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Portugal is well-known for its beautiful seashores, attracting tens of millions of vacationers from all over the world to wash on its pristine sands and swim in its heat turquoise waters.
From the golden sandy seashores within the Algarve area to the picturesque cliff-backed coves of the Caramujeira, Portugal has a few of the greatest coastal landscapes in Europe.
When you’re seeking to discover Portugal’s stunning shoreline however unsure what seashores to go to, then you definately’ve come to the proper place.
We’ve shared a few of the greatest seashores in Portugal, in addition to some hidden gem seashores we found on our highway journey on the Alentejo coast.
Whether or not you need whole seclusion or iconic locations, don’t miss these spots!
Greatest Seashores in Portugal
Earlier than we reveal our favourite hidden seashores in Portugal, let’s share the perfect of the perfect.
If it’s your first time in Portugal otherwise you simply need to tick off the bucket checklist seashores, then you’ll want to go to these ones first…
1. Praia de São Jacinto, Aveiro
Praia de São Jacinto is undeniably probably the most stunning seashores in Portugal.
Located between crashing Atlantic breakers and countless sand dunes, this beautiful seashore is what makes Portugal so well-known for its seashores.
It has brilliant white sands that stretch for 7km and is ideal for surfers and kite surfers for the reason that waves are excessive right here.
You’ll discover no solar loungers or umbrellas right here, it’s distant and left to the weather, which is likely one of the the explanation why it’s such a pure magnificence.
Behind the seashore is São Jacinto Dunes Pure Reserve which is a protected space that makes this seashore really feel extra unspoiled and pure.
São Jacinto is a few 3 hour drive North of Lisbon within the city of Aveiro. You can even get a ferry from Barra Fort (Forte da Barra de Aveiro / Castelo da Gafanha) which takes you alongside the estuary.
2. Ilha da Fuseta, Faro
Ilha da Fuseta in Faro is one other rugged seashore nestled within the coronary heart of the beautiful Ria Formosa Pure Park.
It boasts a pristine golden sandy seashore that stretch so far as the attention can see, assembly with the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s positioned on a small island within the abandoned islands of the Ria Formosa, and requires a brief ferry experience to entry it.
Nonetheless, it’s effectively geared up for a full day of enjoyable by the seashore, and has solar loungers, umbrellas, and even a small seashore membership the place you may get refreshments and snacks.
You can even discover a bathroom right here that each one visitors of the seashore can use.
When you’re a household visiting Portugal, this seashore is ideal for babies to swim and play in. The water is calm and the shoreline slopes regularly, making it secure for paddling.
3. Praia da Falésia, Albufeira
Praia da Falésia is an extended stretch of sandy seashore that expands for over six kilometers and backed by beautiful, brilliant white and purple cliffs.
These beautiful rock formations are what make Praia da Falesia so well-known.
With its crystal-clear waters and ample house to lounge on, it’s hardly ever feels crowded even throughout busy summer time seasons.
The seashore is kitted out with all of the services you want for a day on the seashore – from parasols to loungers to seashore bars and eating places. You can even discover loads of watersports right here similar to kayak leases and arise paddle boarding.
It’s additionally conveniently positioned close to Vilamoura and Olhos de Água, which is a good base to find the allure of the Algarve area.
4. Comporta Seashore
Comporta Seashore is a haven for seashore lovers and wildlife fans.
The seashore is pure, clear golden sand and meets with crystal clear waters which might be teeming with fish and marine life. When you’re fortunate, you might even see pods of dolphins swimming off the shoreline.
You possibly can lease an umbrella and lounger (although it’s fairly costly right here) or you may carry your personal and discover an empty spot to calm down in.
There are public bogs, showers, and a few eating places with a bar.
The environment is calm and peaceable, with out the touts making an attempt to promote you one thing. You possibly can merely chill and unwind and reconnect with nature.
Its fashionable and widespread, so don’t look forward to finding seclusion right here, however it nonetheless boasts an unspoiled ambiance makes it a favourite amongst locals and vacationers alike.
5. Camilo Seashore
Camilo Seashore is a small and idyllic seashore tucked away in a secluded bay close to Lagos, sheltered by excessive, craggy cliffs and fronted with beautiful blue waters.
This seashore is simply accessible through a scenic wood staircase, so it’s not the best choice for these with mobility points, however those that don’t thoughts strolling down the steep staircase will discover a golden seashore that exudes an air of exclusivity and tranquility.
We suggest you go to within the morning as a result of it will possibly get fairly crowded later within the day.
6. Porto Santo Seashore
Porto Santo Seashore, on the island of Porto Santo, is a 9-kilometer stretch of golden sand, met by calm and crystalline waters.
It’s famend for being the one sandy seashore in all the archipelago, and is the proper place to take pleasure in sunbathing, swimming, or just stroll alongside the shoreline.
7. Praia Da Adraga, Cascais
Situated in Cascais, close to Lisbon, is Praia da Adraga. There are numerous nice seashores in Cascais, however this one is undeniably probably the most stunning.
Praia Da Adraga, nestled throughout the beautiful Sintra-Cascais Nationwide Park, is a distant seashore surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sculpted rock formations.
The pristine sands and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for taking lengthy walks on the seashore and simply having fun with being in nature.
The waves may be fairly robust right here, and the shoreline has giant rocks and boulders in it, so it’s not the perfect for swimming – however nonetheless price a go to.
Praia Da Adraga’s photogenic panorama is a haven for photographers and because it faces West, it has superb sunsets.
Whereas it could require a little bit of effort to achieve, the journey is effectively price it as you may merely depart behind the crowds that journey to this area and immerse your self within the breathtaking surroundings of Praia Da Adraga.
8. Praia do Porto do Seixal, Madeira
Nestled alongside the northern coast of Madeira Island, is the beautiful Praia do Porto do Seixal.
This picturesque seashore boasts black sand and is framed by breathtaking cliffs, making a mesmerizing distinction in opposition to the azure waters.
There may be additionally a soothing pure waterfall that falls into the ocean right here, making the sand all sparkly and mesmerizing.
Whereas parking could also be a bit difficult, it’s indubitably among the best locations on Madeira Island to go to.
On a aspect word, we suggest you carry sandals to put on on the seashore because the black sand absorbs the solar and may be fairly sizzling underfoot.
9. Portinho da Arrábida
One other wild and rugged seashore in Portugal to go to is nestled within the Serra da Arrábida Pure Park.
Portinho da Arrábida is a hidden gem subsequent to the picturesque fishing port that gives a tranquil retreat from the bustling metropolis. Being solely 40km south of Lisbon, it’s a preferred seashore to go to for day journeys.
It’s protected by a glowing blue bay and boasts charming white sand.
As you discover the world, you’ll be captivated by the dramatic cliffs and breathtaking surroundings that encompass Portinho da Arrábida.
10. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
One other seashore on the Algarve coast price a go to is Praia da Marinha.
This iconic seashore boasts golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, framed by dramatic cliffs and beautiful rock formations.
Praia da Marinha is a well-liked spot, and has superb arches, caves, and sea stacks that make for the proper backdrop for pictures.
11. Praia da Nazaré
Lastly, head to Portugal’s picturesque Silver Coast to find Praia da Nazaré.
This famend seashore is known for its huge waves, drawing surfers from everywhere in the world to problem their expertise.
However there’s extra to Nazaré than simply browsing.
With its beautiful surroundings, golden sands, and the charming coastal city, Nazaré is a pleasant place to discover.
From having fun with the gorgeous view and sunbathing on the seashore Praia da Nazaré is an actual coastal paradise.
Hidden Seashores in Portugal
“The Alentejo coast is magical and wild, don’t even trouble with the Algarve.”
These have been the parting phrases from a person who simply Airbnb’ed his camper van to us. Together with his hand-drawn map we headed south from Lisbon in the hunt for the perfect hidden seashores in Portugal.
We had one purpose on our journey with our new campervan, make it to Lagos and again to Lisbon, and discover a few of the greatest secluded seashores in Portugal alongside the way in which.
Right here’s what we discovered…
12. Praia de Galapinhos
Searching for seashores close to Lisbon? Then journey lower than 50km out of Lisbon and you will see Praia de Galapinhos – an absolute stunning seashore that was named probably the most stunning seashores in Europe.
Stumbling upon it with our hand drawn map it felt like a hidden seashore.
Not an individual on the white sands or swimming in crystal clear water of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a spot of paradise on the doorstep of the town.
We arrange camp and took benefit of strolling trails.
13. Samoqueira Seashore, Porto Côvo
The hidden seashore of Samoqueira is simply earlier than the city of Porto Covo.
Porto Covo is a wonderful little village the place the buildings are whitewashed and the streets are cobbled.
Be sure you head into city first and go to the native bakeries. We tried the Pão de Deus, a brioche roll with a coconut topping simply evenly sweetened and toasted and we additionally received the Laço, which is puff pastry bow with caramel coating.
Samoqueira is like nothing we had seen earlier than. A small stretch of rock and sand lays parallel to the seashore creating an intimate cove.
The seashore can be surrounded by great caves that you could possibly discover at low tide.
Count on to solely see a couple of folks right here, it was us and one other household for all the afternoon – among the best hidden seashores in Portugal.
14. Praia da Zambujeira do Mar
Zambuijeria do Mar is one other charming little seaside city.
It’s a huddle of whitewashed partitions and terracotta roofs which might be perched on fringe of the cliffs. The city overlooks the native seashore which was beautiful, this wasn’t our hidden seashore, nevertheless.
Just a few kilometres out of city, a seashore with no title will steal your coronary heart.
We arrange the van within the empty automotive park with views straight down the smooth sands into the turquoise waters.
The seashore was flanked by excessive cliffs on both aspect and a small cafe overlooking all of it.
Nonetheless, the perfect a part of this seashore was the Thai ladies providing hour-long massages. She was arrange on the sand beneath a white gazebo with clear material fluttering within the breeze.
15. Fonte da Telha
Fonte de Telha is each seashore lover’s dream.
You possibly can park proper subsequent to the sand and witness that elusive view of the seashore out of your campervan mattress.
Forte Tel Hau is a tiny seashore group with a couple of eating places scattered alongside the seashore, constructed proper on the sand.
Good for a late afternoon drink on the balcony, whereas we watched the solar dip beneath the horizon.
Alongside the grime highway we solely noticed a dozen different campervans and automobiles parked subsequent to the sand. It’s harking back to an Australian seashore, golden sand so far as the attention can see.
16. Praia da Arrifana, Aljezur
Within the very northwest of the Algarve, we found Praia da Arrifana. It’s tucked away within the beautiful village of Alzejur.
Alzejur is one other small market city of whitewashed homes and cobbled streets.
This stunning seashore is sheltered by giant orange sandstone cliffs and a preferred spot for browsing. We laid on the smooth white sand and watched summer time swell rolling in.
17. Praia de Amado
Additional down the coast was discovered Praia de Amado.
This a wonderful sweeping seashore backed by dunes and edged by cliffs.
At low tide we explored the uncovered rock swimming pools and headed down the northern finish of the seashore. Right here we found probably the most stunning coloured stones.
You possibly can see hues starting from pink to black, ochre and inexperienced. Later we loved the view of surfers using the countless waves whereas cooking our dinner from our beloved dwelling on wheels.
18. The Secret Seashore (Praia do Barranco)
Being additional down south within the Algarve, we had been warned you could possibly be requested to maneuver or fined for tenting in most areas.
So we set off down some nation lanes to see what seashores we may uncover.
We discovered it, the spot of desires, it was much like the spot in Leonardo Di Carpios’ “The Seashore” besides that the Thai seashore in that film, Maya Bay, is now overrun with vacationers.
This seashore was good, a protected cove that half a dozen others had discovered and appeared to arrange a small group.
We managed to identify dolphins from the smooth white sand one morning, the one place we managed to see them. It appeared even the dolphins knew how enchanted this locations was.
This seashore known as Praia do Barranco or Barranco Seashore, close to the city of Sagres.
For extra concepts about issues to do on that highway journey, planning info, stunning images, and sensible maps that can assist you plan your travels, take a look at ZigZag On Earth’s eBook:
Excursions of Portugal
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Have you ever found any hidden seashores in Portugal? What Portugal seashores are your favourite? Share within the feedback!
Supply: Breaking Travel News