Find more accommodation options in Tavira
Praia da Marinha is a warren of coves and not much else, apart from a few restaurants in summer. If you want to explore a little, follow the clifftop path from Marinha to Benegal. The beach sits just below the cliffs and it's from here you can catch boat tours to see those caves.
Find more accommodation options in Armacão de Pêra
Even in summer treat the Atlantic here with caution when it comes to swimming. Autumn and winter are the best times for surfing, waves are world class and the ones at Nazaré North Beach regularly break records in wild January and February.
Find more accommodation options in Nazaré
Just four kilometres west of the village, this remarkable beach is one of the most sheltered on the coast and good for swimming or surfing. From May to September you can ride a little road train from Odeceixe to Praia de Odeceixe. Alternatively, walk the pretty path to the beach, it's worth some legwork.
Find more accommodation options in Odeceixe
Choosing less travelled coasts in Portugal for a less touristy experience is just one of the inspired ideas in our 20 essential Portugal travel tips for year round trips guide.
Find more accommodation options in Caminha
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at the Portugal itineraries by our local travel agents in Portugal. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, and then booked for a stress-free holiday.
Start at Figueira village and follow a rough looking track which winds through some ruins. From there it's a straight route to Praia da Figueira. You can't drive to the beach, so it's often completely deserted, another reward for walking.
Find more accommodation options in Lagos
The beach is known for endless deserted sands most of the year, although its very good seafront restaurants attract a lot of savvy Lisboetas during summer. In fact Alentejo is good for food all round, take a look at our best restaurants in Portugal right now guide to see why.
Wild Praia da Bordeira is the one for spectacularly tall dunes and almost perfect peace. Or if you want a little more life, head to broad and sandy Praia do Amado and pick a spot on the beach to watch surfers doing their stuff.
Find more accommodation options in Carrapateira
Pretty, white sand coves are the thing here and Praia Galapos is the least touristy of the lot. Close to Portinho da Arrábida, you'll find the beach sheltered by pine forest and if you want to swim, it's known for calmer than usual Atlantic waters.
Find more accommodation options in Portinho da Arrábida
Porto Côvo town is one of the best for beaches and a popular weekend escape from the city for Lisboetas. It can get busy in August, but off season there are few if any crowds here. Head north of the town for Praia Grande and don't miss Praia da Samouqueira for its stunning rock formations.
Find more accommodation options in Porto Covo
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Check out the Rough Guide to Portugal. If you travel further in Portugal read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit. For inspiration use our Portugal itineraries or speak to our local experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 24.07.2022
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