What Are the Best Beaches in Portugal?
The best beaches in Portugal make our more than 800 km of Atlantic coastline one of the most coveted in Europe.
Our country offers a wide variety of beaches for every taste—from the most peaceful to those with vibrant nightlife that attracts tourists from all over the world.
But which are the best beaches in Portugal? Discover below the top options to enjoy the most beautiful sandy shores of our Portuguese neighbor.
And where to stay? You already know—our Paradise: Ohai Nazaré!
The Best Beaches in Northern Portugal
Although northern Portugal is often less known, it is incredibly beautiful. Its beaches stand out for their stunning natural surroundings and clean waters—perfect for those seeking tranquility or water sports enthusiasts.
Moledo Beach (Caminha)
A beach with personality, located at the mouth of the Minho River. Thanks to its winds, it’s perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but also for long walks along the shore with views of Monte de Santa Tecla. It offers all basic services, such as showers, beach bars, and lifeguards.
Cabedelo Beach (Viana do Castelo)
A favorite among surfers in the north. Its vast stretch of fine sand, easy access from the city center, and excellent infrastructure make it one of the best beaches in northern Portugal. Free parking, showers, public restrooms, and several surf schools and shops are available.
Ofir Beach (Esposende)
A place where nature blends with social life. Protected dunes, nearby pine forests, and lively nightlife make Ofir a popular destination for couples and young people. It has lifeguards, bus access, beachfront bars, and a wooden walkway for easy access without burning your feet.
Carreço Beach (Viana do Castelo)
Looking for peace and untouched landscapes? Carreço is for you. With fewer tourists, it’s perfect for total disconnection. However, there aren’t many services, so bring water and food. Ideal for reading a book or enjoying a sunset walk by the sea.
Apúlia Beach (Esposende)
Famous for its traditional windmills next to the dunes. It has moderate waves, making it ideal for families with children, with lifeguards, a playground, and restaurants. You’ll also see seaweed harvesting—a centuries-old practice used to fertilize fields.
Aguçadoura Beach (Póvoa de Varzim)
Its powerful waves make it ideal for experienced surfers. Local competitions are held in summer. The beach is wide and offers free parking, but it’s not the most comfortable for sunbathing quietly.
Leça da Palmeira Beach (Matosinhos)
Close to Porto, this beach combines a beautiful urban setting with natural landscapes. It features natural rock pools perfect for kids and several elegant restaurants nearby, including the famous “Casa de Chá da Boa Nova,” designed by architect Siza Vieira.
The Best Beaches in Central Portugal
Central Portugal will captivate you with its dramatic landscapes, offering some of the best beaches for surfing, strolling, or simply enjoying nature.
Praia do Norte (Nazaré)
World-famous for its giant waves caused by the Nazaré underwater canyon, reaching up to 30 meters high. Not suitable for swimming, but a unique spectacle. It has several viewpoints and a lighthouse with a surf museum.
Nazaré Beach
The main beach in town. It has a lively promenade and all kinds of services—shops, restaurants, surf schools, umbrella rentals, and showers—making it ideal for families. You can also take the funicular for incredible views of the area.
Salgado Beach (Famalicão)
A wild beach perfect for escaping tourist crowds, surrounded by dunes and forest. It’s often frequented by naturists off-season. Easy car access and free parking.
São Pedro de Moel Beach (Marinha Grande)
Its lighthouse, traditional bars, and Atlantic breeze give it great charm. It has wooden walkways, picnic areas, and good waves for intermediate surfers. Nearby is the Leiria National Forest—ideal for cycling or hiking.
Figueira da Foz Beach
One of the widest beaches in Europe. You can walk almost 300 meters from the promenade to the sea. Perfect for beach games, volleyball, or sunbathing without crowds. It offers all kinds of amenities and services.
Mira Beach (Aveiro)
A Blue Flag beach with a beautiful natural lagoon, ideal for small children. Along the avenue, you’ll find numerous affordable restaurants.
Costa Nova Beach
Famous for its photogenic striped houses, this beach is perfect for those seeking a seaside escape with a gastronomic treat. You can also enjoy bike routes along the Aveiro Lagoon. Ideal for water sports like sailing or kitesurfing.
The Best Beaches in Southern Portugal
The best beaches in southern Portugal are in the Algarve—true postcard-perfect spots with warm waters, fine golden sand, and breathtaking cliffs.
Praia da Rocha (Portimão)
A classic. Wide, with impressive cliffs and excellent tourist infrastructure. Ideal for lively beachgoers: live music, water sports, shops, cocktail bars, etc. It has parking, showers, and accessible areas for people with reduced mobility.
Falésia Beach (Albufeira-Vilamoura)
One of the longest beaches in the Algarve—6 km of golden sand beneath spectacular reddish cliffs. Perfect for relaxing, long walks, and unforgettable sunsets.
Benagil Beach
Famous for its sea cave, accessible by boat or kayak. Not a beach for lounging all day, but a must-see on any Algarve itinerary. If you want to enter the cave, go early or book online.
Amado Beach
The surf capital of western Algarve, with waves all year round. Several surf schools nearby and summer competitions.
Faro Beach
Fine sand, calm waters, and a wide range of services make it ideal for families with children. Restaurants by the shore, supermarkets, and free parking nearby.
Cacela Velha Beach
A hidden gem in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. To get there, you need to cross a small estuary by boat, but the effort is rewarded with a peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of a charming white village. No services, so bring water and food.
Odeceixe Beach
Located on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo, this beach has the unique feature of being split by a river. It’s a family-friendly beach, very safe, and offers great conditions for bodyboarding. In addition, it has parking, lifeguards, and excellent restaurants.
And if you want to visit the best beaches in Portugal—that is, those in the center of the country—you already know your accommodation of choice is in our paradise: Ohai Nazaré.
We are less than an hour’s drive from each of these beaches, in a landscape marked by pine forests.
There’s a paradise in Nazaré. Discover us.
