Discover Portugal's Best Beaches
Portugal is brimming with reasons to visit, and hitting the beach is definitely high on the list! With almost 1,000 kilometers of mainland coastline, plus some gorgeous islands, you'll be spoiled for choice. Best of all, unlike many other European countries, most of Portugal's beaches are public and free to access. We've rounded up our favorite spots so you can dive into some sun, surf, and sand with ease.
1. Praia da Ursa - Lisbon
It is genuinely hard for us to think of a more scenic beach than Praia Da Ursa. A 45 minute drive from Lisbon, this beach is nestled into a secluded cove at the bottom of a cliff side, with harsh rocks on either end. It is a steep hike to get there though, so make sure to wear hiking shoes. We recommend parking your car here, and walking down this trail leading to the water.
2. Praia da Matosinhos - Porto
Located on the west end of Porto, Matosinhos is a location we’ve talked about at length, but the beach is the main reason to go. It’s long, sandy, and a perfect place to learn to surf, or just take a seat and relax. The bounty of great restaurants in the area makes this a great pick for a full day at the beach.
3. Praia da Nazaré - Nazaré
Nazaré is known for its giant waves, and boasts two premier beaches for those looking for a more relaxing time. Praia da Nazaré has the feel of a traditional fishing village, a different vibe to Praia do Norte where you can see the biggest waves on earth. In the summer, both beaches are ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and the options mean you can avoid the tourists.
4. Praia dos Mosteiros - Azores
The Azores are full of beaches that show off their raw beauty. Mosteiros is a black sand beach on the north shore of São Miguel, and it is perfect for getting in the water, either in a bathing suit or on a surfboard. When you’re dried off there are several good restaurants nearby, with great views of the ocean.
5. Caparica - Lisbon
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A 30 minute drive from Lisbon is Costa da Caparica, with its 26 kilometres of Atlantic coastline. This is a premier surfing spot, with professional events being held here. It’s less touristy than Estoril or Cascais where travellers to Lisbon often head, so the town of Caparica retains much of its Portuguese spirit. Good food and great sand are all you need here.
If any of these pique your interest for a trip to Portugal, then sign up to the Roamantics Newsletter below and get access to our free Portugal Guide!
