8 Charming Beach Towns in Portugal (And Why You Should Visit)

Located in the Algarve, Carvoeiro is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Portugal. I’ve visited in both winter and summer and while they each offer completely different beach vibes, this seaside gem is postcard-perfect throughout the year. This coastal town was once a small, tiny fishing village but has become increasingly popular due to its laid-back ambiance compared to nearby Algarve hotspots.

Best Beaches: Bask in the sunshine at the family-friendly Praia do Carvoeiro or escape the crowds at Praia do Paraiso, then take a short drive to Praia da Marinha to enjoy snorkeling in its crystal clear waters. You’re never far from a gorgeous beach or a fresh seafood restaurant, and the 600-meter-long boardwalk offers an accessible clifftop walk that all ages can enjoy.

Don’t Miss: If you’re up for an adventure, head to the 100-year-old Farol de Alfanzina lighthouse or take a boat trip to the iconic Benagil caves for a look at a natural cave formed by waves. Serious hikers can check out the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail that connects Faro to Lagos and makes its way through Carovoeiro.

Just 18 miles from Lisbon and connected by bus and train services, Setubal is home to a string of gorgeously untouched beaches in Arrábida National Park. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beach towns in Portugal, where you can spend your days road-tripping along the coast through the mountains, wandering through the charming historic center, and stopping to fuel up on the city’s famous “choco frito” (fried cuttlefish).

Best Beaches: The closest beach to the city center is Albarquel Beach, while families flock to the kid-friendly coastline of Figueirinha Beach with its host of amenities. Galapinhos Beach is one of the best in the region with its crystal-clear waters, but beware that access is via a dirt path downhill. With its white sand and snorkel-friendly waters, Galapos Beach is a local favorite.

Don’t Miss: Setubal offers a great home base for exploring some of Portugal’s other top attractions by car, including the resort town of Sesimbra, the surf-friendly beaches of Costa da Caparica, and the lagoons at Lagoa de Albufeira.

Lagos is undeniably one of Portugal’s most coveted beach destinations—and it’s easy to see why. While it does draw crowds during the summer months, its postcard-perfect scenery makes it well worth a visit. I explored Lagos in the off-season and was rewarded with views of its dramatic coastline and iconic rock formations all to myself. Few places can rival the sheer beauty of this Algarve beach destination, where travelers come to enjoy lazy beach days and scenic boat trips.

Best Beaches: Praia de Dona Ana Beach is the ultimate Algarve beach destination with its wooden staircase that leads to incredible views of the golden cliffs and bright turquoise waters, while Meia Praia offers a large stretch of sand perfect for families. If you’re looking for convenience, Praia da Batata is an easily accessible option near the city center.

Don’t Miss: The towering cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden grottoes of Ponta da Piedade on a boat tour, kayak excursion, or from its scenic cliff-top paths.

A short 45-minute drive north of Lisbon, Ericeira is a hip coastal town renowned for its laid-back vibe and stunning seaside beauty. Designated as a World Surfing Reserve, it’s a paradise for surfers, with waves that draw enthusiasts from around the globe. Beyond the surf, Ericeira is a beautiful destination with its whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and clifftop views of the Atlantic Ocean. This once-quiet fishing village has transformed into a popular weekend destination while retaining its authentic Portuguese charm.

Best Beaches: From family-friendly beaches like Praia dos Pescadores to the smaller Praia do Norte just north, Ericeira boasts a diverse coastline right in the heart of town. For surfers, Ribeira d’Ilhas is Ericeira’s main surfing hotspot and one of the most famous breaks in Europe.

Don’t Miss: Dive into the local culture and take a surf lesson at one of Ericeira’s many schools, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Just a short drive away, you can marvel at the grandeur of Mafra National Palace, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece.

Peniche is a quaint beach town and one of my favorite excursions from Lisbon, only about a one-hour coastal drive north. Known for its consistent waves, it is a hotspot for surfers with a peninsula that juts out in the Atlantic Ocean. Sit back and admire the colorful boats bob in the harbor, watch fishermen bring in their catch of the day, or get out and explore iconic sites like the Cabo Carvoeiro lighthouse and Peniche fortress sitting amongst the picturesque cliffs. After a long day of soaking up the sunshine, stroll through the streets of the old town and stop for fresh seafood platters at one of the local restaurants.

Best Beaches: Relax on the long sandy coastline of Praia de Areia Branca, whose name translates to “White Sand Beach.” Just three miles away from Peniche, Praia do Baleal is a clean coastline perfect for both families and surfers. In the fall, Medão Beach attracts surfers from across the globe.

Don’t Miss: Take a scenic boat tour from Peniche to Berlenga Island, where you’ll discover a nature reserve with a small sandy beach for swimming and various hiking trails leading to impressive viewpoints. Most tours also include a visit to the caves at the UNESCO-listed archipelago and the 17th-century São João Baptista fort.

Best known for its recording-breaking waves, Nazaré impresses with its long, sandy beaches. Living in Porto, I’ve found myself visiting this beach town often, enjoying the early morning strolls along the beach-lined promenade and taking the funicular to the top to enjoy a birds-eye view of the coast. Just 90 minutes from Lisbon, Nazaré is celebrated as one of Portugal’s most picturesque fishing villages, where vibrant fishing boats dot the sandy shores and freshly caught fish are sun-dried in the traditional way.

Best Beaches: Nazaré offers two distinct beaches. The one-mile-long Praia da Nazaré is set in the city center, providing ample space to lay down your towel and soak up the sun. Meanwhile, Praia do Norte is the go-to spot for watching surfers tackle some of the world’s biggest waves.

Don’t Miss: When conditions are just right, don’t miss the chance to watch pro surfers being towed into Nazaré’s legendary waves by jet skis. It’s a spectacle of skill and adrenaline.

A short 30 to 40-minute drive or train ride from Lisbon, Cascais is a popular getaway in the Portuguese Riviera. An aristocratic vacation destination in the late 1800s, this coastal town appeals to luxury travelers, while day trippers often make the trek to enjoy its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and photogenic city center. When I visited, my favorite activity was walking along the scenic one-mile stretch of scenic promenade that connects Cascais to Estoril for a peaceful waterfront stroll. Estoril is also a popular nearby beach town, home to Europe’s largest casino. 

Best Beaches: Praia da Conceição and Praia da Duqesa are two favorites, offering an enticing mix of golden sands and calm waters, while Praia do Guinchois in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is ideal for windsurfing and offers dramatic coastal views. Praia da Rainha is one of the town’s most beautiful beaches but is often crowded in the summer months. 

Don’t Miss: Sintra is an obvious day trip option from Cascais, only 30 minutes away, while Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) is a nearby natural wonder with a dramatic cliffside formation.

Tavira is a picturesque destination with easy access to beautiful beaches, located in Portugal’s southern Algarve region near Faro. It has a charming setting with cobblestone streets that wind through leafy parks, past 11th-century castle ruins, and over the Old Bridge attributed to the Romans. Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy the beautiful display of flowerbeds and trees in Jardim do Coreto. Dating back to the 1890s, it’s the oldest garden in Tavira.

Best Beaches: Praia da Ilha de Tavira is one of the most photogenic beaches in the Algarve, with white sand, sun loungers, and umbrellas. You can also photograph the famous anchor display at Praia do Barril, a peaceful stretch of sand that’s family-friendly.

Don’t Miss: Take a day trip to Cacela Velha to experience the crystal-clear waters that have earned this small fishing village a reputation as one of Europe’s best beaches. Alternatively, opt for a nature tour of Ria Formosa for an up-close look at the lagoons, marshes, and salt pans.