Here are the Top 12 Best Beaches in Portugal, among which are the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast
1 – Praia da Amoreira, Algarve, Portugal
The beach of Praia da Amoreira is in a different part of the Algarve, within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park and at the mouth of the Aljezur River. The golden beaches follow one another, stretching into the distance, some of them framed by magnificent schist and limestone cliffs.
Portugal’s Vicentine Coast is where the preserved nature has a strong, wild character, creating landscapes of breathtaking majesty. Praia da Amoreira is a spacious beach that embraces a shallow lagoon at high tide. Inland from the lagoon, there is a relatively long and narrow marshland populated by otters and birds such as the kingfisher, the nightingale and the grey heron. The natural environment is comprised of pinewoods, with several species of wild orchids that can be seen in the clearings between February and April.
2 – Praia dos Galapinhos, Setúbal, Portugal
The beach of Praia dos Galapinhos is one of the many beaches of the Natural Park of Serra da Arrábida, on the peninsula of Setúbal where the clear waters and small bays that are worth exploring.
3 – Praia das Berlengas, Central Portugal
The Berlengas Islands are a Portuguese archipelago consisting of small Atlantic islands of 10 to 17 kms off the coast of Peniche, in Central Portugal. The beach of Praia das Berlengas is located in the Berlengas Nature Reserve, that is one of the best sites for diving and birdwatching in Portugal.
The Berlengas archipelago is the first protected area in Portugal and is a Nature Reserve recognized by UNESCO since 2011, with controlled access from May to October. The archipelago is comprised of 3 islets: Berlenga Grande, Estelas and Farilhões-Forcados. Berlenga Fort, the island’s main landmark seems to extend from the rocks of Berlengas to the ocean, while caves crisscross the entire island. It is a piece of paradise to discover with a visit to the Dream Cave (Cova do Sonho) and Furado Pequeno. With its crystalline waters and its white beach, visitors can rent kayaks, do some snorkeling or book a cave tour.
4 – Odeceixe beach, Algarve, Portugal
The sandy beach of Odeceixe is located between a river and the sea, within the nature park of Southwest Alentejo and the Vincentine coast. The secluded beach is located at the mouth of the Seixe River, that is great for swimming both in the river and in the sea, as well as for boat and canoeing excursions. At low tide, in the middle of the sand, some idyllic lagoons appear and are highly coveted by children.
5 – Mélides beach, Setúbal, Portugal
Mélides beach is a long stretch of golden sand that separates the sea and the Mélides lagoon. A 4km walk through pine trees and rice paddies gives access to the beach and the charming village, with its white houses and quiet streets that are well worth a visit. Mélides is also where Christian Louboutin has chosen to live and to buid two hotels, one of which being the Red hotel (Vermelho hotel), to remind of his iconic red-soled sandals, and the other being La Salvada.
6 - Pego Beach, Setúbal, Portugal
With its gentle sea, spacious stretch of sand and white dunes, Pego Beach is a picture of tranquility located south of Carvalhal Beach.
While the family-friendly beach is surrounded by wild nature, visitors can enjoy the local cuisine in any of the restaurants right on the sand. Pego Beach is renowned for its water quality and for its 40 kilometers of pristine silky sand, while the new trendy restaurant JNcQUOI offers a unique combination of exquisite gastronomy.
7 - Carvalhal Beach, Setúbal, Portugal
Carvalhal beach, located close to Comporta, is a vast sandy beach nestled between a calm sea and miles of dunes. The restaurants have some of the best rice dishes in Portugal, since they are surrounded by rice fields sharing space with bushes and pine trees.
The Carvalhal Beach Nature surf school adds lots of fun and a great holiday atmosphere. Restaurants like Sublime Beach Club, Sal, and 5 Sentidos combine rustic charm with renowned cuisine. On the main avenue of Carvalhal Village, visitors can enjoy shopping for luxury fashion brands at Fashion Clinic.
8 - Baleal Island, Central Portugal
Baleal Island is connected to Peniche on the mainland through an isthmus. Baleal beach is miles and miles of golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.
Located on Portugal’s Silver Coast, it is a surfing mecca with relaxed beach bars nestled in the sand dunes and overlooking the stunning sunsets that characterize this part of Portugal.
9 – Calheta beach, Porto Santo Island, Madeira archipelago
Porto Santo is also called the golden island in Portuguese "Ilha Dourada" because of its 7 miles of golden sandy beaches. With its calm waters warmed by the Gulf currents and its fine golden sand, Calheta beach on Porto Santo Island is the best on the archipelago. Located southwest of Porto Santo, the beach is an idyllic corner in Porto Santo, with its rock formations that give the beach a special mystique.
Calheta beach is protected by high cliffs and offers a peaceful and natural environment for swimming and sunbathing, while its small grottos add charm and adventure to the beach experience.
10 - Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Algarve
Nestled between the cliffs and the sea, Praia do Camilo has a small beach that can be accessed by a staircase that overlooks the stunning view with an impressive cut-out rock formation and caves carved by the sea. A boat tour allows visitors to walk inside the caves and to discover the small, deserted beaches embedded between the rocks.
11 - Carvoeiro beach, Algarve
Carvoeiro beach in the Algarve charms with its wooden fishing boats and the impressive Benagil caves that can be visited on a boat trip.
12 - Praia Dona Ana, Lagos, Algarve
Dona Ana beach in Lagos is unique with its sculpted golden caves, turquoise waters and white sand that can be enjoyed nearly all year round.
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