The 10 most beautiful
beaches in Portugal.

Golden limestone cliffs carved by millennia of wind and sea into arches, caves, and pillars. Often named among the most beautiful beaches in Europe — and the starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

• Access: Steep stairs carved into the cliff. Not suitable for reduced mobility.
• Best time: Early morning or late afternoon — parking fills by 10:00 in summer.
• Nearby: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (~6 km coastal walk to Vale Centeanes).

A pocket-sized cove reached by a wooden staircase of roughly 200 steps cut into the cliff. Two turquoise coves linked by a short tunnel — one of the most photographed scenes in the Algarve.

• Access: ~200 wooden steps down (and back up). Solid, gentle gradient.
• Parking: Limited roadside parking at the top. Arrive before 10:00.
• Nearby: Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and clifftop walk.

Six kilometres of continuous sand backed by cliffs that shift in colour from pale beige to deep ochre and crimson — reaching up to 40 metres. One of the longest and most cinematic beaches in the Algarve.

• Length: ~6 km from Olhos de Água to Vilamoura.
• Good for: Long walks, paragliding, beach clubs at the Vilamoura end.
• Note: Exposed to wind — check conditions before planning activities.

A wild, preserved cove within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Rocky outcrops, sea caves, and natural arches frame a stretch of fine sand and deeply coloured Atlantic water. A favourite among photographers and nature lovers.

• Protected area: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and Natura 2000 network.
• Access: Road from Almoçageme ends at a small car park by the beach restaurant.
• Good for: Photography, sunset visits, low-tide cave exploration.

Home to the Algar de Benagil — a sea cave with a natural skylight and a small beach inside, carved by the Atlantic over millions of years. One of the most iconic natural formations in Portugal.

• Important: Since 2023, local authorities no longer permit landing on the interior beach by kayak or SUP — only viewing from boats or kayaks nearby.
• Best time: Early morning. Boat tours fill by mid-morning in summer.
• Note: Sea conditions can change quickly — always check before booking.

A wild, windswept beach on the edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The summer nortada wind makes it one of Europe's most consistent spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing — and the backdrop for international competitions.

• Good for: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding. Not ideal for calm swimming.
• Note: Strong swell and currents. Bring a windbreaker even in summer.
• Nearby: Cabo da Roca (mainland Europe's westernmost point) is 15 minutes by car.

Where the Seixe river meets the Atlantic. On one side, open ocean waves; on the other, a calm river lagoon ideal for families. The beach sits right on the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo.

• Unique: Two swimming options — ocean or river, depending on conditions.
• At low tide: Small lagoons form on the sand — ideal for children.
• Good for: Families, walkers on the Rota Vicentina, photographers.

One of the most consistent surf beaches on the Vicentine Coast. Year-round swells, reliable waves for all levels, and surf schools on the beach. Part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

• Good for: Surfing, bodyboarding, surf lessons. Consistent waves even in winter.
• Facilities: Surf schools, board rental, beach bar.
• Nearby: Praia da Bordeira and Carrapateira — another classic of the Vicentine Coast.

One of seven world-class breaks within the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve — the first in Europe and the second in the world, designated in October 2011. A sheltered bay with reliable waves, good infrastructure, and seafood nearby.

• Reserve: Part of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, established 2011.
• Good for: Surfing, bodyboarding, coastal walks along the cliffs.
• Nearby: Ribeira d'Ilhas and Coxos — two more breaks within the reserve.

One of the only white-sand beaches in the Azores — a rarity in an archipelago dominated by black volcanic sand. Located on the island of Santa Maria, with clear, shallow water and a calm, remote atmosphere.

• Unique: White sand derived from the erosion of carbonate rocks — not volcanic origin.
• Island: Santa Maria, eastern group of the Azores.
• Good for: Swimming, families, summer music events.