According to recent figures, Portugal’s tourism revenues grew 13.9 percent in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year. It’s easy to see why—with more than 1,600 kilometres of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal offers a variety of beaches to suit every taste. In a new report, International Living Australia points to five of the best beaches in Portugal.
Source:Â International Living Australia
#1 Praia Forte do Paço
You’ll have to pack a picnic lunch as there are no bars or restaurants, although you’ll find a kiosk selling cold beer, but a visit to Praia Forte do Paço is well worth it. Located an hour north of Porto, which has an international airport, this intimate beach is a near-kilometre long stretch of sandy coves with shallow inlets that are perfect for children.
#2 Praia de Palheiros do Zorro
Praia de Palheiros do Zorro translates to Beach of the Fox’s Haystacks. It also translates to a welcoming river beach near the bustling university town of Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal.
Leave your car in the carpark and head to the bar for a refreshing iced drink and a plate of traditional caracóis (snails), then take a dip in water so shallow it gives the impression of a large pool. Later, stretch out on the ample sandy expanse or under a shade tree. If you prefer your own fare, bring a cooler and make use of the barbecue area and picnic tables. The recreation area also offers a volleyball court on-site.
One advantage to visiting this particular beach is its proximity to all that Coimbra offers, from the Joanina Library at the University to the National Museum Machado de Castro, featuring an impressive collection of art and antiquities.
#3 Portinho de Arrábida
South of Coimbra, just 40 kilometres from Lisbon’s city centre and near the city of Setúbal, Serra de Arrábida Natural Park is considered a Portuguese paradise. Dazzling landscapes are home to rare animal species and you’ll discover fascinating caves as well as a 16th century abbey. But the sparkling jewel is the stretch of the area’s magnificent beaches, Portinho de Arrábida.
There are actually four principal beaches here, with crystal clear, turquoise waters: Praia da Figuerinha, Praia do Creiro, Praia da Galápos and Praia de Galapinhos.
The first two are the most easily accessible, with several carparks available to visitors. Or take a bus from the Alegro Shopping Centre in Setúbal directly to the beaches. If you don’t want to go all the way back to Setúbal to dine, grab a burger and a cold drink at O Zeca beach bar and restaurant on Estrada do Portinho do Arrábida.
Insider Tip: During summer—June to September—the road is closed between Figuerinha and Creiro beaches. But you can hop a bus that connects the beaches or take a leisurely walk of less than two miles from one to the other.
#4 Praia da Amália
Vicentine Coast Natural Park, termed the last wild coast in Europe, is located in the southwest tip of the country between the Alentejo and the Algarve. The region is dotted with Moorish ruins and its black and jagged cliffs, cascading freshwater falls and pristine beaches make it a nature seeker’s paradise. You can walk the Vicentine Route, a well-marked footpath from Setúbal, near Lisbon, all the way to Sagres, which is historically linked to the nautical school founded by Prince Henry the Navigator.
One hidden gem is Praia da Amália, near the village of Azenho do Mar in the concelho (county) of Odemira. This small beach—it virtually disappears at high tide—was named for the legendary fadista Amália Rodrigues, who both learned to swim and kept a holiday home here. Access requires a fair hike down to the water, so it’s really not for children. But if you are looking for unspoiled and private, this is it.
#5 Praia da Benagil
Meia Praia is the largest beach in Lagos, many say it’s the best in the Western Algarve, where sandstone cliffs give way to grassy banks bordering languorous stretches of golden sand. There’s a lot to support that designation, because of the beach’s bars, restaurants and marina.
But if you’re looking for stunning scenery, Praia da Benagil in Lagoa is the spot. Carved over millennia by rainwater and the crashing Atlantic surf, the coastal area near Benagil features a string of labyrinthine caves. Some are miniscule, some underwater, some darkened for lack of sun. But the most well-known, Benagil Sea Cave, is large and airy, with ethereal sunlight streaming through a photogenic circular skylight, eroded by the elements over time.
Access to the cave is available by boat, kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), which can be rented at a beach-side kiosk. Some swim the short distance, but it’s not recommended—or at least use great caution—as the seas can be very rough.
Something else to remember: from June through September the water is warm enough to swim in, but July and August are quite busy, so you may be standing in line for a while to rent a boat or board.
Finally, check local maritime listings and go at low tide for the best access and photo opportunities.
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