5 Best Portugal Beach Towns for an Unforgettable Coastal Getaway
Portugal is one of the most unique and delightful countries in continental Europe. The country’s coastline captivates at first sight.
Portugal is an ideal destination for all beach lovers, combining the sun, natural beauty and incredible coastal towns. From the endless wide beaches of the Algarve to the Silver Coast, I’ve compiled a list of the best beach towns in Portugal for an unforgettable seaside vacation.
The 5 Best Beach Towns in Portugal
1. Cascais
If you are looking for beach towns near Lisbon, don’t miss Cascais. Cascais is the seaport and one of the most popular tourist destinations all year round.
It is a coastal gem, combining history, natural beauty, and a cosy atmosphere. As for the top beaches in the region, don’t miss Conceicao, one of the busiest and most visited places due to its proximity to Lisbon.
Praia da Rainha’s, protected from strong winds and waves, is an excellent idea for your first stop.
Praia da Ribeira, in the middle of Cascais’s coastline, is popular because of its sandy beach, which is perfect for the whole family.
Another popular option is the Guincho, which is picturesque at any time of the year. While exploring the region, you also shouldn’t miss Ursa beach, which is among Portugal’s most exquisite beaches.
Lisbon beach tours to Cascais easily be combined with a sightseeing tour, as there are some real must-see tourist attractions.
Don’t miss the Boca do Inferno, known as the ‘Devil’s Mouth,’ on a breathtaking cliff three kilometres west of the city.
Pro Tip: Rent a car and ride along the picturesque coastline to Guincho Beach, enjoying the breathtaking views and cool sea breezes as you explore Cascais.
2. Albufeira
The next one on our list of the best beach towns in Portugal is Albufeira.
In the high season, it’s popular among locals and tourists, especially British tourists.
Beautiful untouched beaches are combined with many cultural attractions and tonnes of great restaurants, meaning there’s really something for everyone.
It is almost guaranteed that the views that open from the coast will leave you speechless.
Even though there was only a tiny fishing village in the past, Albufeira is now one of the most popular beach resorts in Portugal, and the nightlife can get pretty crazy!
Albufeira is home to endless golden beaches and crystal clear waters. The coastline is divided into more than 20 small beaches!
You can opt for a quiet family holiday or something more active, as there are plenty of water activities available, including windsurfing, snorkelling, and diving.
The three main beaches in Albufeira are Peneco, Pescadores, and Inatel.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit Albufeira for the beach rest is from May to September.
3. Ericeira
The region of Ericeira, with its cosy, picturesque beaches, has been a fishing village for decades.
Nowadays, it is a popular seaside resort that offers an incredible number of family-friendly leisure activities and plenty of beautiful sandy beaches. In your free time, you can walk along the ancient city’s narrow streets and fall in love with it, feeling the salty wind in your hair.
Ericeira attracts many amateur surfers with its ideal beaches. In fact, the largest surfing centre in Europe is actually located here!
Ribeira de Ilhas Beach is the most famous beach where people practice surfing in Ericeira.
4. Sesimbra
The small town of Sesimbra is another incredible Portuguese beach town.
It has great infrastructure with many cafes and restaurants, and the beach is perfectly protected from the wind.
Even though the town itself is tiny and has long been a typical coastal fishing village, it has a rich history. Sesimbra received official county status in 1201, although there is evidence of the first settlement of people in these places as early as 3000 BC!
Today, Sesimbra continues to be one of the most attractive resorts for a beach holiday in Portugal, and because of its location near the capital, it is a convenient place for a short trip.
Pro Tip: Combine your beach tour with a hike to Sesimbra Castle for panoramic town views.
5. Nazare
The authentic fishing village of Nazare is Portugal’s most famous surfing destination, attracting surfers worldwide with the best waves.
It’s one of the best beach towns in Portugal if you want to stroll along the walls and experience the atmosphere of a coastal paradise.
The two primary beaches in Nazare worth seeing are Praia da Nazare, and Praia do Norte. The long, sandy Nazare Beach is conveniently located near seafood restaurants and gift shops.
Both residents and visitors will find Nazare ideal for swimming and water sports.
Try the dried fish sold at a market along the beach and in traditional fishing boats.
Go a little further on Praia do Norte to see a central meeting spot for surfers.
Travel Tip: Climb on the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo for the best views of Nazare waves.
Final Thoughts
The Portuguese coast offers many options for an unforgettable experience.
You can come here to enjoy the views, lie on the beach, and enjoy the sun in Sesimbra, or try surfing on the famous waves of Nazare.
Whether you want an active holiday or pure tranquillity, the places described above combine natural beauty and culture to make your trip to Portugal’s coastal cities a unique and unforgettable adventure.
About the author
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter, who visited 25+ countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure. Currently, she is a freelance writer at One Day Tours Portugal.
