Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and blessed with favorable temperatures all year round, it is no wonder that Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
The Algarve area in the south of the country is famous for its fine stretches of sand and spectacular limestone formations; those on the western side of the country are also beautiful. In this region, Portugal reveals some wide beaches, perfect waves for surfing, and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
With dreamy landscapes, delicious food, warm and welcoming people, Portugal is the perfect country for a long road trip. So, after already talking about the 20 things to do in Lisbon, it is now time to mention the 7 most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
Some famous, others less known, but all equally worthy of being visited and enjoyed. We will reveal them one by one, starting from the south and going up to the North-West.
What I use every time I travel:
- To book hotels: Booking.com
- To book tours: GetYourGuide.com
To better understand where precisely these beaches are located, let’s take a look at the map of the seven most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
Map of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal
7 Most beautiful beaches in Portugal
1. Praia da Marinha | Best Beaches in Portugal Map
One of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Portugal, especially in the Algarve, is Praia de Marinha, a beach located near the town of Lagoa, just 10 minutes by car.
Marinha Beach is so unique that it is often included in the top of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Michelin Guide with the most beautiful beaches in Europe also added it to their top 10.
Its beauty is mainly due to the particular formations of golden limestone and the intense turquoise color of the water. These elements, together with the green vegetation, form a superb contrast.
Marinha is a perfect place for snorkeling because the water is clear and calm in the area, and the marine life is diverse.
There are also some caves around the beach. Some of them connect Marinha with other wild beaches; for most tourists, they are still secret. The easiest way to get to Praia da Marinha is by car or boat on an organized tour, and you’ll definitely find it marked on any Best Beaches in Portugal Map.
READ ALSO: One day trip to Pena Palace, the most visited palace in Portugal
Gorgeous Praia da Marinha
2. Praia de Benagil | Map of Best Beaches in Portugal
Probably the most famous beach in Portugal is Praia de Benagil. The cave in the form of a dome with a hole in the middle, which seems to be a gate to heaven, has become known throughout the world.
The light penetrates so pleasantly through that space, leaving the feeling of an imaginary territory, not a reality in the Algarve and accessible to the public.
Benagil Beach has quickly become one of the most photographed beaches in Portugal and a sort of Instagram star. In general, it can be found on all leaflets and brochures presenting the Algarve area, both online and in physical format.
The cave beach is only accessible by boat, opting for a tour, or you can also go kayaking in Benagil. The boat tour will also have a guide who will take you to the most impressive beaches and caves in Lagoa, explaining the history of each one, leisurely.
I have been on such a tour, and I highly recommend it, it’s a highlight you’ll spot on any Map of Best Beaches in Portugal.
Probably the most famous beach in Portugal is Praia de Benagil. The cave in the form of a dome with a hole in the middle, which seems to be a gate to heaven, has become known throughout the world.
⇒ Book your kayak experience here
Insane view of Praia do Benagil
3. Praia do Amado
Less known than the previous ones mentioned above, but at least as beautiful, is Praia do Amado. A beautiful wild beach, located south of the village of Carrapateira.
The reddish limestone, the wooden paths, and the vegetation here reminded me of the beaches in California. In fact, all the time spent on this beach reminded me of the beautiful stops on the famous highway next to the Pacific, the Pacific Coast Highway.
This is already a good enough reason to put Praia do Amado in my top of the 7 most beautiful beaches in Portugal. You’ll easily spot it on any detailed Portugal Beaches Map.
On this beach, many surfing schools run their courses, and sometimes competitions or all kinds of events take place.
4. Praia da Bordeira
As you can see from the pictures below, Praia da Bordeira is loved by surfers, and that’s because the waves here are excellent for that activity.
It is a real pleasure to watch the experienced surfers while they are fighting the waves in a fabulous spectacle of nature. You just have to sit on one of the imposing cliffs nearby and admire the activity of the people who do great on the surfboard.
Bordeira Beach is extremely wide, making it look more like a mini desert with dunes near the ocean.
The sand patch is so big that the beach never seems crowded and turns it into a perfect destination for those who want more privacy and are not looking for a beach covered with umbrellas, towels, and sunbeds. You’ll definitely find it marked on any Map of Best Beaches in Portugal.
5. Praia da Arrifana | Portugal Beaches Map
Number 5 in the top of the 7 most beautiful beaches in Portugal is Praia da Arrifana, a beach located in the north of the Algarve region. The huge beach, delimited by an equally imposing cliff, is located about 10 km from the town of Aljezur.
This one is also an ideal beach for surfers, like most in this area of Portugal. If you arrive at Praia da Arrifana, don’t miss the Brisamar restaurant, where you can try the delicious acai dessert. The one that I’ve had for the first time in Rio de Janeiro, Portugal.
6. Praia de Odeceixe Mar
The 6th of the 7 most beautiful beaches in Portugal is a unique beach, due to the union between a river and the ocean. A union that forms a patch of sand between them, called Praia de Odexeice.
The name of the river that flows into the Atlantic is Rio de Seixe. The Odexeice beach is also unique because of its position, right at the intersection between Algarve and Alentejo.
Although it is a rather isolated beach, Odeceixe is very nicely arranged and can offer you everything you need. Right next to the beach is a small settlement, where you can sit at a terrace, drink something cold, and admire the sunset and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll spot Praia de Odeceixe easily on any Map of Portugal Beaches, thanks to its scenic mix of river and sea.
7. Praia da Aroeira
Far beyond the other 6 mentioned in the top of the 7 most beautiful beaches in Portugal is Praia da Aroeiro. A beach that you should visit when you go to Sintra, on a day trip that involves the westernmost point of Europe, Cabo da Roca.
Praia da Aroeira is part of a group of beautiful beaches in this region, the most famous of which is Ursa. But Ursa beach has been discussed before. So, I preferred to draw attention to a beach that I haven’t seen talked about, but which is splendid as well.
Access to the beach is quite difficult and even dangerous in some places. You will need to hike on some steep paths. So, equip yourself properly if you want to tan here.
On the other hand, the view is fabulous and worth the effort. The images below are a good testimony. You’ll find it marked on most Best Beaches Portugal Map guides, though less known, it’s a true hidden gem.
When to visit Portugal?
Portugal enjoys almost perfect weather, with sunshine and warm temperatures all year round. The peak season is in July and August, but I’d actually recommend avoiding that time. Not just because it’s super hot, but also because it gets really crowded.
The best time to explore the country and, of course, the most beautiful Algarve beaches, is during spring (March to May) or in autumn (September to November).
How many days do you need to discover the most beautiful beaches in Portugal?
It’s hard to give a straight answer to that. Portugal is a big country, and half of it faces the Atlantic Ocean. So there are tons of amazing beaches you can explore.
But if you focus only on the Algarve beaches, then 5 days should be more than enough to cover the ones in this article, including a few gems around Lagos and Faro.
Tips for visiting the most beautiful beaches in Portugal
1. Skip July and August if you hate crowds
The most beautiful beaches in Portugal are dreamy, but in peak summer they turn into sardine cans. May, June, or September are way better. Still warm, fewer tourists, and easier to park your towel.
2. Rent a car and thank me later
If you want to explore beyond the obvious, just rent a car. You’ll get to places that don’t show up on the classic Portugal Beaches Map and you’ll be free to stop whenever something looks too pretty to pass by.
3. Don’t stop at the Instagram-famous spots
Yeah, Marinha and Benagil are stunning, but they’re not everything. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal are quiet, hidden, and way more rewarding. Trust your gut, not just your feed.
4. Wear proper shoes, not flip-flops from the corner shop
A lot of these beaches require mini hikes, rocky paths, or steep stairs. Cute flip-flops won’t help. Good sneakers will.
5. The wind is sneaky, the sun is deadly
Just because there’s a breeze doesn’t mean you won’t burn. Pack SPF 50 and use it like it’s your job. Especially if you plan on spending the whole day chasing the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.
