Sun, sea and enjoying the enchanting sunset on the Portuguese beaches is what we dream of again. With more than 830 kilometers of coastline, you can find plenty of beaches in Portugal that are safe and enjoyable to stay with family or with a small group of friends. A large number of beaches and river beaches in Portugal receive the blue flag every year, a recognition for the excellent conditions they offer. Three Portuguese beaches have recently been voted the safest in Europe by “European Best Destinations”. Wondering if it is quiet or not on the beach you want to visit? Check out the specially designed App (Google Play or App Store), this App provides real-time information. Those who prefer to go into nature and still take a refreshing dip, can replace the sea water with the fresh water of the Portuguese river beaches. The rivers run through mountains and valleys and through small paradise refuges with natural dams and small waterfalls.
Praia da Marinha | ©AT Algarve
Algarve
Algarve immediately thinks of sun, beach and the many terraces that connect perfectly with the beaches that Algarve has to offer. With the rise of the COVID-19 virus, space has become a key factor. In the Algarve, the sand of the beaches stretches as far as the eye can see. Beaches surrounded by golden cliffs, deserted islands that mark the border between the river and the sea and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The Meia Praia beach in Lagos is one of three that has been voted one of the safest in Europe by “European Best Destinations”. The Praia da Marinha has been named a 'Golden Beach'. The water there is clear and ideal for snorkelling. A visit to the caves by boat is also highly recommended. In the evening you can relax on a cozy terrace where you can enjoy a delicious meal.
Comporta | ©Alentejo Promotion Office
Alentejo
Plains starting at the Tagus that seem unstoppable. The Alentejo has plenty of space in itself and that is especially wonderful if you want a piece of beach to yourself. One of the longest beaches in Portugal can be found here:Comporta is no less than 20 kilometers long. Sometimes you can sit there for hours without meeting anyone. This beach has also been voted by “European Best Destinations” as one of the safest in Europe. Alentejo boasts over 100 kilometers of coastline of golden sandy beaches and is a great year-round place for surfers of all levels. Especially the beaches at Zambujeira do Mar, Almograve, Tróia and Ilha do Pessegueiro are very suitable for surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing. These beaches are ideal for beginners and children. Dozens of organizations offer surf lessons or other water sports options.
Arrabida | ©@Turismo de Lisboa
Lisboa
There are many beaches on the coast of Lisbon. It is the only European capital with beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. The coast has more than twenty beaches with a blue flag. Also, a number of beaches are perfect for surfers and the practice of various water sports. This region is known for the best waves in Europe, mainly Praia do Guincho, Ericeira, Costa da Caparica or Sesimbra. Near Setubal, Parque Natural da Arrábida is a must. Beautiful small bays with beautiful beaches and local restaurants where you can eat delicious fresh fish.
Nazaré – surfer | ©WilsonRibeiro
Centro de Portugal
In Centro de Portugal you can find mountains and small villages in the interior. At the sea, the authentic fishing villages and stretched sandy beaches with various water sports activities set the tone. Famous surf spots are also located here that attract surfers from all over the world. For perfect waves, head to Peniche and Nazaré. This charming fishing village has a lovely wide sandy beach, protected by steep cliffs. Nazaré is internationally known for the annually recurring meters high waves in winter. Surfers from all over the world will come together here.
Vila Nova de ncora | ©Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR
Porto &Northern Portugal
Porto is a popular destination for tourists all year round. The beaches are not too busy and you can enjoy the space in peace. The north of Portugal has beautiful places with the rough Atlantic Ocean at its side. You can enjoy water sports on the quiet beach of Vila Praia de Âncora. An authentic coastal town with a wide golden sandy beach and a beautiful bay. Praia do Senhor da Pedra is one of the most romantic beaches in Northern Portugal. If you want to stay active, go to Praia da Frente Azul and take a lovely walk on the beach. Also visit Viana do Castelo and its fishing port with nice city beaches, such as Praia do Norte.
São Miguel Caloura – paddle surfing | ©Azoresphotos.visitazores
Azores
In the Azores you can really relax. The islands are far away from the mainland and the beaches confirm this feeling of freedom. Surrounded by beautiful views, the beaches of the Azores are the perfect place to unwind. There is a choice of over 40 beaches in the Azores, ranging from small hot spots to the secret beaches where no one can be found. The beaches have a lot to offer. In addition to the usual water sports activities, there are many options for getting out on the water safely and remotely with a boat. This way you can feast your eyes on the beautiful sea creatures that the Atlantic Ocean brings with it. Also in the Azores are natural pools such as Ferraria, Poça Simão Dias and Caloura with crystal clear water surrounded by rock formations of solidified lava formed over the centuries by the sea.
Porto Santo | ©VisitMadeira
Madeira
Madeira is an archipelago made up of several islands. You have the main island of Madeira, but also other small islands such as Porto Santo and Desertas. The golden sandy beach of Porto Santo is world famous and is also one of the safest and cleanest beaches in Europe, voted by “European Best Destinations”. The sandy beach is known for the therapeutic properties that the sand entails. During 'Psammotherapy' (hot sand therapy), seawater treatments and warm sand treatments are alternated. On the north coast of the island of Madeira, the natural pools of Porto Moniz are located amid a picturesque landscape where the green nature contrasts with the black rocks and the blue sea. The pools are naturally formed between the rocks. The water is refreshed every day by the tides.
