Dwelling to a few of Europe’s most lovely seashores, Portugal gives seaside escapes of each selection.
You may look ahead to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceable coves tucked close to edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs and dune-backed expanses dealing with a number of the world’s most dramatic browsing spots. The problem is deciding the place to start.
Though a listing of the nation’s greatest seashores may simply run into triple digits, we have narrowed it down to simply 11. Listed below are our picks for the highest seashores in Portugal.
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At Praia dos Galapinhos, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline © Cavan-Photographs / Shutterstock
1. Praia dos Galapinhos, Parque Pure da Arrábida
Lower than an hour’s drive from Lisbon, you’ll find your self amid the coastal wilderness of the Parque Pure da Arrábida. Right here, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline, which is dotted with hidden coves and glowing seashores. The loveliest of the bunch is the Praia dos Galapinhos, which affords white sand and crystal-clear waters. The calm seas make it an ideal swimming spot.
2. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe
Amid the wilder shores of the western Algarve, Praia de Odeceixe hits all the fitting notes, and the scenic headland-backed seashore attracts each households and surfers. Its distinctive location provides it stunning versatility. Mendacity on the mouth of the Rio Odeceixe, the seashore has a sandy riverside part that’s good for splashing about with out worrying in regards to the pounding surf.
Planning tip: If it’s waves you search, you’ll discover them by strolling over to the ocean, the place rideable breaks arrive year-round (although circumstances are greatest in winter). Varied surf academies – together with Odeceixe Surf College – might help you hone your abilities or educate you some new ones.
Praia Baleal connects the scenic namesake island-village to Portugal’s west coast © Alexander Spatari / Getty Photographs
3. Praia Baleal, close to Peniche
About 5km (3 miles) northeast of Peniche on Portugal’s west coast, Praia Baleal is an actual showstopper of a seashore. This stretch of sand is definitely a causeway, linking the mainland to the scenic, island-like village of Baleal, which stands atop a craggy headland jutting from the Atlantic Ocean. The implausible sweep of sandy seashore right here affords swimming each to the north and south, in addition to some fantastic browsing. Surf faculties and a number of other bar-restaurants are positioned alongside the seashore.
4. Isla de Tavira, Tavira
This big seashore on the jap finish of Ilha de Tavira – an extended barrier island simply off the nation’s southern coast – boasts golden sands and welcoming, clear waters, plus a sprinkling of seashore bars, a windsurf faculty and a campground in summer season (the one lodging on the island). Exterior the height months of July and August, it feels splendidly distant and empty.
Planning tip: Ferries make the 10-minute hop to the island from Quatro Águas, 2km (1.25 miles) southeast of Tavira, one of many Algarve’s most charming cities.
The purple cliffs of Praia da Falésia stretch for miles © Daniel Harwardt / Shutterstock
5. Praia da Falésia, close to Albufeira
The Algarve has greater than its justifiable share of breathtaking seashores, and this 6km-long (3.75 miles) strip of sand backed by gorgeous ochre-hued cliffs must be one in every of its most spectacular. Beginning 8.5km (5.25 miles) east of Albufeira, this strand will get very crowded in summer season, particularly when the tide is in.
Planning tip: Head right here in off-season – November to March – with common highs of round 16°C (61°F), and the seashore will likely be all yours.
6. Praia de São Jacinto, close to Aveiro
Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and infinite sand dunes, this magnificent seashore varieties the western flank of the São Jacinto nature reserve. It is a bit of a trek to get right here, however the toil will likely be value each second for many who like their seashores sandy, distant and rugged.
Planning tip: To get to Praia de São Jacinto, take a 20-minute bus journey from Aveiro to Forte da Barra, a ferry to São Jacinto, after which it is a brisk stroll to the seashore. Aveiro is simply 50 minutes from Porto by practice, so a go to to the seashore can simply be carried out as a day journey from the town.
Praia do Cabedelo is likely one of the most lovely seashores in Viana do Castelo © Bruno Ismael Silva Alves / Shutterstock
7. Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo
Close to the nation’s northern border with Spain, Viana do Castelo is blessed with an interesting medieval heart, a lovely riverfront and beautiful seashores simply exterior the town. The choose of the lot is Praia do Cabedelo, a 1km-long (0.6 mile) arc of powdery blond sand that folds into grassy dunes backed by a grove of wind-blown pines.
Planning tip: It’s throughout the river from city, greatest reached on a five-minute ferry journey from the pier south of the Praça da Liberdade.
8. Praia das Furnas, Vila Nova de Milfontes
On the left financial institution of the Rio Mira on the coast of Portugal’s southern Alentejo area, Praia das Furnas is an extended stretch of fantastic sand backed by small rocky cliffs. The sandbars within the space make for some enjoyable frolicking within the waves – possibility for households.
Planning tip: You may arrive right here by automotive, or you possibly can take the small ferry from Vila Nova de Milfontes, a low-key resort city with numerous allure.
The favored Praia do Camilo close to Lagos is a tiny stretch of sand surrounded by dramatic cliffs © Mirjam Claus / Shutterstock
9. Praia do Camilo, Lagos
Praia do Camilo is a major instance of the small sandy coves that dot the shoreline of the Algarve area. The small, dramatically set seashore is positioned on the outskirts of Lagos, a reasonably resort city with cobbled lanes and picturesque squares enclosed by Sixteenth-century partitions.
Planning tip: Some 200 wood steps assist beachgoers descend to the golden strip of sand that’s lapped by shallow turquoise waters and encased by wind-gnarled cliffs. Arrive early (or go to out of peak season) to safe towel area.
10. Costa de Caparica, close to Lisbon
One of many best seashore escapes close to Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica on the Setúbal Peninsula has a seemingly endless seashore that draws sun-worshiping lisboêtas craving all-over tans, surfers eager to experience Atlantic waves and day-tripping households looking for clear sea and gentle sand. It hasn’t escaped growth, but a brief distance to the south, high-rises quickly give option to pine forests and mellow beach-shack cafes.
11. Praia do Norte, Nazaré
An underwater canyon off the coast of northern Portugal creates supreme circumstances for a number of the greatest swells on Earth. You may watch these monsters roll in at Praia do Norte, a wild seashore backed by dunes positioned a number of kilometers north of the seaside city of Nazaré. The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo has a roof terrace for taking within the oceanic drama, and there’s additionally a small museum in regards to the huge waves and a number of the surfers who’ve ridden them – like Sebastian Steudtner, who rode a record-breaking 26.2m (86ft) behemoth again in 2020.
