Living in Portugal for over 5 years has allowed me to explore its wonders by car, train, and plane. While big cities like Lisbon and Porto have their appeal, some of the country’s most scenic landscapes can be found in Portugal’s small coastal towns. From surf hotspots to tiny fishing villages, these charming beach towns showcase authentic Portuguese culture and way of life. You’ll fall in love with the cobbled streets, friendly locals, and small waterside restaurants serving fresh seafood specialties.
Add a few of these coastal beach getaways on your next visit to Portugal to experience the best this country has to offer.
Carvoeiro
Located in the Algarve, Carvoeiro is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Portugal. I’ve visited in both winter and summer and while they each offer completely different beach vibes, this seaside gem is postcard-perfect throughout the year. This coastal town was once a small, tiny fishing village but has become increasingly popular due to its laid-back vibes compared to nearby Algarve hotspots.
Bask in the sunshine at the family-friendly Praia do Carvoeiro or escape the crowds at Praia do Paraiso, then take a short drive to Praia da Marinha to enjoy snorkeling in its crystal clear waters. You’re never far from a gorgeous beach or a fresh seafood restaurant in Carvoeiro, and the 600-meter-long boardwalk offers an accessible clifftop walk that all ages can enjoy.
Don’t Miss: Explore the 100-year-old Farol de Alfanzina lighthouse or take a boat trip to the iconic Benagil caves for a look at a natural cave formed by waves. For a scenic hike, check out the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail that connects Faro to Lagos.
Setubal
Just 18 miles from Lisbon and connected by bus and train services, Setubal is home to a string of stunning beaches in Arrábida National Park. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beach towns in Portugal, where you can spend your days road-tripping along the coast through the mountains, wandering through the charming historic center, and stopping to fuel up on the city’s famous “choco frito” (fried cuttlefish).
The closest beach to the city center is Albarquel Beach, while families can explore the kid-friendly coastline of Figueirinha Beach with its range of amenities. Galapinhos Beach is one of the best beaches in the area with its crystal-clear waters, but beware that access is via a dirt path downhill. With white sand and snorkel-friendly waters, Galapos Beach is a local favorite.
Don’t Miss: Day trip to some of Portugal’s other nearby attractions by car, including the resort town of Sesimbra, the surf-friendly beaches of Costa da Caparica, and the lagoons at Lagoa de Albufeira.
Lagos
Lagos is arguably one of Portugal’s most beloved beaches, and it’s easy to see why. While it does draw crowds during the summer months, its iconic postcard-worthy scenery makes it well worth a visit. I explored Lagos in the off-season and was rewarded with views of its dramatic coastline and iconic rock formations all to myself. Few places can rival the sheer beauty of this Algarve beach destination.
Praia de Dona Ana Beach is the most iconic and postcard-worthy beach with its wooden staircase that leads to incredible views of the golden cliffs and turquoise waters, while Meia Praia offers a large stretch of sand that’s perfect for families. If you’re looking for easy access, Praia da Batata is an excellent option near the city center.
Don’t Miss: Join a tour to see the towering cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden grottoes of Ponta da Piedade by boat, kayak excursion, or from its scenic cliff-top paths.
Ericeira
A short 45-minute drive north of Lisbon, Ericeira is a hip coastal town known for its laid-back vibe and seaside views. Designated as a World Surfing Reserve, it’s a paradise for surfers with waves that draw beach lovers from around the globe. Beyond the surf, Ericeira is a charming town to explore with its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean. This once-quiet fishing village has transformed into a popular weekend destination while keeping its authentic Portuguese charm.
From family-friendly beaches like Praia dos Pescadores to the smaller Praia do Norte just north, Ericeira boasts an inviting coastline. For surfers, Ribeira d’Ilhas is Ericeira’s main surfing hotspot and one of the most famous breaks in Europe.
Don’t Miss: Immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a surf lesson at one of Ericeira’s many schools. It’s a thrilling excursion whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
Peniche
Peniche is a quaint beach town and one of my favorite excursions from Lisbon, only about a one-hour coastal drive north. Known for its surf-friendly waves, it is a hotspot for surfers with a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Sit back and admire the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor, watch fishermen bring in their catch of the day, or get out and explore iconic sites like the Cabo Carvoeiro lighthouse and Peniche fortress, which sits amongst the picturesque cliffs. After a long day of exploring, stroll through the streets of the old town and stop for fresh seafood platters at one of the local restaurants.
Relax on the long sandy coastline of Praia de Areia Branca, whose name translates to “White Sand Beach.” Just three miles away from Peniche, Praia do Baleal is another stunning coastline that’s perfect for both families and surfers.
Don’t Miss: Take a scenic boat tour from Peniche to Berlenga Island. You’ll discover a nature reserve with a small sandy beach for swimming and hiking trails leading to impressive viewpoints.
Nazare
Best known for its world-record-breaking waves, Nazaré impresses with its long, sandy beaches. Living in Porto, I’ve found myself visiting this beach town often, enjoying the early morning strolls along the beach-lined promenade and taking the funicular to the top to enjoy a birds-eye view of the coast. See the fishing boats that dot the sandy shores and catch a whiff of the freshly caught fish that are sun-dried in the traditional way.
Nazaré offers two distinct beaches. The one-mile-long Praia da Nazaré is set in the city center and is the perfect spot to lie down your towel. Meanwhile, Praia do Norte is the go-to spot for watching surfers tackle some of the world’s biggest waves.
Don’t Miss: When conditions are just right (typically around November to January), don’t miss the chance to watch pro surfers being towed into Nazaré’s legendary big waves by jet skis.
Cascais/Estoril
A short 40-minute drive or train ride from Lisbon, Cascais is a popular getaway in the Portuguese Riviera. An aristocratic vacation destination in the late 1800s, this coastal town appeals to luxury travelers, while day trippers often make the trek to enjoy its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and photogenic city center. When I visited, my favorite activity was walking along the scenic one-mile stretch of scenic promenade that connects Cascais to Estoril for a peaceful waterfront stroll. Estoril is also a popular nearby beach town, home to Europe’s largest casino.
Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duqesa are two popular beaches, offering the perfect mix of golden sands and calm waters, while Praia do Guinchois in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is ideal for windsurfing and offers dramatic coastal views. Praia da Rainha is one of the town’s most beautiful beaches, but it is often crowded in the summer months.
Don’t Miss: Sintra is an obvious day trip option from Cascais, only 30 minutes away. Add Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) to your list, as this nearby natural wonder has a unique cliffside formation.
Tavira
Tavira is a charming town with easy access to beautiful beaches, located in Portugal’s southern Algarve region near Faro. It has a laid-back setting with cobblestone streets that wind through leafy parks, past 11th-century castle ruins, and over the Old Bridge attributed to the Romans. Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy the photogenic display of flowerbeds and trees in Jardim do Coreto. Dating back to the 1890s, it’s the oldest garden in Tavira.
Praia da Ilha de Tavira is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Algarve, dotted with sun loungers and umbrellas. You can also take a selfie next to the famous anchor display at Praia do Barril, a peaceful stretch of sand that’s family-friendly.
Don’t Miss: Take a day trip to Cacela Velha to see the crystal-clear waters that have earned this small fishing village a reputation as one of Europe’s best beaches. Or, take a nature tour of Ria Formosa for an up-close look at the lagoons, marshes, and salt pans.
