The Best Beaches in Portugal (2026)

Portugal has over 800km of Atlantic coastline, and in 2026 almost 400 of its beaches earned a Blue Flag for clean water and facilities. From the golden cliffs of the Algarve to wild surf beaches, river beaches and island sands, here are the best beaches in Portugal, region by region, with the 2026 updates you need to know.

Quick answer: the stars are Praia da Marinha and Falésia in the Algarve, Odeceixe and Arrifana on the wild west coast, Galapinhos in Arrábida, Comporta’s empty sands, Adraga near Sintra, São Martinho do Porto’s shell-shaped bay, and Porto Santo’s 9km of golden sand off Madeira. Note: Praia do Camilo’s stairs are closed in 2026.

The Algarve

• Praia da Marinha: sea stacks, arches and golden cliffs; often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Arrive early, as the access road closes when the car park fills.
• Praia da Falésia: kilometres of sand under red and white cliffs.
• Praia Dona Ana (Lagos): a postcard cove with rock stacks. (Nearby Praia do Camilo’s wooden stairs have been closed since storm damage.)
• Benagil: famous for its sea cave, seen only from licensed boats or guided kayaks. See Benagil Cave.
• Ilha Deserta and Praia do Barril: island beaches in the Ria Formosa, reached by ferry or footbridge.

More: the best Algarve beaches and the Algarve’s best photo spots.

The wild west coast

• Odeceixe: where a river loops into the sea, with calm water on one side and waves on the other.
• Arrifana: a curved surf bay under high cliffs with a ruined fort on top.
• Praia do Amado and Bordeira: big surf beaches backed by dunes.

See Costa Vicentina.

Near Lisbon

• Galapinhos (Arrábida): white sand and turquoise water under green hills, once voted Europe’s best beach. Cars are restricted in summer; use the shuttle.
• Comporta: endless, empty beaches and a chic, barefoot vibe. See Comporta.
• Praia da Adraga (Sintra): a dramatic cove with rock arches and a great fish restaurant.
• Carcavelos and Cascais: easy by train. See the best beaches near Lisbon.

The Silver Coast and the north

• São Martinho do Porto: an almost perfectly round bay with calm water, ideal for families.
• Nazaré: a huge town beach, with a wheelchair-accessible path, and the giant waves of Praia do Norte in winter.
• Costa Nova: striped beach houses and a long Atlantic beach near Aveiro.
• The Minho beaches near Viana do Castelo, cooler and greener.

See the Silver Coast and Aveiro.

The islands

• Porto Santo (Madeira): 9km of golden sand and calm, warm water. A short flight or ferry from Madeira.
• Calheta (Madeira): a sheltered golden beach.
• The Azores: black sand beaches and natural lava pools. See São Miguel.

River beaches

Inland, Portugal has dozens of praias fluviais (river beaches), many with Blue Flags, from the Alqueva lake to the mountain rivers of the centre and north. Perfect on hot summer days. See Monsaraz and Alqueva.

Beach safety in 2026

• Cliffs: Algarve and west coast cliffs collapse regularly. Never sit directly beneath them, and respect barriers. Some beaches (like Praia da Calada near Mafra) are closed for safety this year.
• Swim at lifeguarded beaches (usually June to mid-September) and respect the flags.
• The Atlantic is cold: about 17–19°C on the west coast in summer and 21–23°C in the Algarve.

More: surfing in Portugal and the best time to visit Portugal.

From our sister blog: The 7 most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, with map on Sunset Travellers.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.