Portugal is one of the top beach destinations in the world – with over 1,000+ beaches along its 1,794 kilometers (1,115 miles) of diverse coastline. The country's varied shoreline features everything from dramatic cliffs to expansive sandy stretches, making it a great place for both surfers and families. Lisbon, Faro, and Porto are among the top beach cities in Portugal. Lisbon offers easy access to Carcavelos Beach, a popular spot for both locals and tourists, known for its wide sandy shore and surf-friendly waves. Faro, located in the Algarve region, is home to Praia da Rocha Beach, famous for its golden sands and vibrant nightlife. Porto features Matosinhos Beach, which is popular for its long stretch of sand and proximity to the city’s seafood restaurants.
Other notable beaches in Portugal include Praia da Marinha in the Algarve, renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs and clear blue waters, and Guincho Beach near Cascais, which is a favorite for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to its strong Atlantic winds.
The best time to visit Portugal for beach activities is from June to September, when the weather is warm, and the coastal regions are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local culture.
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Discover the complete list of beaches in Sao Miguel Island. Plan your Sao Miguel Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Pico Island. Plan your Pico Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Terceira Island. Plan your Terceira Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Flores Island. Plan your Flores Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha de Sao Miguel. Plan your Ilha de Sao Miguel beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha do Faial. Plan your Ilha do Faial beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Miguel Island. Plan your Miguel Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Ilha Do Pico. Plan your Ilha Do Pico beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Sao Jorge. Plan your Sao Jorge beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
Discover the complete list of beaches in Faial Island. Plan your Faial Island beach vacation with 100+ activities, photos, attractions, restaurants, and hotels.
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Porto, Portugal offers 143+ beaches along its 21.7 miles (35 kilometers) of coastline. Porto has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Porto is a popular travel destination with over 2,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 231,962 residents. Porto is known for its historic Ribeira District, iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and world-renowned Port wine cellars.
Lisbon, Portugal offers 136+ beaches along its 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) of coastline. Lisbon has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Lisbon is a popular travel destination with over 4,500,000 annual visitors in addition to its 545,000 residents. Lisbon is known for its historic neighborhoods, vibrant nightlife, and iconic tram rides.
Setubal, Portugal offers 133+ beaches along its coastline. Setubal has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Setubal is a popular travel destination with over 1,200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 901,000 residents. Setubal, Portugal is known for its stunning Arrábida Natural Park, delicious seafood particularly fresh fish and choco frito (fried cuttlefish), and the beautiful beaches of the Troia Peninsula.
Leiria District, Portugal offers 1+ beaches along its 34.2 miles (55.0 kilometers) of coastline. Leiria District has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Leiria District is a popular travel destination with over 1,200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 458,000 residents. Leiria District is known for its historical castles, stunning beaches, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Batalha Monastery.
Azores, Portugal offers 77+ beaches along its coastline. Azores has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Azores is a popular travel destination with over 400,000 annual visitors in addition to its 245,000 residents. Azores is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant marine life, and unique geothermal hot springs.
Aveiro, Portugal offers 58+ beaches along its 31.1 miles (50.0 kilometers) of coastline. Aveiro has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Aveiro is a popular travel destination with over 1,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 370,000 residents. Aveiro is known for its picturesque canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and traditional ovos moles sweets.
Coimbra, Portugal offers 54+ beaches along its 31.1 miles (50.0 kilometers) of coastline. Coimbra has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Coimbra is a popular travel destination with over 3,000,000 annual visitors in addition to its 143,396 residents. Coimbra is known for its historic University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library, and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha.
Braga, Portugal offers 45+ beaches along its 32.3 miles (52.0 kilometers) of coastline. Braga has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Braga is a popular travel destination with over 1,200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 193,000 residents. Braga, Portugal is known for its historical architecture, vibrant religious festivals, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.
Viana do Castelo, Portugal offers 29+ beaches along its 60.3 miles (97.1 kilometers) of coastline. Viana do Castelo has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Viana do Castelo is a popular travel destination with over 1,200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 84,000 residents. Viana do Castelo is known for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural festivals.
Santarém, Portugal offers 1+ beaches along its 37.3 miles (60 kilometers) of coastline. Santarém has a number of beach options for every type of traveler. Santarém is a popular travel destination with over 200,000 annual visitors in addition to its 180,000 residents. Santarém, Portugal is known for its Gothic architecture, vibrant annual festivals, and scenic views of the Tagus River.
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