Best beach towns to visit in Portugal: our top picks

From the Algarve’s dramatic cliffs and the Alentejo’s hidden coves to Lisbon’s reliable surf spots, Portugal’s beach towns make a brilliant base for a coastal break.

Whether you're travelling with kids, chasing waves, hunting great food, or looking for nightlife, there’s a seaside spot with your name on it.

Read on to discover the best beach towns to visit – and discover Portugal with Rough Guides while you’re at it.

What are the best beach towns to visit in Portugal?

Most of the best beach towns in Portugal will suit pretty much every type of traveler, but it’s worth being aware that different coastal regions and their respective beach towns offer their own distinct landscapes and vibes. Knowing the difference can help you plan smarter Portugal trips, no matter if you're chasing surf, seafood, or just a quiet spot to unwind.

While we present details on specific beach towns in Portugal below, here’s a broad-stroke overview of Portugal’s coastal regions to keep in mind when planning your Portugal itinerary. 

• Algarve (south): this awe-inspiring area is known for its warm waters, golden cliffs, sea caves, and lively resort towns.
• Alentejo Coast (southwest): think wild, unspoiled beaches and charming whitewashed villages.
• Lisbon Coast: a mix of cosmopolitan energy with easy access to surf beaches and historic fishing towns.
• Central Portugal (Silver Coast): this region offers rugged beauty, big waves, and a laid-back vibe.
• Northern Coast: head here for cooler waters, fewer crowds, and a blend of tradition and nature.

1. Lagos, the Algarve

Lagos is one of the Algarve’s crown jewels, and visiting this beautiful beach town is among the best things to do in the Algarve.

Known for its golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and sea caves, it’s home to some of Portugal’s most iconic coastal landscapes, including Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana and the dramatic Ponta da Piedade rock formations.

Beyond its beautiful beaches, which are among the best beaches in Portugal, Lagos is loaded with charming cobbled streets, cute cafes, 16th-century buildings and vibrant nightlife, with its stunning old town blending Moorish, maritime and modern Portuguese influences.

How to get to Lagos

From Faro Airport, Lagos is about 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train via Tunes. 

Buses and transfers are also easily available.

When to visit Lagos

The broad May to October period is best for beach weather in the Algarve, with July–August being the busiest peak-season period.

Meanwhile, June and September offer lovely sunshine with fewer crowds and cooler evenings.

Want more context on when to visit Portugal? Discover the best time to visit Portugal.

2. Cascais, Lisbon Coast

Located a mere 30 minutes from Lisbon, the chic seaside town of Cascais serves a satisfying mix of surf culture and sophisticated heritage.

Formerly a royal retreat, it’s a pretty place of sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades, and boutique shops, all against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

While beaches like Praia da Rainha and Praia da Conceição are perfect for swimming and sunbathing — ideal if you're visiting Portugal with kids — Guincho Beach is great for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Want to get more active? Cycle the scenic route to Boca do Inferno, followed by tucking into tasty seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

While here, definitely spend some time in the capital, focussing on the best things to do in Lisbon, if you’re looking to spend most of your time on the coast.

How to get to Cascais

From Lisbon, take a direct train from Cais do Sodré (40 minutes). Cascais is walkable and has good bike infrastructure.

When to visit Cascais

Offering warm sunny days, May to September is the best time to head here, with spring and early fall offering comfortable weather without the summer crowds.

3. Nazaré 

Famous for its record-breaking waves — some of the highest surfed in the world — Nazaré is among the best beach towns in Portugal for blending adventure and history with enjoying excellent local food.

While the Praia do Norte draws extreme surfers and spectators, the main beach, Praia da Nazaré, is perfect for families and sun-seekers.

Other Nazaré highlights include riding the funicular up to the clifftop district of Sítio, and enjoying the town’s the proud fishing tradition, as reflected in its seafood restaurants and traditional boats.

How to get to Nazaré 

Nazaré is located around 1.5–2 hours from Lisbon by car or bus. Buses depart regularly from Sete Rios or Campo Grande terminals.

Want wider transport context? Read up on getting around Portugal. 

When to visit Nazaré 

While June to September is best for beachgoers, surf fans should visit between October and March, when giant waves roll in.

4.  Tavira, Eastern Algarve

As beach towns in Portugal go, Tavira is one of the Algarve’s most elegant and peaceful spots.

Blending Moorish architecture, whitewashed houses and a laid-back charm, it’s scenically sited on the Gilão River, and rich in history with Roman bridges, ancient churches, and a quiet authenticity that sets it apart from more commercialized Algarve resorts.

To reach the beach, take a short ferry to Ilha de Tavira, a sandy island with dunes and calm water that’s ideal for swimming.

Meanwhile, nature-lovers, especially bird watchers, will want to head to the nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park.

How to get to Tavira 

Tavira is about 40 minutes from Faro Airport by car, or 1 hour by train. 

Ferries to the beach run frequently in summer from the town center, or nearby Quatro Águas dock.

When to visit Tavira

June and September offer perfect beach weather, with fewer tourist crowds than seen through July and August.

Not fixed on a summer vacation? Read our all-year guide to the Algarve.

5. Carvoeiro 

Tucked between dramatic limestone cliffs and golden-sand coves, the former quiet fishing village of Carvoeiro is now a relaxed resort town.

As such, it’s one of the best beach towns in Portugal for a low-key, scenic vacation, thanks to its bounty of whitewashed houses and winding streets.

The main beach, Praia do Carvoeiro, is right in the town center and ideal for swimming. It’s also the base from which to take boat tours to Benagil Cave.

Into scenic walks? Be sure to hike the Algar Seco Boardwalk —  a coastal trail that leads to secret sea caves and rock formations.

How to get to Carvoeiro

Located 45 minutes from Faro Airport by car, and buses run from Portimão and Lagoa.

When to visit Carvoeiro

The best time to visit Carvoeiro depends on what you most want to do. 

May to October is best for sun and sea, June and September are perfect for warm weather and fewer tourists, and spring is ideal for hiking the cliffs.

6.  Ericeira 

The only European destination included in the World Surfing Reserves, Ericeira is located 45 minutes northwest of Lisbon.

While beaches like Ribeira d’Ilhas, Foz do Lizandro and Praia dos Pescadores cater to all levels of surfers, non-surfers can enjoy scenic walks along the cliffs, fresh seafood and gelato in the old town. 

On balance, Ericeira’s vibe is youthful, bohemian, and effortlessly cool.

How to get to Ericeira

Buses run frequently from Lisbon’s Campo Grande terminal (about 1 hour), or drive via the A21 highway. 

Once you’re there, the town is walkable.

When to visit Ericeira

While the surf is good around the year, May to October offers the best overall weather. for a beach-oriented break.

7. Vila Nova de Milfontes, Alentejo Coast

Located within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Vila Nova de Milfontes presents Portuguese beach town life at its most rugged and unspoiled.

By which we mean wild beaches, natural beauty, and a slow-paced, authentic vibe, all set around the mouth of the Mira River.

On that subject, Praia da Franquia and Praia do Farol offer the chance to swim and chill where the river meets the sea, with Malhão and Aivados beaches boast broader windswept stretches of sand.

The town itself has a charming central square and plenty of local seafood restaurants.

Food lovers, take note, the Alentejo boasts some of the best restaurants in Portugal, and is a great place to gorge on Portuguese food.

How to get to Vila Nova de Milfontes 

Vila Nova de Milfontes is located about 2.5 hours from Lisbon by car. As public transport is limited, a car is recommended.

When to visit Vila Nova de Milfontes 

Spring is ideal for exploring the natural park without crowds, while June to September are best for beach weather.

8. Peniche 

Though this rugged peninsula town has become a surfing hotspot thanks to its year-round swells and international competitions at Supertubos Beach, there’s more to Peniche than surf.

It also boasts a working port, a fortress-turned-modern-museum, and easy access to Berlenga Island, a nature reserve that invites snorkeling, hiking, and sea cave exploration.

Meanwhile, beaches like Praia do Baleal and Praia da Consolação cater to families 

How to get to Peniche 

Peniche is just under 1.5 hours from Lisbon by car, and also served by regular bus services from Sete Rios station.

When to visit Peniche 

April to October is best for beach and water sports, with surf conditions best in spring and fall.

9. Aljezur, the Algarve

Set in the lush hills of the western Algarve, Aljezur offers an off-the-beaten-path mix of medieval charm and access to wild Atlantic beaches. 

This historic town is split by a river and overlooked by a 10th-century Moorish castle, with nearby beaches like Arrifana, Amoreira and Monte Clérigo serving great surf alongside views of dramatic cliffs and tranquil coves.

Aljezur is also part of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which makes it one of the best beach towns is Portugal for hikers and nature lovers.

Beloved by artists, with a fair few yoga retreats and organic cafés, Aljezur is also ideal if you’re looking to embrace sustainable tourism in the Algarve.

How to get to Aljezur

Aljezur is located 1.5–2 hours from Faro, and 3.5 hours from Lisbon by car. 

While buses run via Lagos, it’s tricky to explore fully without a car.

When to visit Aljezur 

May to October is best for beach weather, while September is good for quieter hiking conditions and surfing.

10. Figueira da Foz 

Popular with Portuguese holidaymakers, Figueira da Foz is home to one of the widest beaches in Europe. 

As such, it’s ideal for families, with an old-school resort vibe, thanks to a pretty promenade, casino, seafood restaurants and art nouveau architecture.

Activity is centred on Praia da Claridade, where beach bars, volleyball courts and surf schools are speckled in front of the dunes. 

To mix things up, note that Figueira da Foz is also a great base from which to visit Coimbra and the Mondego River Valley, and features in our run-down of Portugal itinerary ideas to explore the country if you’re looking to maximise your beach time. 

How to get to Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz is around two hours by train or car from Porto, and also accessible from Coimbra (1 hour). 

While here, consider spending some time in Porto after wising up on how many days you need in Porto, and taking inspiration from the best Porto beaches.

When to visit Figueira da Foz

June to early September is best for classic summer-season fun. 

11. Sesimbra 

Just south of Lisbon, Sesimbra boasts calm beaches, and is known for its excellent seafood, and proximity to the Arrábida Natural Park. 

While the sheltered Praia da California — framed by dramatic cliffs and forested hills — offers gentle waters for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, the town’s medieval castle serves panoramic views of the coast and red-roofed streets.

How to get to Sesimbra

Sesimbra is only 45 minutes from Lisbon by car, with a frequent bus service also running here from Lisbon.

When to visit Sesimbra 

May to September is ideal, with summer months offering the warmest water, with September especially recommended for hiking weather the Arrábida hills.

Fancy stopping in Lisbon during your vacation in one of the best beach towns in Portugal? Work out how many days you need in Lisbon, and discover the best area to stay in Lisbon for your tastes, needs and budget.

12. Porto Covo

Another Alentejo Coast gem, peaceful Porto Covo is tucked between rugged cliffs and golden beaches.

With whitewashed cottages, a charming town square, and quiet streets, it’s the perfect place for travelers seeking a slower-paced vacation.

Nearby, Praia dos Buizinhos and Praia do Espingardeiro deliver postcard-perfect cove scenery, while Ilha do Pessegueiro — a small island with a fortress ruin — adds intrigue.

How to get to Porto Covo

Porto Covo is located two hours south of Lisbon by car. Note that limited buses serve the village, so a car is recommended to fully explore the coastline.

When to visit Porto Covo

June to September is best for swimming and sunbathing, while the quieter spring and fall seasons invite serene hiking adventures — Porto Covo is a popular stop on the Rota Vicentina trail.

Love heading off the beaten track? Discover the best places to get off the tourist trail in Portugal.

13. Zambujeira do Mar 

Perched above a dramatic beach, the cliff-top village of Zambujeira do Mar offersone of Portugal’s most spectacular coastal settings — a wild stretch of golden sand framed by rock walls and tidal pools.

Part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, it’s famed for its raw beauty, surfable waves and sublime sunsets.

The town remains relatively undeveloped, with a bohemian charm beloved by backpackers, hikers and surfers.

How to get to Zambujeira do Mar

Zambujeira do Mar is around 2.5 hours by car from Lisbon and Faro. Limited buses are available via Odemira.

When to visit Zambujeira do Mar

Visit in July and August for warm water and a summer festival vibe, while May, June and September are great for those seeking more peace.

Need more convincing about choosing Portugal as your vacation destination? Discover more reasons to visit Portugal.

14. Matosinhos

Just a few kilometers from Porto, Matosinhos offers the best of both worlds. Namely, access to a fine city and the sea.

As such, this urban beach destination is ideal for those who want to balance a cultural trip to Porto with days stretched out on the sand. 

Talking of sand, Praia de Matosinhos is a broad, sandy beach ideal for surfing and having fun in the sun. It's also something of a culinary hotspot, with stacks of seafood restaurants clustered around the fishing port. 

How to get to Matosinhos

Good news! Matosinhos is reachable in 20–30 minutes by Metro (Line A) from Porto’s city center.

When to visit Matosinhos

Matosinhos is a year-round destination thanks to its proximity to Porto’s attractions, but June to September are best for the warmest weather and liveliest beach vibe.

Considering basing yourself in Porto? Read up on the best places to stay in Porto.

15. Vila do Conde 

Just north of Porto, pretty Vila do Conde is rich in heritage, and relaxed in pace, with an aqueduct, the Monastery of Santa Clara, and a traditional shipbuilding museum on hand to keep history buffs happy.

A favorite among Portuguese families and travelers looking to avoid over-tourism, Vila do Conde’s elegant town center boasts elegant squares, riverside cafés, with Praia Azul great for families and couples alike.

How to get to Vila do Conde

Vila do Conde is easily accessible from Porto by Metro (Line B) in about 45 minutes. 

When to visit Vila do Conde

Again, June to September are best for beach weather and lively outdoor dining, while spring and early fall are good for a mix of sightseeing and coastal walks in mild temperatures.

Ready to take a trip to Portugal? Before taking the plunge, wise up with our guide to how to plan a trip to Portugal, and our Portugal travel trips.

Not keen on planning? Contact our local Portugal travel experts — they can curate your perfect Portugal itinerary for any duration.

For a taste of what to expect, see our 5 days in Portugal itinerary if you're looking for a shorter break. 

Hoping to stay longer? See our suggested 7 days in Portugal itinerary, and 10 days in Portugal itinerary ideas.