Best Beaches in Portugal: From North to South

Portugal boasts over 800 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, offering everything from dramatic cliffs and wild surf to tranquil golden coves. Here's your guide to the best beaches (praias) in Portugal.

Northern Portugal

Praia de Matosinhos (Porto)

A popular urban beach near Porto, perfect for surfing and fresh seafood restaurants.

Praia da Costa Nova (Aveiro)

Famous for the colorful striped houses (palheiros) that line the beach.

Central Portugal (Silver Coast)

Nazaré

World-famous for giant waves - up to 30 meters! The beach town also has a charming old quarter and funicular.

Praia da Figueira da Foz

One of Portugal's widest beaches, popular with families.

Peniche & Baleal

Surfing paradise with consistent waves and beautiful landscapes.

Lisbon Region

Praia de Cascais

Charming beach town with great restaurants, just 30 minutes from Lisbon.

Praia do Guincho

Wild, windswept beach popular with surfers and kitesurfers.

Costa da Caparica

Long stretch of beaches south of Lisbon, accessible by ferry.

Alentejo Coast

Comporta

Fashionable but unspoiled beaches with rice paddies and pine forests.

Porto Covo

Picturesque fishing village with beautiful coves.

Algarve

Praia da Marinha

Often voted Europe's most beautiful beach, with stunning rock formations.

Praia de Benagil

Home to the famous sea cave accessible by kayak or boat.

Praia da Falésia

Long golden beach backed by red cliffs.

Beach Vocabulary

Portugal's beaches are waiting for you. Boas ondas! (Good waves!)