11 Best Beaches in Portugal You Might Regret Skipping
Portugal isn’t just about pastéis de nata, fado music, and those gorgeous tiled buildings—this country has some of the most incredible beaches in Europe, hands down. If you’ve ever wondered which part of Portugal has the best beaches or where to find the clearest water in Portugal, buckle up because you’re in for a treat.
From the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve to the wild, untamed shores of the Azores, there’s a perfect slice of sandy paradise for everyone.
Now, I have to be honest—choosing the best beaches in Portugal is like picking a favorite dessert (impossible, right?). Some beaches have golden sand so soft it feels like walking on a cloud, while others are all about towering rock formations and hidden caves.
And let’s not forget the wild, rugged beaches that look straight out of this world. And the water? In some places, it’s so clear you’ll think you’ve somehow teleported to the Maldives.
Whether you’re hunting for beaches in Lisbon, dreaming of the best Portugal beaches for sunbathing, or planning to explore the magical Azores beaches, this guide has got you covered.
We’ll take you through 11 jaw-dropping beaches that are so good, you might just rethink that return flight home.
Table of Contents
11 Best Beaches in Portugal
1. Praia da Marinha (Algarve) – The Postcard-Worthy One
If you’ve ever Googled Portugal beaches in Algarve, chances are you’ve already seen Praia da Marinha. This beach is basically the Beyoncé of beaches in Portugal—iconic, drop-dead gorgeous, and constantly in the spotlight.
Golden cliffs tower over the soft sand, and the water is so blue it looks fake. And those rock arches are absolutely unreal.
Snorkelers love this place because the crystal-clear water makes spotting fish ridiculously easy. But fair warning—getting down to the beach requires navigating a steep staircase, so wear comfy shoes unless you want to risk an embarrassing tumble.
Want a pro tip? Come early in the morning or just before sunset. Not only will you avoid the midday crowds, but you’ll also get some next-level photos without a sea of sunburned tourists in the background.
2. Praia de Benagil (Algarve) – The One With the Secret Cave
Praia de Benagil is beautiful, sure, but the real star here is Benagil Cave, Portugal’s most famous sea cave.
This stunning rock formation has a massive circular opening in the ceiling, letting sunlight flood the sandy floor below. It’s like nature’s own spotlight!
Here’s the catch—there’s no walking path to the cave. You have to swim, kayak, or take a boat to reach it. And yes, the swim might look short, but those currents? They do not play around. If you’re not a strong swimmer, just hop on a boat tour instead.
Despite the crowds (because, let’s be honest, everyone wants to see this place), it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Just imagine standing inside, looking up at that glowing skylight, and realizing that Mother Nature might just be the best architect of all time.
3. Praia da Falésia (Algarve) – The One With the Red Cliffs
If Mars had a beach, it would probably look like Praia da Falésia. This place is all about dramatic red cliffs that stretch for miles, creating a wild contrast against the deep blue Atlantic.
Unlike some of the smaller coves in the Algarve, this beach is massive—we’re talking over 6 kilometersof uninterrupted shoreline. That means you’ll always find a quiet spot, even in peak season.
The water here is calm, which makes it a great spot for swimming, and the long stretch of sand is perfect for walking (or, if you’re feeling ambitious, a jog).
Plus, if you’re wondering what is the best beach town in Portugal, the nearby town of Vilamoura is a solid contender. It’s got a fancy marina, great seafood restaurants, and some of the best beach bars in the region.
4. Praia do Camilo (Algarve) – The One With the Crazy Staircase
Praia do Camilo is proof that good things come to those who put in a little effort. To reach this small but stunning beach, you have to walk down a 200-step wooden staircase—which is great for your legs, but maybe not so great when you realize you have to climb back up later.
Once you hit the sand, though, you’ll see why it’s worth every single step.
The water here is unbelievably clear, and the surrounding rock formations create little pockets of shade, which are perfect for escaping the midday sun. Bring a snorkel if you can, because the marine life here is surprisingly good!
5. Praia da Comporta (Alentejo) – The Chic One
If you’re into that whole barefoot luxury vibe, Comporta is the beach for you. Located about an hour south of Lisbon, it’s where you’ll find stylish beach bars, fancy seafood restaurants, and a crowd that looks like they just stepped out of a Vogue photoshoot.
Unlike the rocky beaches of the Algarve, Praia da Comporta is all about soft, golden sand and shallow, clear water.
It’s also way less touristy than some of the more famous beaches, which makes it the perfect escape if you just want to relax.
Check out our article on the Best places To visit in Portugal and our 10 Day Portugal Itinerary to help you plan you next trip to Portugal!
6. Praia da Adraga (Sintra) – The Dramatic One
Sintra is mostly known for its castles, but its beaches? Criminally underrated. Praia da Adraga is one of the best beaches in Lisbon, and it feels almost otherworldly.
The towering rock formations, dark golden sand, and powerful waves give it a wild, dramatic feel.
The currents here can be strong, so it’s not the best beach for swimming, but if you’re into photography, this place is a dream. Sunset here? Absolutely magical.
Check out our article on the Best Lisbon Hotels!
7. Praia do Guincho (Cascais) – The Windy One
Guincho Beach is not for the faint of heart. This place is famous for its strong winds, making it one of the best spots in Portugal for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
If you just want to sunbathe, be prepared to get hit with a face full of sand every now and then.
Despite the wind, Guincho is stunning. The wild, untamed beauty of this beach makes it one of the most unique in the country, and it’s only a short drive from Lisbon.
8. Praia dos Galapinhos (Arrábida) – The Hidden Gem
Tucked away in Arrábida Natural Park, Praia dos Galapinhos is what happens when nature goes all out.
It has some of the clearest water in Portugal, soft white sand, and a jungle-like backdrop that makes it feel completely untouched.
It’s not the easiest beach to get to—you have to hike down a steep path—but that’s part of its charm. The crowds stay away, and you get a slice of paradise almost all to yourself.
9. Praia de Porto Santo (Madeira) – The Caribbean One
While Madeira is all about rugged cliffs and dramatic coastlines, Porto Santo is home to a 9-kilometer stretch of golden sand that looks straight out of the Caribbean.
The water here is a dreamy shade of turquoise, and unlike some of Portugal’s wilder beaches, the waves are gentle, making it perfect for swimming.
One of the coolest things about Porto Santo is that its sand is rich in minerals believed to have healing properties. Locals swear by it for everything from soothing joint pain to giving your skin a little extra glow.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to lie on a beach and technically call it self-care, this is your chance.
10. Praia Formosa (Azores) – The Volcanic One
The Azores beaches are nothing like the golden shores of the Algarve. Instead, they have a raw, untamed beauty that makes them feel like they belong on another planet.
Praia Formosa is one of the few sandy beaches in the Azores, but here’s the catch—the sand is jet black. That’s right, thanks to the islands’ volcanic origins, this beach has a dramatic, almost otherworldly look that sets it apart from anything you’ll find on the mainland.
Don’t let the dark sand fool you—this beach is incredibly inviting. The Atlantic Ocean here is crisp and refreshing (okay, sometimes a little cold), but on a hot summer day, it’s the perfect way to cool off.
The waves can get a bit rough, so it’s not always the best for casual swimming, but if you’re into bodyboarding, you’re in for a treat.
And here’s a fun fact: Since black sand absorbs heat more than white sand, Praia Formosa gets super warm under the sun. So, if you plan on going for a barefoot stroll, maybe test the temperature first unless you want to do an awkward little hot sand dance on your way to the water.
11. Praia do Amado (Algarve) – The Surfer’s Paradise
If you’ve ever wondered which part of Portugal has the best beaches for surfing, Praia do Amado is one of the top contenders. Located on the wild west coast of the Algarve, this beach is all about rolling waves, dramatic cliffs, and an untamed, rugged feel that makes it a favorite among surfers.
The waves here are some of the best in Portugal, and they’re consistent year-round. There are even surf schools right on the beach, so if you’ve ever wanted to try catching a wave, this is the place to do it.
Unlike some of the more famous Algarve beaches, there aren’t any fancy resorts or luxury hotels nearby, which gives Amado a refreshingly down-to-earth feel.
Wrapping Up
Portugal’s beaches are next-level amazing, and now you know exactly where to find the best ones. Whether you’re dreaming of the golden sands of the Algarve, the wild waves of the west coast, or the black volcanic beaches of the Azores, there’s something here for every beach lover.
