Right next to the Atlantic Ocean there is a sun kissed land with 1,794 km of stunning coastline, filled with amazing landscapes and secret beaches. From North to South, including the unforgettable beaches in the many islands of Madeira and Azores… The scenic sandy shores and rocky cliffs that you can see throughout Portugal are out of this world!

For all the beach-seekers out there, visiting our country is a must on your bucket list.

From south to north, these are some of the best locations:

• In Cacelha Velha, near Vila Real de Santo António, if the tide is low you can go on foot, but if the tide gets higher you have small boats to cross the “ria”, a small river that separates the village from the beach.
• For surfers, you can always travel to Sagres and visit Ponta Ruiva beach, but if you’re traveling with some friends or even family you can always choose Galé beach, in Albufeira.
  
  
• In Aljezur, Vale dos Homens, is ideal for someone who doesn’t like big crowds. This is because getting there is quite an exercise that includes taking a 200-steps staircase. Also in Aljezur, you can find Odeceixe beach, the place where the river meets the ocean.
  
  
• If you are in town for just a few days and staying in Lisbon, you can always go to Cascais and Guincho beach, but if you want to find clear water, then you should really go to Setúbal and discover the paradise beaches of Arrábida. They are postcard like!

• Nazaré beaches is the home of the big waves and of McNamara and other surfers, but it’s also a great place to spend some days with family or friends.

• Near Porto, you have Leça Beach, one of the most popular beaches in this area. There, besides the beach, you’ll find some natural pools (piscina das mares)- designed by Álvaro Siza – that are filled directly with the ocean’s water.

• Near the Spanish border, in Caminha, you can find Moledo Beach. If you’re lucky enough to get there when the tide is really low, you can visit Forte de Ínsua, located in a small island close to the beach. 

If the plan is to travel to see the islands, we also have great suggestions:

• In Madeira, you can find some beaches like Prainha, Laje or Ponta do Sol. If you’re more into natural beaches, then you need to visit Porto Moniz. Not far from the island of Madeira, you have another island, Porto Santo. You can catch a boat or a plane to get there and spend some days here. This island has a 9km beach. 

• The Azores archipelago is made up of 9 islands, all of which you can visit, so there’s a lot of places you can enjoy the sun and warm water. In São Miguel, Ribeira Quente is always a must-see. In Terceira, you have the natural pools in Biscoitos. In Faial, you have Porto Pim Beach, where you can’t miss the sunset, or Almoxarife Beach with a picturesque view of Pico. Lastly, in Flores, one of the smallest islands, you can go to Fajã Grande Beach and enjoy one of the many treasures that Azores has to offer.