Portugal is a country blessed by nature, with a coastline of around 2,500 kilometres that offers beaches for all tastes and occasions. Urban beaches and wild beaches; fine sandy beaches to rocky beaches and caves; calm beaches to giant wave beaches perfect for surfing and other water activities. There's a perfect beach just waiting for you to discover and visit.

These are beaches that enchant with their landscape, their water, their atmosphere and their stories.

Discover the 15 most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

Moledo Beach (Caminha)

This beach is considered by many to be the best beach in the north of Portugal, due to its beauty and the therapeutic qualities attributed to the presence of iodine. Located in the parish of Moledo and Cristelo, this beach enjoys a privileged location, characterised by its natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds it.

You can also practise water sports such as windsurfing, surfing or bodyboarding and admire the Ínsua Fort. This fort, built in the 17th century, adds a historic and picturesque touch to the landscape, contributing to the uniqueness of this beach.

Afife Beach (Viana do Castelo)

This beach, which stretches along the parish of Afife, is one of the most popular in the north-west of Portugal, due to its length of sand and bodyboarding competitions. It is also recognised for still retaining its wild beauty, as well as its excellent conditions for surf lovers.

Located just a few kilometres from Viana do Castelo, the beach is one of the most beautiful in the north of Portugal and is made up of fine white sand dunes. The dunes and dune systems contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity, creating a unique and protected ecosystem.

Apúlia Beach (Esposende)

Praia da Apúlia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the north of Portugal, located in the protected landscape area of the Esposende coastline. This beach is famous for its windmills, which used to grind corn and are now a symbol of local tradition and culture.

The beach has a long stretch of sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and water sports. Praia da Apúlia is also a gastronomic destination, where you can savour the region's fresh fish and seafood.

Senhor da Pedra Beach (Vila Nova de Gaia)

Praia do Senhor da Pedra is one of Portugal's most emblematic beaches, thanks to its 18th century chapel, built on some rocks by the sea. The chapel is dedicated to Senhor da Pedra, a mysterious figure who, according to legend, appeared on a rock and is venerated by fishermen and locals.

The beach has golden sand and blue water, which contrast with the black rocks and white architecture of the chapel. Praia do Senhor da Pedra is a place of faith, magic and beauty by the sea.

Nazaré Beach (Nazaré)

Praia da Nazaré is one of Portugal's most famous beaches, not only for its beauty, but also for its natural phenomenon of giant waves, which attract surfers from all over the world, such as Garret McNamara, Maya Gabeira and Lucas Chumbo. McNamara holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave ever surfed, at 23.8 metres, at Nazaré in 2011.

Praia da Nazaré is also a fishermen's beach, where you can see women dressed in the traditional costume of seven skirts, tending to the fish drying in the sun. The beach has a wide stretch of sand and crystal-clear water, inviting you to swim and stroll. Praia da Nazaré is a place of tradition, adventure and charm.

Admire the landscapes of Nazaré's beaches on a full-day private excursion to Óbidos, Batalha, Fátima and Nazaré.

São Martinho do Porto Beach (Alcobaça)

Praia de São Martinho do Porto is one of the most beautiful beaches in the centre of Portugal, located in a shell-shaped bay, which gives it a calm and tranquil sea. This beach is very popular with families as it offers safety and comfort for children.

The beach has a fine sandy beach and green water, inviting you to relax and play. Praia de São Martinho do Porto is also a place for sports, as you can practise canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and other nautical activities.

Berlenga Grande Beach (Peniche)

Praia de Berlenga Grande is one of Portugal's most attractive beaches, located on the main island of the Berlengas archipelago, around 10 kilometres from Peniche. This beach is a natural paradise, with golden sand and calm, transparent water that allows you to see the bottom of the sea and its rich biodiversity.

The beach is also a place of history, as it is home to the Fort of São João Baptista, a 17th century fortress that defended the island from pirate attacks. Praia de Berlenga Grande is a place of dreams, peace and discovery.

Ursa Beach (Sintra)

Praia da Ursa is located in the beautiful Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, close to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. This is a secret beach that is difficult to access, requiring a 30-minute walk along a steep and slippery path.

But the effort is worth it, as the beach is breathtakingly beautiful, with white sand and turquoise water that contrast with the giant rocks that rise out of the sea, one of which is shaped like a bear's head. Praia da Ursa is a place of adventure, surprise and fascination.

Carcavelos Beach (Estoril)

Carcavelos beach is one of the most popular and beautiful in the Lisbon region. Located on the Estoril coast, between Parede and Santo Amaro de Oeiras, this beach has a long stretch of sand, surrounded by dunes and windmills.

It is also a popular spot for surfers, bodyboarders and other water sports enthusiasts due to the good waves and favourable wind. Carcavelos beach also has several bars, restaurants and terraces where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the sea and the São Julião da Barra Fort.

Praia da Saúde (Costa da Caparica)

Praia da Saúde is located on the Costa da Caparica, about 15 kilometres from Lisbon. This is an urban beach, but with a quiet, family atmosphere, distinguished by its colourful wooden houses, which serve as support for bathers.

The beach has a wide stretch of sand and clear water, inviting you to enjoy the sun and the sea. Praia da Saúde is also a place of culture, as various artistic and musical events take place here throughout the year.

Take advantage and enjoy a group surf lesson in Costa da Caparica.

Galápos Beach (Setúbal)

Praia de Galápos is also a very beautiful beach in Portugal, located in the Arrábida Natural Park, around 40 kilometres from Lisbon. This is a charming beach with golden or very white sand and calm, blue, transparent water that allows you to see the bottom of the sea and its rich biodiversity.

The beach is separated from Praia de Galapinhos by just a few rocks. The beach has support services, such as restaurants, surveillance and awnings, and has been awarded the Golden Quality Beach. Praia de Galápos is a place of dreams, beauty and relaxation.

Praia da Rocha (Portimão)

Praia da Rocha, located in the city of Portimão in the Algarve, could not be missed. This is a cosmopolitan beach with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and sports, making it one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers.

The beach has a wide sandy beach and blue water, which contrasts with the rocks and cliffs that surround it. Praia da Rocha is also a place of history, as it is home to the Fort of Santa Catarina, a 17th century fortress that protected the entrance to the River Arade.

Explore the Algarve region that is home to the enormous Praia da Rocha on a tour of southern Portugal.

Marinha Beach (Lagoa)

Praia da Marinha is one of Portugal's most attractive beaches, located in the municipality of Lagoa in the Algarve. This is a natural beach with a stunning landscape, made up of rocks sculpted by the sea, which form arches, caves and islets.

The beach has fine sand and crystal-clear water, allowing you to see the seabed and its diversity of fauna and flora. Praia da Marinha is also a prestigious place, as it was considered one of the 100 best beaches in the world by the Michelin Guide.

Discover the Algarve's most paradisiacal beaches.

Falésia Beach (Albufeira)

Located in the south of Portugal, Praia da Falésia was recently awarded the prestigious title of "Best Beach in the World" by the renowned TripAdvisor platform at the Traveller's Choice Awards. With its imposing reddish sandstone cliffs and the intense blue of the Atlantic Ocean, it offers breathtaking scenery that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for a refreshing swim, but there is also a wide range of water-based activities, such as surfing, stand-up paddling and boat trips. In addition to its natural beauty, Praia da Falésia also offers excellent amenities, including seafront restaurants, free parking and changing rooms.

Fajã Grande Beach (Flores - Azores)

Finally, Praia da Fajã Grande, located on the island of Flores in the Azores archipelago, also stands out. This is a dream beach with a breathtaking landscape made up of green mountains, waterfalls, lakes and flowers.

The beach has dark sand and clear water, inviting you to enjoy nature and tranquillity. Praia da Fajã Grande is also a place of adventure, where you can practise canyoning, abseiling, trekking and other extreme activities.

Porto Santo Beach (Porto Santo - Madeira)

Praia do Porto Santo is undoubtedly one of Portugal's most beautiful beaches, located on the island of Porto Santo in the Madeira archipelago. This is a unique beach with a stretch of around 9 kilometres of fine golden sand, which has therapeutic properties for treating bone and rheumatic diseases.

The beach has turquoise water, which invites you to swim and snorkel. Praia do Porto Santo is also a place of history, as Christopher Columbus, the famous navigator who discovered America, lived here.

Portugal is a country with a diversity of incredible beaches that are worth visiting and enjoying. These beaches are places of beauty, sport, nature and leisure that offer unique and unforgettable experiences.

Are you curious to visit these marvellous beaches? Then get your mates together and set off on a beautiful adventure of discovery.

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