Portugal’s Beaches: Paradise for Every Traveller

Portugal is a country blessed with a stunning coastline that offers a variety of beaches for every taste and preference. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly spot, a surfing paradise, or a secluded cove, you will find it in Portugal. Here are some of the best beaches for summer holiday in Portugal, along with some pictures to inspire you.

Praia da Marinha, Carvoeiro

This beach is among the most beautiful and iconic in the Algarve region and Portugal. It is famous for its clear blue water, golden sand, and impressive rock formations that create natural arches and caves. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, and it has a Blue Flag status for its environmental quality and safety. You can access the beach by a steep staircase from the parking lot or by boat from nearby towns.

File: Credit Pixabay: The Praia da Marinha beach; a tourism guide for 2024

Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe

This beach is located at the mouth of the Odeceixe River, on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo regions. It is a large sandy beach with river and ocean views, and green hills and cliffs surround it. The beach is popular among families, as the riverside is calm and shallow, while the ocean side has more waves and is suitable for surfing. The beach has several facilities, such as restaurants, bars, and a surf school.

Praia de Odeceixe Beach © Junta da Freguesia de Odeceixe

Praia do Camilo, Lagos

This beach is a small and charming cove near Lagos, in the western Algarve. It is accessed by a wooden staircase of 200 steps that descends from the cliff top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast. The beach has fine sand and turquoise water and is sheltered by rocks that form natural pools and tunnels. It is a perfect spot for relaxing, swimming, and exploring marine life.

File: Lagos’ most beautiful beach

Praia dos Galapinhos, Parque Natural da Arrábida

This beach is a hidden gem in the Arrábida Natural Park, less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon. It is a small, secluded beach with white sand and crystal-clear water, and a lush and wild landscape surrounds it. The beach is very peaceful and natural, and it is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You can reach the beach by a dirt road from the nearby village of Almoçageme or by hiking from other beaches in the park.

File: Praia de Odeceixe is the first beach in the Algarve

Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

This beach is situated on the eastern end of the Ilha de Tavira, a long and narrow island that separates the Ria Formosa lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean. It is a vast sandy beach with golden sand, clear water, dunes, and pine trees. Behind the beach is spacious and quiet, with a few facilities such as beach bars, a windsurf school, and a campground. You can access the beach by ferry from the town of Tavira or by footbridge from the mainland.

File: Credit Pixabay Praia da Terra Estreita central beach

Praia do Camilo, Lagos

This beach is a small and charming cove near Lagos in the western Algarve. It is accessed by a wooden staircase of 200 steps that descends from the cliff top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the coast. The beach has fine sand and turquoise water, and it is sheltered by rocks that form natural pools and tunnels. It is a perfect spot for relaxing, swimming, and exploring marine life.