Best beaches in Portugal are those where you can enjoy your summer holidays. These are incredibly beautiful, with their shiny sand, clear water, and dramatic cliffs. Many tourists and locals move towards beaches for sun-soaking and calming their minds. There are many unrealistic and breathtaking beaches in different regions of Portugal, and many visitors, especially in summer to enjoy the essence of these beautiful beaches every year especially for sunbathing and swimming. 

Praia of  Marinha

If you are not a native and non–speaker of Portuguese, let me tell you an important word you can use to beach and that is “Praia”. So, there are a number of Praias present in the town to explore, but here are the top 5 best beaches in Portugal.

This beach is on the top list of the best beaches in Portugal. It’s an iconic beach located in the south of the Algarve. It’s surrounded by towers of lime stone and perfect for destination photography and picture lovers like influencers. If you want to enjoy the area fully, you must reach there early morning, where you will enjoy the beautiful sunset and typically less crowded in the mornings. 

The most photographed view is from the top of the cliff on Instagram, especially at sunrise. There is a small cafe just near the beach where you can enjoy your quick drink and basic snacks, but if you want to enjoy the proper seafood, you have to drive five minutes to reach the nearby villages like Benagil and Porches to find the best restaurants for Portuguese food.

Praia of Guincho

Guincho is an another beautiful and considered as one of the best beaches in Portugal. It is located 30 minutes away from Lisbon. This beach is known for its natural wild beauty. It’s surrounded by Sinatra Natural Park. Praia of Guincho is perfect for those who seek adventure and escape from city life. 

While swimming can be challenging due to strong currents on this beach but it’s perfect for beach walks, sunsets, and watching skilled surfers in action. Surrounded by several nearby restaurants, like Fortaleza do Guincho (Michelin-starred) and bar do Guincho, which offer excellent dining with ocean views.

Praia de Porto Santo

Praia de Porto Santo is called the Golden beach. It’s a very beautiful known for its natural golden color sand and considered one of Europe’s top beaches and included in the 7 wanders of Portugal. Because of its special carbonate-rich grains, the beach, which is located on Porto Santo island about northeast of Madeira, is renowned for reducing respiratory, circulatory, and orthopedic conditions.

It’s ideal for lengthy swims, family leisure, and health trips because to its year-round mild, sunny atmosphere, serene swimming areas. Praia de Porto Santo is a peaceful beachfront retreat unlike any other in Portugal, whether you choose to walk its entire length, engage in water sports, or just relax in its healing atmosphere.

Praia da Comporta

The forth stunning and as believed the best beaches in Portugal which is located within the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve on Portugal’s Alentejo coast.  Just an hour away from Lisbon, which is a stretch of wild, pristine shoreline? Where you can see the golden dunes meet transparent blue waters framed by pine forests and rice paddies.

Comporta is famous for its soft white sand. It’s accessible for boardwalks. There are special places for parking and variety of bars, and restaurants for travelers. While preserving a relaxed, eco-chic vibe.

Praia de Miramar – Vila Nova de Gaia

The most amazing Praia de Miramar is located in Vila Nova de Gaia in the south of Porto. It is a wide, scenic beach known for its golden sand and wooden walkways and relaxed atmosphere.

 One of its most iconic features is the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra,  which is a small 17th-century chapel dramatically set on a rock by the sea, which make it a popular spot for photos, especially at sunset. The beach is family-friendly, with Blue Flag status, beach bars, umbrellas, and good facilities. It’s easily accessible by car or train (Miramar Station is nearby), and the southern stretch, known as Praia Mar e Sol, offers a quieter escape. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s perfect for a peaceful day by the Atlantic with a touch of culture and charm.

Best surfing beaches in Portugal

Surfing is a water sport that involves riding waves on a surfboard, usually in the ocean. It combines balance, skill, and a connection with the rhythm of the sea. Surfing has grown into a global lifestyle and is especially popular in countries with long coastlines and consistent wave conditions. With its Atlantic-facing shores, Portugal is one of Europe’s top surfing destinations, offering waves for everyone from learners to world-class professionals.

Portugal has a number of surfing attractions spread out from the north to the south. Nazaré is known for its enormous waves that break records and draw top surfers every year. Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve renowned for its lively surf culture and reliable breakers.

International surf events are held in Peniche, which is home to the renowned Supertubos beach. Beaches with milder waves and surf schools for beginners include Arrifana in the Algarve and Foz do Lizandro near Ericeira. Portugal offers some of the greatest and easiest surfing in Europe because to its friendly atmosphere, varied coastline, and moderate climate.

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