The Official Guide to Portugal’s Best Beaches

Moving to Portugal has completely changed the way I see summer. Here, beach days aren’t just a seasonal activity reserved for the hottest months—they’re busy year-round, whatever the weather. 

While only the hardiest of swimmers and surfers might go full-face into the water during the coldest months, Portugal’s 300+ days of sunshine per year means it’s never too long to wait before venturing back to the water. Since moving here, I’ve made it a personal mission to explore as many of the country’s beaches as I can. 

From wild, wind-swept shores perfect for surfing, to golden coves that feel like they’ve been carved out just for you, there’s something here for every kind of beach lover. Over the years, I’ve narrowed down my absolute favorites—places I go back to again and again. Here’s my guide to 13 of the best beaches in Portugal.

Praia da Rainha is one of those little gems you almost walk past and miss completely. It’s tucked right into the heart of Cascais, with steep stairs leading down to a hidden cove. I go here often via the train from Lisbon, especially when I want a quick escape without leaving town. 

It’s small but stunning, framed by rocky outcrops and backed by charming old buildings. The beach has a regal history too: Queen Amélia used to come here—which is how it got its name—“Queen’s Beach.” There are no lifeguards, but restaurants and shops are just steps away and the water is usually calm enough for a gentle swim. Go early since it fills up fast during the summer. 

Every time I visit Praia Dona Ana, I fall in love with it all over again. It’s one of the most iconic beaches in the Algarve, and for good reason: golden cliffs, aquamarine water and little caves and grottoes to explore at low tide. I usually bring snorkel gear because the water is clear and full of fish. There are stairs down from the cliffs and once you’re on the sand, you’ve got a small beach bar, bathrooms and sun loungers available for rent. It’s popular, so expect a crowd in summer—but honestly, the view alone makes it worth sharing.

If you’ve ever Googled “Portugal beaches,” chances are you’ve already seen Praia da Marinha: those towering cliffs, that turquoise water, the little heart-shaped arch if you catch it from the right angle. 

I first visited on a mid-September morning and basically had the place to myself (top tip: go early or off-season). The stairs down are steep but totally manageable and once you’re on the sand, it feels like you’re in a postcard. There’s no restaurant directly on the beach, but you’ll find food trucks in the parking area and bathrooms at the top of the cliffs. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer.

Praia do Guincho is my go-to when I want to feel tiny in the best way. The wind, the waves, the endless horizon—it’s raw, untamed and completely exhilarating. Located just outside Cascais, it’s a favorite for kitesurfers and windsurfers, but even if you’re not into water sports, it’s still worth a visit for the views alone. 

I usually bring a picnic and post up in the dunes. There are a couple of beach bars and a surf school and in the summer you’ll find lifeguards on duty. It’s not ideal for swimming (the currents can be strong), but perfect for windswept walks and salty air therapy.

Praia Grande feels, well, grande: wide, open and wild in all the best ways. I love coming here on cooler, windy days when the Atlantic is putting on a show and surfers are out chasing waves. 

Located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, this beach is backed by dramatic cliffs and even has dinosaur footprints etched into the rocks at the northern end. There’s plenty of space to spread out, plus public bathrooms, a few beachfront cafes and lifeguards on duty in the summer months. Bonus: if you’re into bodyboarding or surfing, the conditions here are often ideal, especially at high tide.

Tucked along the wilder west coast, Praia do Amado is where I head when I want to trade crowds for cliffs and swap beach clubs for surf vans. This beach is all about the vibe: chill, earthy and deeply connected to nature. 

The waves here are serious, so it’s popular with surfers, but the scenery is next level even if you just want to sit on the sand and watch the action. There are a couple of casual cafes, bathrooms and surf schools right on the beach. It’s not as polished as the Algarve, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Praia da Adraga feels like it’s been pulled straight from a fantasy book—jagged rocks rising from the surf, deep golden sand and a dramatic backdrop of cliffs. I discovered this beach while staying in Sintra and immediately wished I’d brought more snacks and spent more time. 

It’s not as crowded as other beaches nearby, which adds to the magic. There’s a family-run seafood restaurant right on the sand (grilled cuttlefish is a must), public restrooms and seasonal lifeguards. Come for sunset if you can—the whole place glows in that warm, golden light that makes Portugal so ridiculously beautiful.

Praia do Camilo is small, dramatic and absolutely worth the 200-ish steps it takes to get down there (yes, I counted—my thighs did not forget). Just outside Lagos, this beach is a tucked-away beauty with honey-colored cliffs and that clear, glassy water the Algarve does so well. 

It’s perfect for a morning swim or golden hour stroll, especially if you catch the tide low enough to explore the rock tunnels between coves. There’s a great little seafood restaurant up top with panoramic views and while there are no lifeguards, there are bathrooms. Bring water and maybe a snorkel.

This beach straddles the edge of Alentejo and the Algarve and somehow manages to blend the best of both worlds. I came here on a road trip and ended up staying two extra days—it’s that kind of place. 

Praia de Odeceixe is set at the mouth of a river, which means you can swim in calm, shallow water on one side or brave the waves on the other. I think it’s great for families, surfers and indecisive swimmers alike. There’s a relaxed town just up the hill, a few casual cafés by the sand and bathrooms and lifeguards in summer. It’s wild, beautiful and seriously underrated.

Carcavelos is my default when I want a beach day without too much planning. It’s super accessible—just hop on the train from Lisbon and you’re there in under 30 minutes. The beach itself is long, wide and buzzy, with space for both sunbathers and surfers. 

I love grabbing a coffee from one of the beach kiosks and watching the early morning surf classes. There are public bathrooms, changing rooms and lots of casual restaurants and bars lining the promenade. Lifeguards are on duty in season and there’s usually a volleyball game or two happening near the center. 

This beach is part adventure, part escape. To get to Praia do Barril, you either walk or take a tiny tourist train across a scenic stretch of sand dunes on Tavira Island—which is half the fun. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by a long stretch of pale sand and calm, shallow water that’s ideal for swimming.

There’s a beach restaurant, a small café, clean bathrooms and sunbeds for rent, plus lifeguards during the summer months. Keep an eye out for the Anchor Graveyard just behind the dunes—it’s a striking, slightly eerie tribute to the region’s tuna fishing past.

Tucked into a cove just outside Sagres, Praia do Beliche is a moody, majestic kind of beach. The kind where you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something secret. It’s popular with surfers thanks to the clean, consistent waves, but even if you’re not riding them, the vibe is relaxed and unpretentious. 

I usually come here with a book and some snacks, climb down the steep stairs and just melt into the scenery. There are seasonal lifeguards and a beach shack serving burgers and beers. No fancy amenities, but, honestly? That’s the charm. 

This one’s for the more off-the-beaten-path crowd. Praia das Bicas is tucked into the Arrábida coastline and surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, giving it that raw, untouched feel. I came here on a Portuguese friend’s recommendation and immediately understood why it’s a favorite. 

There’s a bit of a trek to get down (bring sturdy shoes), but once you arrive, it’s peaceful and naturally stunning. There’s not much in the way of infrastructure (no cafes or bathrooms) so it’s definitely a bring-your-own kind of beach. But the views, the quiet and the feeling of total escape are worth every step.