FollowPure Shores Lola Needs to See!
There’s something about the ocean that is a cure for the soul. I have to say the ocean and beach are my absolute favorites and with all the hubbub heard from my good friends about Portugal, it has quickly moved to the top of one of my “must” places to go STAT. Portugal’s coastline totals nearly 1,000 km, so there’s certainly plenty of it worthy of exploring. There are tiny coves only accessible by boat to vast stretches of pristine white sand, and everything in between – Portugal sounds like it has it all. From the windswept sands of the Costa Verde to the well-known tourist sports of the Algarve, the only problem for beach lovers might be choosing which ones to visit during their trip. So, from what I hear, these are some of our must-see seaside spots for travelers going to Portugal.
1. Alvor
People don’t like to tell others about Alvor – because they like to keep it a little secret. But given that this seven-kilometre strip of fine, golden sand is said to be one of the most spectacular in Portugal, I couldn’t leave it out. At the eastern end, you’ll find Praia dos Três Irmãos, a stunning collection of coves, rocky outcrops and caves ripe for exploring. If it gets too busy during the summer months, take a stroll along the recently built wooden boardwalks to reach the estuary side of the beach, usually only frequented by locals, where you can watch the daring feats of the kitesurfers who gather here. SOUNDS ACTION PACKED!
2. Sagres
For sheer drama, not much can beat a visit to Sagres. Here, it’s almost as if Mother Nature is showing off her might as waves pound the cliffs at the place once described by famous explorer Henry the Navigator as “the end of the world”. Breathtakingly unspoilt, Beliche Beach is a magnificent bay of soft, golden sand, sitting beneath towering cliffs. Nestled between Sagres point and Cape St Vincent, it is almost deserted out of season, and little frequented even in the height of summer, with only a handful of keen surfers and the occasional explorer are found appreciating its raw beauty. DRAMATIC, like a movie.
3. Costa Verde
Portugal’s green coast is renowned for its wild beaches, popular with windsurfers and surfers looking to catch the perfect wave. But, the Vila Praia de Ancora, protected from the formidable winds of the Atlantic by the Serra d’Arga hills to the north and the Monte de Santa Luzia to the south, offers calm waters for sun bathing. An unspoilt refuge from the troubles of the world, the Vila Praia de Ancora offers sheltered spots, stunning sugary-white sand and pristine clear water. You had me at sugary-white sand – HEAVENLY!
4. Praia do Meco
Meco Beach is quite popular with the Portuguse, so they say. There’s good surfing to be found but perhaps it’s a favorite for its ‘mecca’ of nude beach goers. Only 40 km south of Lisbon, Meco Beach is protected by high cliffs and has green mud which sun worshipers use for skin treatments. Meco Beach has many good restaurants along the beachfront keeping it a destination even past the season of the sun. SOUNDS RACY YET FUN!
5. Tavira
Reached by a pretty miniature train which takes you through dunes and marshes, the Praia do Barril is an atmospheric spot that pays homage to the tuna industry which once thrived here, with a collection of anchors which look like an outdoor art installation. There are two restaurants where the train drops you off, but walk a little way east or west and the crowds thin out, leaving just you and miles of clean, empty sand. SHHH…how lovely.
With special summer holiday deals and frequent flights into Faro and Lisbon, it’s easy to experience this beautiful country’s beach life. It truly is a beachgoers paradise. And, with hundreds to choose from, there’s certain to be one, or perhaps five, that are perfect for you. I am ready to pack by bags…how about you?
I’ve been to one, just need to go back and see a few more!
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Where is Nazaré ? The most typical beach in Portugal… Very nice to mix beach and walk arount this small city !
Costa de Lisboa is a joke, isn’t it?
I think putting Cascais and forgeting Costa da Caparica on the top 5 beaches to see in portugal is a crime. Cascais’ beaches are tiny and if you want to find a place to enjoy the beach without being constantly stepped on or sprayed with sand then cascais isn’t the place. Also, the combined length of beaches in the entire Lisbon Coast is aproximatly 6 kilometers (in a 30-40 km zone) while Costa da Caparica has a 30 km of beach length!!! It goes all the way from Trafaria (On the other side of the river, in front of Belém) to Lagoa de Albufeira! So, I think Costa da Caparica should, at least be in the top 3 😉
Thanks Hugo for your recommendation. I think Costa da Caparica should be on the list it sounds like!! I better give myself a good couple of weeks to spend in Portugal for the beaches alone. What time of year do you think is the very best for beach goers?
I totally agree with Hugo, and I would add Troia near Setubal, Aldeia do Meco, plus Costa Vicentina, with loads of amazing beaches, totally empty, paradise…if you don’t know those you can’t make a Portugal beach ranking. And if you are into mainstream then in Algarve, Praia da Marinha is just incredible and should be number 1 in any list 🙂 … more come to mind but better you go around and see for yourself 🙂
Thanks Paulo for adding to my list. I’m going to need A LOT of time in Portugal!! AND I’m sure I’m going to love it.
+1 with Paulo. If you have not visited Costa Vicentina, what the hell? My top five would be there!!!!!!(Castelejo, Odeceixe, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana, Carrapateira…… I think I have more or less been through all the coast especially the south but man, the Costa Vicentina can´t compare with anything else!!!!!!
How can you forget the beaches in Alentejo? (SW coast)
There you have the most amazing beaches in Portugal. Beaches at the bottom of huge cliffs. Some even have rivers that flow in to the ocean the the beach. I think you really should spend a one or two weeks exploring that area. You’ll be amazed…
(Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odeceixe, Arrifana, Carvalhal, Vale dos Homens, and so on…)
Hi Hugo. I have NO DOUBT that I’m going to be blown away by Portugal. I’ll probably want to move there after my visit. Thanks for adding to the list of places to see.
Hi Lola! Praia da Amoreira is near Vale dos Homens and also very nice.
Costa Verde looks quite heavenly indeed!
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From the north of Portugal do the south (Algarve) there are hundreds of beaches not so well known, but all them are a world of surprises ready to be discovered.
Personally i love the beaches on Costa Vicentina away from the crouds.
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Oh, Cascais! We remember well the beautiful beaches around Estoril, Sintra and Cascais from our Portugal visit several years ago. We loved this area more than the Algarve beaches (which, even though they get a lot of hype, were too crowded for our liking).
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When I visited Portugal, I walked along some amazing beaches in the Alentejo region: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/matthew-hirtes/portugals-south-central-alentejo_b_3386171.html. Now I have return to kick back on them. Thanks for reminding me.
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I may need to take you on a beach tour!!
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I’m glad that none of the truly terrific beaches have been mentioned in this article. I’m happy that most of Portugal is still a secret to most people and we should like to keep it that way!
Also, Costa de Lisboa?… ahahahha!
Stunning beaches, I want to go on a beach tour right now 🙂
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Lola – you present me with compelling arguements for my pre-Dublin trip in October! Can I pull off a week in Portugal…would be incredible! Time to start planning!
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My sister and I want to go to Portugal next year so perhaps we can help research all of these competing claims as to the best beaches. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it!
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Avoid the Algarve – get a flight to Porto…live and eat like a queen for half the cost and better quality! We can help 🙂
Sagres and Ilha de Tavira are really amazing beaches. But you should also explore places like Vila Nova de Milfontes, Porto Covo and Odeceixe. You will love it!
Great Article and great pictures – we have some properties right by the sea next to Beach Number 3 – Costa Verde ….the waters on some of the beaches are actually ‘Gold Flag’ as well as Blue Flag – apparently theres’s something to do with the iodine levels in the water which make them really healthy? Anyway I’ve got a surfing school booked for 2 months in Gelfa next to the picture of Beach ‘3’ – thanks again for the article
Fernando