From north to south of the country, the Portuguese coast embraces the Atlantic for 850 km. A call for swimming! Small coves in long strips of sand, our selection of very quiet beaches.
Portugal’s coastline stretches for nearly 850 km along the Atlantic. On the menu, some of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Europe, with a wide choice, of course. Our selection to put your towel as far as possible from tourists.
Read alsoWhere to go to Portugal this summer? Our must-haves across the country
Portinho da Arrábida Beach
Fine white sand, ocean with all the shades of blue… But where are we? In the heart of the Serra da Arrábida, whose wild green tumbles down to the beach.
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By car : from Lisbon, take the Vasco De Gama bridge, then follow the A12 to Sétubal. Then take the N10 and CM1056 towards Arrabida. Please note: parking possibilities are limited, especially in summer.
In summer, access by car is prohibited. Several options are available to you: free shuttle between Portinho da Arrábida (EN 379-1) and Portinho da Arrábida beach. Free shuttle from Praia da Figuerinha with stops at Galapos, Galapinhos and Creiro beaches, in both directions (every 20 minutes). To access Figuerinha, coaches (723, 723A and 725) from Setúbal to Praia de Figuerinha.
Or sleep ? Casa Palmela Hotel
In a quinta dating from the 17th century in the heart of the Arrabida Natural Park, this five-star plays the chic refuges, meets the charm of yesterday and the comfort of today. Spacious rooms, neat atmosphere and swimming pool calling for the small bath before the big one.
Hôtel Casa Palmela, Quinta do Esteval, N10 km 33.5, 2900-725 Setúbal. Tel.: +351 265 249 650.
Where to eat ? D’Uportinho
The fork firmly planted in a grilled fish or a few fried foods, the gaze caught in the turquoise ocean, just below… A simple table which has the merit of having a terrace with an absolutely incredible location, 10 minutes by car from the Portinho da Arrábida beach.
D’Uportinho, Rua do Portinho da Arrábida, 2925-378. Tel.: + 351 21 808 4963.
Forte do Paço Beach (Viana do Castelo)
In the north of Portugal, wooded expanses give way to a coastline of coves, dunes and secret beaches. Near Viana do Castelo, Forte do Paço beach is one of the most beautiful in Minho. Presenting a wild relief dominated by the ruins of Fort do Paço, this small quiet beach is protected from the wind. North requires, the water is quite cool (count 16 ° in summer). Ideal for an energizing swim away from the crowds.
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From Viana de Castelo, it takes 25 minutes by car. Easy and signposted access, on-site parking.
Or sleep ? Casa Penedo da Saudade
A simple and comfortable guesthouse a 10 minute drive (or 40 minute walk) from Forte do Paço Beach. Swimming pool, nature and proximity to the ocean make you forget the decor which is not the strong point of this small stage.
Casa Penedo da Saudade, Caminho dos Cortiços 527, 4900-012 Afife. Tel.: +351 936 839 698.
Where to eat ? Restaurante Mariana
From this little tasca was born a good local restaurant. It is no coincidence that the writer Jorge Amado made it his canteen… A few years later, the decor has not changed and we still sit there to taste the delicious clams to Bulhao Pato (clams), with grilled fish and shrimps from Afife, sea bass the fashion of the house (the house specialty, a sea bream cooked in seaweed…). Rustic, yes, but delicious in equal measure.
Mariana Restaurant, Estr. Pedro Homem de Melo 42. Tel.: +351 258 981 327.
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Ursa Beach
Just over a kilometer from Cape of Roca, praia da Ursa (“beach of the Bear”) owes its name to one of the rock formations which dominate it and whose shape is reminiscent of that of the bear. The colors of the raw rock, contrasting with the celadon blue and the sand, just golden.
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The best pedestrian access is towards Praia da Ursa is located in Cabo da Roca, which is only 18 km from the center of Sintra, following the N247 towards Azóia. Once in Cabo da Roca, a short (but demanding) descent to the beach awaits you. Allow 25 minutes and plan on wearing good shoes.
Or sleep ? Convent of São Saturnino
A superb guest house, within the walls of a 13th century convent. The swimming pool, all in length, looks at the ocean. And all around the property, the unspoiled nature of the Serra de Sintra-Cascais, a privileged setting.
Convent of São Saturnino, Azóia, 2705-001 Sintra. Tel.: +351 21 928 3192.
Where to eat ? Bar do Fundo
In Praia da Grande, a nice beach restaurant. The grilled octopus is a classic here.
Bar do Fundo, Av. Alfredo Coelho, 2705-329 Colares. Tel.: +351 21 928 2092.
Praia do Tonel (Zambujeira do Mar)
Close to the fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar, this wild cove sheltered by the cliffs deserves all the superlatives. Crystal clear and sublime turquoise water, rugged, striking relief… A small paradise protected from the crowds, for a good reason: the descent is made by abseiling, using a rope. Opt for an early departure, which should guarantee you some peace until the end of the morning.
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Leaving Porto das Barcas towards Almograve, take municipal road 502 cutting west into the town of Daroieira, towards Herdade do Touril. Continue on the dirt road that goes west for 2 kilometers, until you reach the cliff. Be careful, the descent of this cliff presents a high level of difficulty. Bring good shoes, water and a departure outside the hottest hours.
Or sleep ? Herdade do Touril
The last address before… the beach. A tastefully restored 19th century farmhouse in the heart of the South West Alentejo Natural Park and the Vicentine Coast.
Herdade do Touril, 7630-734 Zambujeira do Mar. Tel.: +351 283 950 080.
Where to eat ? At Barca Tranquitanas
Change of style! In this typical restaurant, we serve a good “fish pasta», Barnacles just caught… And she has a few tables facing the ocean which alone justify lunch. Reservation required to avoid disappointment.
A Barca Tranquitanas, Entrance to the Barca, 7630-734, Tel.: +351 283 961 186.
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Terra Estreita Beach
Almost unknown to tourists, Praia da Terra Estreita is one of the quietest beaches in theAlgarve. In the heart of the Rio Formosa Natural Park, on the island of Tavira, it observes a special position: about 2 kilometers from Praia de Tavira and Praia do Barril, it appears between the Ria Formosa and the blue of the Atlantic. To avoid meeting anyone, walk 5-10 minutes when you reach the pontoon. Transparent water, fine sand: everything is there.
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Departing from the small fishing village of Santa Luzia, allow a 10-minute boat trip (2 € round trip).
Or sleep ? Casa Estrelita
Superb bed and breakfast 5 kilometers from Tavira and 30 kilometers from Faro airport. A white house covered with bougainvillea, a handful of rooms and a pleasant welcome in French. We wake up in a field of lemon trees, we take a sunbath, a swimming pool and delicious meals. Our favorite of the region.
Estrelita House, Monte Agudao – CX.P 491 A. 8800-509. Tel: +33 (0) 6 62 01 76 45 (mobile français).
Where to eat ? Gaivota A Capital
At the snack bar on the beach, prefer one of the restaurants in Santa Luzia, such as Tasca Gaivota, where they serve a “Fish Rice“(Rice with fish) memorable… facing the fishing boats.
Seagull A Capital, S, Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 42, Santa Luzia. Tel.: + 351 967 052 767.
Read alsoDiscovering the Algarve, the magnetic southern tip of Portugal
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