Discover Portugal's Top 9 Beach Towns: A Coastal Paradise Awaits

With nearly 2000km of stunning coastline, Portugal offers countless beach options. We've curated a list of the best towns and villages that provide easy access to these beautiful shores. Here are the top 9 beach towns you must visit:

1. Nazaré

Best for the classic Portuguese summer beach experience
Nazaré boasts a 1.5km-long beach that attracts tens of thousands during summer. Experience the vibrant atmosphere with aged vendors selling seafood and traditional sunbathing tents. Activities: Climb to Sítio for breathtaking views and the famous big wave surfing. Eat at: Taberna d’Adélia for delicious local fish. Stay at: Hotel Ribamar with a charming retro vibe. Tip: Visit from October to March for epic waves.

A sun-filled afternoon on the beaches of Nazaré. Austin Bush/Lonely Planet

2. Peniche

Best for island-hopping
Peniche offers a charming historical center and is a gateway to the Berlinga Islands. Activities: Take a boat to Berlenga Grande for hiking and birdwatching. Eat at: Tasca do Joel for fresh fish and local delicacies. Stay at: Surfers Lodge Peniche close to the beach.

The coastal fishing town of Peniche offers access to the Berlinga Islands. Mazur Travel/Shutterstock

3. Porto Santo

Best for lounging in the sand
Part of the Madeiran Archipelago, Porto Santo features a 7.5km-long golden-sand beach. Activities: Enjoy the therapeutic sands and relax by the water. Eat at: Mercado Velho for local dishes. Stay at: Hotel Porto Santo & Spa for a funky vibe. Tip: Visit in the off-season for a quieter experience.

Porto Santo's sandy beaches are ideal. Russ Heinl/Shutterstock

4. Arrifana

Best for dramatic scenery
Nestled in Costa Vicentina, Arrifana offers stunning cliff views and great surfing spots. Activities: Explore nearby beaches like Praia da Bordeira. Eat at: O Paulo for grilled seafood with a view. Stay at: Beco da Liberdade Beach Houses for a unique experience.

Left: Beachgoers walk along the shore in Arrifana. Shutterstock

5. Ericeira

Best for an active beach stay
Just north of Lisbon, Ericeira is famous for surfing, kitesurfing, and more. Activities: Enjoy various water sports and land activities. Eat at: Snack-Bar Clube Naval da Ericeira for local grilled fish. Stay at: Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira for a beachfront experience. Tip: Kitesurfing season runs from May to October.

Ericeira is home to dramatic cliffs and luxurious beaches. Kerry Murray/Lonely Planet

6. Tavira

Best for a quiet side of the Algarve
Tavira offers access to less-visited beaches in the Algarve. Activities: Visit Ilha de Tavira for beautiful sandy shores. Eat at: Casa do Polvo for octopus specialties. Stay at: Pousada Convento Tavira in a historic convent.

Avoid the crowds in Algarve by opting for the small beach town, Tavira. Joo Adlio Moreira/Getty Images

7. Odeceixe

Best for a local-style beach escape
Every August, locals flock to Odeceixe for a beach getaway. Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding and surfing. Eat at: Näperõn for upscale dining. Stay at: Amaria for a chic experience.

Visitors lounge in the soft sand of Odeceixe. Shutterstock

8. Comporta

Best for a chic beach destination
Comporta is known as the “Hamptons of Portugal” with designer hotels and excellent beaches. Activities: Explore the Tróia Peninsula's beautiful beaches. Eat at: Canalha Comporta for gourmet dining. Stay at: Sublime Comporta for a luxurious experience.

One of the rare, yet wonderful beaches of the Azores. Alfred Velosa/Shutterstock

9. Almagreira, Santa Maria Island

Best for a remote beach
The Azores offer beautiful coastline, with Praia Formosa being an exception for white sand. Activities: Enjoy swimming and surfing at this family-friendly beach. Eat at: O Paquete for great sunset views. Stay at: Villa Natura for a cozy atmosphere. Tip: Visit during August for the Maré de Augusto festival.