The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in portugal"
Named by 3 of 81. Praia da MarinhaAlgarve, PortugalOne of the most famous Algarve beaches, with towers and arches on and beside the sand.The beach narrows at high tide, and it is reached by a steep staircase.
Named by 2 of 82. Praia dos Três IrmãosAlgarve, PortugalA large parking area and no stairs make it easy to reach.Rock formations combine with a long sandy stretch good for swimming and walks.
Named by 2 of 83. Praia da BordeiraCosta Vicentina, PortugalHuge sand dunes behind the beach set it apart.Popular with surf camps, and beginners can surf when waves are small.
Named by 2 of 8
4. Praia do Amado
Costa Vicentina, Portugal
One writer's favorite beach of all, with red cliffs and no development.
Big waves and a strong surf scene, with waves suitable for all levels.
Named by 2 of 85. Praia da ArrifanaCosta Vicentina, PortugalSteep cliffs over a broad beach, and a town built around surfing.A favorite with surfers, with restaurants nearby.
Named by 2 of 86. Praia do CamiloAlgarve, PortugalRock formations usually block the wind, which suits sunbathing.Parking and finding space on the sand can be hard.
Named by 2 of 87. Praia de Odeceixe MarCosta Vicentina, PortugalSoft sand and turquoise water, and a river runs beside the beach.Good for surfing, and the beach grows at low tide.
Named by 2 of 88. Praia da Ponta RuivaCosta Vicentina, PortugalOchre cliffs and few people, though access roads are rough.Good for surfers and sunset watchers, reached by a bumpy dirt road.
9. Praia da FalésiaAlgarve, PortugalA 7 km stretch of sand backed by cliffs in colors from red to white.Located in the Algarve between Faro and Albufeira.
10. Praia da PrainhaAlgarve, PortugalA tiny beach near Alvor with arches and steep cliffs that feels secluded.At low tide you can walk to the neighboring beach through tunnels under the cliffs.
11. Praia Dona AnaAlgarve, PortugalAn option for avoiding the crowds and parking trouble at Praia do Camilo.The source says most consider it the best beach in the Algarve.
12. Porto CovoAlentejo, PortugalA town with several small coves, each with dark stones, pools and golden sand.A good stop on the way between Lisbon and the Algarve.
13. Praia da LuzAlgarve, PortugalSoft sand, cliffs and calm water with a palm-lined esplanade behind.Suits families and swimmers.
14. Praia de Porto de MósAlgarve, PortugalChalk cliffs and shimmering sand, and quiet on the day the writer visited.
15. Praia da Furnas (Vila Nova de Milfontes)Alentejo, PortugalCalm and quiet, across the river from Milfontes, with room to spread out.
16. Praia das Furnas (Algarve)Algarve, PortugalA massive beach that can be almost empty, but hard to find.
17. Praia da SamouqueiraAlentejo, PortugalTiny and wild, with no signs, bars or crowds.
18. Praia da UrsaCentral Coast, PortugalGood for photographers and fit hikers. The route down is steep.
19. Praia da CordoamaAlgarve, PortugalA favorite of international surfers in Sagres, but the swells can be big.
Fares to Portugal from your city
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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.
Guides point to the Algarve, especially its western end, which one writer says has some of the best beaches in Europe, with high cliffs and protected coves.
What is the prettiest beach in Portugal?
One photographer's top pick is Praia da Falesia in the Algarve, a 7 km beach with high cliffs in colors from red to white.
Are beaches in Portugal good?
Yes. One guide says Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, along more than 1,700 km of coastline.
Named by 3 of 81. Praia da MarinhaOne of the most famous Algarve beaches, with towers and arches on and beside the sand.The beach narrows at high tide, and it is reached by a steep staircase.
Named by 2 of 82. Praia dos Três IrmãosA large parking area and no stairs make it easy to reach.Rock formations combine with a long sandy stretch good for swimming and walks.
Named by 2 of 83. Praia da BordeiraHuge sand dunes behind the beach set it apart.Popular with surf camps, and beginners can surf when waves are small.
