Portugal is one of our absolute favorite countries. We feel more at home in hardly any other country than in this one. Even on our first trip together in 2015, we knew immediately that we would come back. We have now been to Portugal six times, done several tours, and discovered some of the most beautiful corners of the country. Today we would like to introduce you to the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Whether they really are the most beautiful beaches is, of course, in the eye of the beholder. But the following 10 beaches have at least burned themselves into our hearts. Enjoy browsing!
- The most beautiful beaches in Portugal
- 1. Praia do Camilo
- 2. Praia do Bordeira
- 3. Praia de Monte Clérigo
- 4. Praia de Odeceixe Mar
- 5. Praia da Arrifana
- 6. Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas
- 7. Praia de Dunas
- 8. Praia da Ursa
- 9. Praia da Amoreira
- 10. Praia Galapinhos
- Book accommodation in Portugal
- Book a rental car
- Visual Vibes Portugal | Video
The most beautiful beaches in Portugal
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1. Praia do Camilo
What a beach! Praia do Camilo is located in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal and is a real eye-catcher. The beach is located on the coast of Lagos, between the two beaches of Praia De Dona Ana and Praia dos Pinheiros. Here, on the rugged, rocky coast, lies the small sandy beach, which you can reach via a staircase of almost 200 steps. But before you go down, you should first enjoy the incredibly beautiful view from above.
From the city center of Lagos, it only takes about 7 minutes by car (3 kilometers) or about 20-25 minutes on foot. Not far from Praia do Camilo lies the Ponta da Piedade headland with its impressive rock formations and bizarre cliffs. This area is probably one of the most photographed corners of the Algarve.
- Book a guided cave tour by kayak near Lagos*
- Book a boat tour to the Benagil Cave*
- Book a boat tour to the Ponta da Piedade*
- Book a kayak tour through the Benagil Cave*
2. Praia do Bordeira
We discovered Praia do Bordeira by chance during our Portugal tour by camper. Here in the western Algarve, quite secluded and far from the hustle and bustle, you’ll find a truly dream beach. For us, it’s definitely one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Sand dunes as far as the eye can see, waves crashing onto the beach, and a lagoon stretching out behind the dunes. Often, there’s not a soul here, especially if you’re there during the off-season. From the wooden walkway and the stairs, you have a fantastic view of the beach and the Atlantic.
The beach is about 2.5 kilometers from Carrapateira. Coming from the south, follow the EN 120 towards Aljezur. There are no restrooms, restaurants, or shops directly on the beach. Only a wooden hut on the beach is open during the season and provides drinks and some snacks. We camped in the parking lot in front of the dunes several times. This is tolerated there, but is only recommended off-season, as the site gets really crowded in summer.
3. Praia de Monte Clérigo
We love the town of Monte Clérigo! This charming town is also located in the western Algarve. It’s only a 10-minute drive to Aljezur along a well-maintained dirt road. In Monte Clérigo, there are a few colorful houses, bars, and restaurants, as well as a parking lot, toilets, and showers. From the cliffs above the town, you can look out over the sea and the beach—simply stunning. If you go swimming in the sea, don’t underestimate the ocean currents, though.
4. Praia de Odeceixe Mar
About 18 kilometers north of Aljezur is the Praia de Odeceixe Mar. The beach resembles a giant dune, as this headland is completely covered in sand. Odeceixe’s Ribeira de Seixe River ends here, where you can go boating or canoeing. So you have the choice between river and sea.
At low tide, small “lakes” form on the sandy beach, which are especially popular with children. You’ll also find several apartments, restaurants, and bars in the region. The beach is also very popular with surfers. Behind the parking lot, a small path leads up the cliffs. From the top, you have a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and the cliffs.
5. Praia da Arrifana
We continue along the western Algarve. Praia da Arrifana is located 10 kilometers from Aljezur. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs, into which the houses blend harmoniously down to the sea. You’ll see many surfers and surf schools on the beach, as the conditions here are good year-round, especially for beginners. You can also spend a truly relaxing day at the beach and swimming here. Arrifana also has restaurants, hostels, guesthouses, a few small shops, and bars.
6. Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas
Now we’ll leave the Algarve for a moment and drive to Ericeira. This town is about an hour’s drive from Lisbon and is particularly captivating due to its cozy atmosphere. The old town is home to numerous surf shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars. We’ve spent many wonderful days here. Leaving town heading north, you’ll reach Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas after 3.5 kilometers.
The beach is considered one of the best surfing and bodyboarding spots in all of Europe. There’s a bar and a surf school on the beach. Here you can enjoy a drink and watch the waves. From the cliffs above the beach (Miradouro Ribeira d’Ilhas viewpoint), you have fantastic views of the sea and the beach. A wooden staircase leads down. You can book your surfing lesson here*.
7. Praia de Dunas
We love the beaches around Peniche. Here you’ll also find great surfing conditions year-round. If the waves at one beach aren’t particularly high or strong, you might find another with great conditions around the next bend. We especially like Bocaxica Beach (part of Praia de Dunas Beach). It’s wide, endlessly long, and provides you with wonderful beach days in the summer. In Peniche, you’ll find countless surf shops, surf schools, restaurants, shops, bars, cafés, and accommodations.
8. Praia da Ursa
Want to experience a secluded beach in a unique setting? Then head to Praia da Ursa. This beach is located just a few kilometers from the westernmost point, “Cabo da Roca.” Once in Sintra, follow the signs to Cabo da Roca. Shortly before the town, a small dirt road branches off to the right. There you’ll also see a sign reading “Praia da Ursa.” The path to the beach is a bit more challenging; you have to climb steeply downhill for about 20 minutes from the end of the dirt road. But believe us, it’s worth it!
9. Praia da Amoreira
Right next to Monte Clérigo Beach is Praia da Amoreira. The beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the entire country! It is located at the end of a valley through which the Ribeira de Aljezur River winds its way towards the sea. The scenery is breathtaking: the light sand, the dark rocks, the blue water. Simply WOW! Directly behind the beach, the sand piles up into meter-high dunes.
10. Praia Galapinhos
If you’re traveling around Lisbon, you should take a detour towards the Setúbal Peninsula. Here, you’ll find numerous beaches that are part of the Arrábida Natural Park. Fine sand, crystal-clear water, and a beautiful mountain panorama await you in the background. Praia Galapinhos is one of the most beautiful in the entire country and is uncrowded even in peak season. The green and blue water and the green cliffs are particularly beautiful. From Lisbon, you can take the N10 directly to the beach.
Booking accommodation in Portugal
In Portugal, you’ll find a huge selection of accommodations. You can book a simple bed in a hostel room for just a few euros or your own vacation apartment on the beach. We usually use Booking.com* and Airbnb for this. There are also many great hotels spread throughout Portugal that are definitely worth a visit.
Booking a rental car
Portugal is ideal for a road trip. Whether you’re traveling with a camper or a small car, it’s simply fun to explore this country on your own. At billiger-mietwagen.de*, you can book a car for around €215 for 14 days, including all essential services. Make sure you select “no excess” and the fuel policy “full/full.”
Visual Vibes Portugal | Video
