Portugal makes for the perfect holiday destination with its stunning cities, rich historical background, and, of course, the beaches! While there are many gorgeous ones, it is basically impossible to visit them all, so narrow down your searches and make plans for at least a few of them. Then, check out our list of the top five Portugal beaches you should visit:
- Fonte da Telha, Lisbon
Settled on the Atlantic Ocean coast, the capital city of Portugal is blessed with numerous charming beaches, Fonte da Telha taking the top place! With white sand, giant dunes, and lush vegetation, Lisbon’s most famous beach is perfect for relaxation and sunbathing!
When you get tired of the intense Atlantic sun, you can enjoy a meal and a cold beverage at one of the restaurants or cafes located just nearby.
Also, funnily enough, traditionally, Fonte da Telha was a nude beach, making it a very bohemian and relaxing place! However, as the destination became increasingly popular, the Portuguese decided to turn it into a beach for everyone; for example, you, on your next holiday!
- Praia da Marinha, Albufeira
Time to take the train from Lisbon to Albufeira and get ready for another beach day! Praia da Marinha is one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve region, famous for its great settings and clear, turquoise waters.
Nestled at the base of natural rock formations, Marinha creates the perfect picturesque scenery, especially the part where the double sea arch called Arcos Naturais, which is probably the most photographed natural attraction in Algarve.
Aside from the looks, Praia da Marinha is really the perfect beach. The sand and the coastline are extremely clean and well-preserved, the waters are calm, which makes it perfectly safe to visit with kids, and it is constantly watched by lifeguards.
- Praia da Moreiro, Porto
While Porto definitely did not get its fame for being a very beachy area, there are several ones of excellent quality. So, leave Algarve with the Albufeira to Porto train and check out Porto beaches!
One of them is Praia da Moreiro, which is considered one of the most exquisite and calm beaches in the area, if not in Portugal itself. With still waters and a soft sandy coastline, Moreiro is not a place of entertainment and beach parties but rather calm hangouts. And if you miss a bit more action, there are fabulous beach bars and cafes just nearby, where they serve the most delicious drinks and Portugal cuisine!
- Camilo Beach, Lagos
Another one for Algarve, probably the most famous Portugal beach, Camilo, has always been a top priority beach holiday destination for travelers!
You can hike the cliffs and rock formations surrounding the beach, then descend down the wooden staircase straight to the creamy sand, where you can rent a sunbed or enjoy the ground! The warm and clear water is favored by swimmers and snorkelers because of the transparent surface and lucid views of marine life.
There are also many charming clifftop restaurants and cafes, once you get hungry or thirsty, so you can easily plan to spend a whole day there! However, if touring alone is not for you, and you wish to have someone guide you through the area, there are excursions with guides who take you through the caves and rocks of the formations we have mentioned before you reach Camilo Beach.
- Amado Beach, Carrapateira
In the heart of a village in the western part of the Algarve lies the lovely Amado beach — scenic, wide, and the only one on our list that is a part of a national park.
As a portion of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Amado is quite popular among tourists and is loved and protected by the Portuguese. It is especially favored by surfers, as Amado is well-known for its mesmerizing high waves, making it the most fun!
What gives the beach its distinct character is that its surroundings are quite wild and untamed, so while you will not find cute resorts nearby and pompous sunbed areas, it all lies in the beautiful colorful cliffs and fierce nature. The ridges also protect the coastline side from the North wind, which makes your visit even cozier.
You will probably notice it by traveling there, but even if you look at Amado photos from above, you will clearly see just how far away from the tourist areas it is. The remote location allows you to enjoy Portuguese nature in quiet and calm.
Pack a bathing suit and some sunscreen because your holiday is about to get sizzling hot! Look through our list again and pick the ones you like the best, and if you wish to visit them all — Portugal trains are always there at your beck and call. Have a good time!
