The places, most named first
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beach towns in portugal"
Named by 3 of 71. EriceiraHas a World Surf Reserve designation for the quality and consistency of its waves.About 40 minutes from Lisbon, so it works as a day trip.
Named by 2 of 72. SintraOliver's Travels points to Sintra for the best Lisbon-area beaches.Praia da Adraga is a secluded, undeveloped bay with fewer crowds.
Named by 2 of 73. Azenhas do MarDescribed as one of the prettiest coastal villages in Portugal.Has a natural swimming pool at the base of the cliff.
Named by 2 of 74. NazaréThe shape of the seabed creates huge waves, best seen in winter.Holds the record for the biggest waves ridden.
Named by 2 of 75. AveiroGood for a day of walking along canals and eating, between Porto and Nazaré.Known for Art Nouveau architecture and street art.
6. Costa NovaBest known for striped beach houses that fishermen once used to store gear.Has a 6 km raised boardwalk built to protect the dunes.
7. LagosOne of the most visited beach towns in Portugal.Praia do Camilo and Meia Praia suit swimming and sunbathing.
8. Costa da CaparicaDescribed as a favorite escape of locals who know the area.Listed among the top surf and windsurf choices near Lisbon.
9. PorchesClose to several beaches, cafes and a tile-making artisan community.A short cab ride away is Praia da Marinha.
10. Sagres (Praia da Cordoama)An easy-to-find beach with room for long walks, popular with surfers from abroad.Swells can be strong.
11. Comporta (Praia do Carvalhal)Quiet in spring and livelier in summer, about an hour south of Lisbon.An hour south of Lisbon.
12. Vila Nova de MilfontesPraia da Furnas sits across the river from Milfontes and is calm and quiet.Suits families and picnics.
13. Santa Cruz (Praia da Física)Beaches between Porto and Lisbon are known for good surf.About an hour north of Lisbon.
14. CascaisCalled a refined seaside enclave, 30 minutes by train from Lisbon.
15. EstorilPraia do Tamariz is a popular swimming spot, and a promenade leads to Cascais.
16. PenicheA surf town just south of Nazaré with many surf camps.
17. Portimão (Praia da Rocha)Praia da Rocha is a large beach that hosted the Afro Nation festival over three days.
18. Viana do CasteloPraia Norte and Cabedelo are the beaches for a dip or a stroll.
19. Vila do CondeLong sandy beaches suit a relaxing break.
20. Póvoa de VarzimA fishing town with a long sandy beach for morning walks.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name May to June and September to October as the best time to visit Portugal.
Questions people ask
- Does Portugal have beautiful beaches?
- Yes. One guide cites more than 1,700km of coastline with beaches for surfing, sunbathing or escaping.
- What is the most beautiful coastal town in Portugal?
- Evolista calls Azenhas do Mar one of the prettiest coastal villages in the country.
