Portugal beaches
12 Best Beaches in Portugal
Portugal's coastline runs 1,800 km plus the Madeira + Azores Atlantic islands. The 12 below span Algarve cliffs, Atlantic surf beaches, and the Madeira coast.
Praia da Marinha (Algarve)
Limestone cliffs + sea arches + turquoise water. Algarve's most-photographed beach.
Best: photographers
Benagil Sea Cave (Algarve)
Famous beach inside a sea cave with sky opening above. Boat-only access from Benagil.
Best: iconic photos
Praia do Camilo (Lagos, Algarve)
Two coves connected by wooden staircase. Wild Atlantic + sheltered swim.
Best: families
Praia da Falésia
6km of cliff-backed sand near Albufeira. Spectacular orange-cliff backdrop.
Best: long beach walks
Praia da Comporta
Hour south of Lisbon. White sand, horse stables, rice paddies. Portuguese Hamptons.
Best: slow beach trips
Praia do Guincho (near Cascais)
Atlantic surf beach + windsurfing. Cool wind even in summer.
Best: surfers
Praia da Adraga (Sintra coast)
Wild Atlantic beach with cliffs + black rock formations.
Best: dramatic photography
Praia da Costa Nova (Aveiro)
Striped fishermen's cottages backdrop. Atlantic beach next to the canal town.
Best: pretty beach photos
Praia do Porto Santo (Madeira)
Madeira's golden-sand beach island (1h ferry from Madeira mainland).
Best: Madeira beach day
Praia dos Pescadores (Albufeira)
Old fishing-village beach with chimney-house backdrop.
Best: easy access beach
Praia da Nazaré
Famous for giant winter waves (record-breaking surfing). Calmer in summer.
Best: surf-watchers + sandy summer beach
Praia da Bordeira (Algarve west coast)
Atlantic-side beach with sand dunes + cliffs. Unspoiled.
Best: wild Atlantic feel