Portugal is such a small country touching the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and yet is so much to offer to its visitors. Located in southern Europe, this alluring country attracts more and more tourists every year, and the reason is quite obvious. But apart from its extraordinary beaches and delicious cuisine and wine, what most travelers don’t know is that this country is quite cheap, so a nicely organized vacation is affordable. Already fired up for a vacation in Portugal? Let have a look at the best beaches in Portugal.
Table of Contents
The best beaches in Portugal
There’s something about the golden sandy coast of the Portuguese Republic that just takes your breath away. Not sure about the other people, but Europeans are merely dying to lay their bodies under the sun at some of these fabulous beaches. You’ve probably also heard a bit about them, that’s no surprise. But once you decide to spend your vacation there, you should be aware of the best places you can go for a swim or enjoy a long sunbathe. Not sure where to start looking? Let us help you! Check out the following destinations:
Praia de Marinha, Lagoa
If you ask a tourist that has been in Portugal about the best beaches in Portugal, you will probably get the answer – Praia de Marinha. Delightful and inspiring, this place is one of the greatest in the Algarve region, which is the southernmost region of continental Portugal. It is located in the municipality of Lagoa, and it is a beautiful sandy heaven surrounded by some fantastic rocks and cliffs. We are currently talking about a small cove, one of an exceptional beauty that is easily accessible by car or boat.
This place is excellent for a family summer fun and curious explorers of nature and the water world. The rock formations, the holes in them and the shapes they create when they touch the blue waters can leave you speechless and make you lose track of time. The clear waters are perfect for a day of snorkeling and discovering the fantastic species living in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Praia da Falésia, Albufeira
There is a spectacular place in between the cities of Albufeira and Vilamoura known as the Praia de Falésia. The name takes upon the word Falésia, which means a cliff and refers to the distinctive orange-red cliffs that are spread throughout this part of the coast. This beach is unique because of its length of 6 km, which makes it one of the longest ones in the region of Algarve. Spending the day here might be of great pleasure to the visitors, that’s why all families and tourists looking for some relaxation are invited precisely here.
Along the beach, there are plenty of restaurants, lifeguards and other facilities offering excellent services during the summer season. This place is easily accessible, and it provides a great connection to some nearby scenic villages, such as Açoteias and Olhos de Agua. If you’re a passionate runner, then you will fall in love with the terrain at Praia da Falésia, since this place is excellent for a sunset run.
Praia da Luz, Lagoa
Algarve is known to have some of the best beaches in Portugal that are why we are representing you a lot of them located in this region since they are worth the visit. Praia da Luz is yet another one of those, also located near the municipality of Lagoa. Unlike the previously described destinations, Praia da Luz is a bit different since it is not just a pure “wild” beach surrounded by nature. On the contrary, it is an urban beach with various cafes, restaurants, and stores along the promenade that is located near the sandy terrain. It is perfect for a day spent outside since it has everything you might need regarding food, drinks and other basic needs.
Apart from these facilities, Praia da Luz is also a great place for history lovers. Behind the promenade, paths are leading to some ruins and baths from the Roman times, which are sometimes available for a visit. There are also plenty of resorts and hotels that let you have the perfect vacation, whether that is with your partner and friends or with your family. Or even alone! This place can provide you many types of fun so that you won’t feel bored at all. It is close to some friendly cities of the Algarve region, the Lagoa Zoo, a karting and the nearest water park called Slide and Splash. So you see, once you get bored from laying under the sun or swimming in the beautiful ocean, you have plenty of other opportunities to spice up your holiday.
Praia da Amoreira, Aljezur
There’s a beach in the municipality of Aljezur, and the stairs that lead to it might seem like they are the real inspiration for the song “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin. Wonder why? Well, a walk down these stairs will give you the right answer.
The marvelous Praia da Amoreira is located within Vicentine Coast Natural Park, so there’s no doubt that the golden dunes are found to be surrounded by some fantastical landscapes. When the conditions are right, this place is the best for some water sports like surfing and bodyboarding.
Faro beach, Faro
Faro beach is probably the best beach in the Faro region, known to be on the bucket list for a lot of tourists in the world. The pleasant soft sand is perfect for some summer sports at the beach. The day pubs near this place provide some great fun for the youngsters visiting Faro, but they also brighten up the day for the families laying next to the Ocean with their loud and upbeat music.
Praia do Guincho, Cascais
5 km from the town of Cascais, there’s the gracious Praia do Guincho waiting for you to dive in the beautiful ocean and to enjoy the blue lagoon. The whole coast there together with the Fortress of Guincho make up for one scenic landscape; a must visit attraction. The conditions there are excellent for some fun under the sun, such as a day spent surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. What you would also enjoy doing here is a bit of paragliding above the Praia do Guincho.
So many other magnificent beaches to be mentioned and yet it is so hard to distinguish which one is the best. This calls for a tour around Portugal and its most appreciated corners; a vacation spent like no other. Give into the wonders of Portugal and its stunning beaches, discover the lovely coast and enjoy in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Did you visit one of these best beaches in Portugal? Just share your experience with us or share this article on social media.
