The Best Beach Towns in Portugal

Looking for a seaside base in Portugal? The country’s beach towns range from whitewashed Algarve fishing villages and surf towns on the Atlantic to elegant resorts near Lisbon and island towns with golden sand. Here are the best beach towns in Portugal.

Quick answer: in the Algarve, choose Lagos, Carvoeiro, Tavira or Ferragudo. Near Lisbon, try Cascais, Ericeira or Sesimbra. On the wild west coast, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Aljezur. In the north, Nazaré and Costa Nova. For island sand, Porto Santo.

The Algarve

• Lagos: coves, boat trips and a lively old town. See where to stay in Lagos.
• Carvoeiro: a village wrapped around a cove. See Carvoeiro.
• Ferragudo: a pretty fishing village. See Ferragudo.
• Tavira: elegant, with island beaches. See where to stay in Tavira.
• Alvor: a huge beach and boardwalks. See Alvor.

Near Lisbon

• Cascais: chic, with town beaches and Guincho. See the best hotels in Cascais.
• Ericeira: a surf town. See where to stay in Ericeira.
• Sesimbra: a fishing town by the Arrábida coast. See Sesimbra.

The wild west coast

• Vila Nova de Milfontes and Aljezur: rivers, dunes and Atlantic beaches. See Costa Vicentina.
• Comporta: rice fields and endless sand. See Comporta.

The Silver Coast and north

• Nazaré: a classic beach town. See Nazaré.
• Costa Nova: striped houses and a long beach. See Costa Nova.
• Viana do Castelo: beaches and kitesurfing. See Viana do Castelo.

Islands

Porto Santo has a 9km golden beach. See Porto Santo.

More: the best beaches in Portugal and the best Algarve beaches.

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