16 Best Beach Towns to Visit in Portugal, According to Locals

“Portugal’s shoreline is a journey of timeless magnificence and soulful discovery. Every city alongside the shore tells a narrative, not simply by means of its landscapes, however by means of its traditions, its folks, and the distinct rhythm of life that defines it.”

Helder Martins, the final supervisor of Pine Cliffs Resort within the Algarve, is definitely appropriate. 

4 years in the past, I packed up my life in Los Angeles and relocated to Portugal to pursue my Ph.D. I did not understand how lengthy I might keep, however the very first weekend I moved, my husband and I made our solution to the coast to take a dip within the ocean and chill out after an extended flight. One peek on the towering cliffs, one contact of the nice and cozy sand, and one afternoon staring far into the horizon, I knew that this was house eternally. 

From north to south, Portugal’s shoreline is a patchwork of picture-perfect fishing villages, surf cities, and sun-soaked seaside enclaves, every with its personal rhythm and appeal. Some are fairly cosmopolitan; others are distinctly old-world. “What makes these cities particular is not only their magnificence; it’s their soul,” Martins added. “They provide not only a vacation spot, however a long-lasting reminiscence.”

Able to dive in and make reminiscences all your individual? Listed below are a number of the high coastal cities in Portugal, in accordance with locals. 

Cascais

“Having grown up in Cascais, it naturally holds a deep emotional resonance for me,” Duarte Gonçalves Cunha, the final supervisor of Octant Praia Verde, shared. “It’s the place I shaped my earliest reminiscences of the ocean, and the place my enduring relationship with the Portuguese coast started.”

Cascais, a couple of 30-minute drive from Lisbon, provides the perfect mix of sea breezes and a touch of metropolis life. The golden seashores are lined with seafood eating places you will need to go to time and again. “Cascais is a sublime coastal city with a cosmopolitan rhythm and a wealthy maritime legacy,” Cunha added. “Its proximity to Lisbon makes it vibrant and accessible, but its pure magnificence provides a continuing sense of escape.” 

“Cascais for browsing is nice. Near each south and west-facing seashores, so you’ll be able to surf nearly every single day,” Lucas Adee, a surfboard shaper who lives on the town and whose boards are perfect for the waves right here, added. “When it is small, head out to Guincho or enterprise simply north to the seashores of Sintra. And when it is huge, you’ll be able to surf all of the waves from Cascais to Lisbon.  The most effective half is that almost all, if not all, are alongside the practice stops.” 

After a surf, keep just a few nights within the Pestana Cidadela Cascais, an artwork lodge surrounded by galleries and studios which can be positive to encourage. 

Ericeira

Able to paddle out with a few of Portugal’s coolest surfers? Then Ericeira is the city for you. “Ericeira is such a cool little city,” Lorena Carrillo Perez, Lisbon tour supervisor for Walks and Devour Tours, mentioned. “It is referred to as the surf capital of Portugal, and you may really feel that power all over the place. Even should you’re not a surfer, it is an excellent place to hang around, eat nicely, and watch the waves.”

The city is extra than simply nice waves. It is also house to cobblestone streets and tiled façades, with loads of lovable outlets and cafes to pop out and in of all day lengthy. Anticipate chilly beers, scrumptious seafood, limitless waves, and an excellent crowd. Vacationers can even discover an upscale keep at Immerso, a wellness-focused lodge the place there is no scarcity of views and yoga courses to attempt. 

Sagres

Sagres, situated on the southern tip of the Algarve, is one other out of doors lovers’ heaven. “Sagres is a mecca for surfers, hikers, and people looking for an unspoiled, laid-back vibe,” Chitra Stern, the CEO of Martinhal, shared. “Residence to some gorgeous seashores, together with family-favorite Martinhal Seashore.”

The city is unfussy, with a “welcoming, low-key atmosphere,” Stern added. “Try Three Little Birds for craft beers and burgers or The Laundry Lounge, which provides yoga courses on the terrace, and an opportunity to compensate for your garments washing while having fun with recent, seasonal dishes and artistic cocktails.” Naturally, the Martinhal Sagres makes for the right house base when you’re right here. 

Burgau

About half-hour east of Sagres, vacationers can discover much more peace and solitude within the quiet coastal village of Burgau. In accordance with Stern, it is “a picturesque fishing village with cobbled lanes and whitewashed homes providing a beautiful mix of authenticity and low-key tourism.” Pop in for a pizza and sundown views at Corso, which sits excessive above the seaside, for a incredible finish to your day. The city could be very small, so resorts are missing, however there is no scarcity of fantastic short-term leases, together with this beautiful one-bedroom condo with breathtaking ocean views. 

Carrapateira

For these craving wild terrain, Carrapateira delivers. This, Stern says, is a “laid-back bohemian surf village surrounded by huge dunes and cliffs.” There is not a lot happening right here, and that is actually the purpose. You’ll be able to surf Praia do Amado, one in all Portugal’s most celebrated seashores, and you may undoubtedly discover loads of house to your blanket and umbrella on the expansive Praia da Bordeira. Simply be certain that to place away your telephone and pull out a superb e-book, as a result of this place is tailored for unplugging. Talking of stress-free, for individuals who plan to remain in a single day, there’s nowhere higher suited than Hortas do Rio, a classy boutique stick with loads of non-public nooks for a quiet second. 

Odeceixe

Positioned alongside the northern fringe of the Algarve is the village of Odeceixe, “one in all Portugal’s most picturesque cities, perched above a winding river valley,” in accordance with Stern. It is one other spot with the perfect mixture of expansive seaside entry paired with an lovable city crammed with outlets and eating places. Stern advisable Altinho Restaurant for vegetarian-friendly dishes and sundown views or Agapito for informal, wood-fired pizza. Nonetheless, I might be remiss to not point out one in all my private favorites within the area, Näperoñ, a restaurant acknowledged by the Michelin information that gives seven and nine-course tasting menus that can depart you begging for extra. The most effective half? You can too keep the evening on the connected Casas do Moinho, which is equally as thrilling because the meals. 

Tavira

“Tavira is a historic fishing village on the sting of the Ria Formosa, the place many fishermen nonetheless reside and work,” Emma Campus, co-owner of Austa, situated in close by Fuseta, shared. The city, situated just some miles from the Spanish border, can also be jam-packed with winding cobblestone streets and lovely tiled houses, together with loads of spots to get pleasure from a motorcycle trip. In accordance with Campus, vacationers ought to begin their day at Xisto, a glossy new bakery on the town, stroll, seize lunch, after which head for the islands. “After a streetside lunch at Casa Corvo subsequent to the fish market, we catch a small boat previous the oyster beds to the islands, the place empty sandbanks stretch for miles,” she says.

And do not miss out on completely happy hour. “No journey right here is full with no cease for native craft beer at Nano Brewery or some lovely Portuguese pure wines at Wild Factor in Cabanas.” Then, spend the evening at Vila Galé, situated within the middle of city, for simple entry to all the things. 

Olhão

Simply down the block, vacationers can discover one other coastal city, Olhão, which needs to be in its personal time zone, as right here, everybody lives at their very own tempo. Though there’s one time you’ll be able to count on to see everybody gathered collectively, and that is on Saturday mornings for the weekly market, Pleasure Jung from Vila Joya shared. Right here, you could find classic clothes, loads of native produce, recent fish, and extra second-hand house items you can dream of. Whereas the market is a should, Jung famous that it is “beautiful to scroll round city when the solar goes down.” She added that should you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to snag a rooftop terrace seat someplace because it’s “heaven on Earth watching the tide and the boats coming in and going out, listening to the sounds of the seagulls.” Keep at Real Marina, which has its chaise loungers arrange dealing with the ocean so you’ll be able to so you will get that view and extra. 

Aljezur

Discover just a little extra barefoot luxurious in Aljezur, a hip city filled with surfers, expats, and locals alike. “We head to Aljezur once we need to escape and revive our power after lengthy weeks working on the restaurant,” David Campus, co-owner of Austa, added.

It is a hub for agriculture (together with a number of the finest candy potatoes I’ve had, and it is also near a number of wonderful seashores for browsing. “We’ll meet native surfer and pure winemaker Filipo of Atlas Land for a tasting of his latest harvest,” David mentioned, “earlier than tucking into dinner at Eira do Mel or Pisco in close by Vila do Bispo.” Want a incredible espresso? Head proper over to Koyo Specialty Coffee, the place you will not solely discover an excellent cup but additionally all the good locals on the town hanging out on the again patio. Guide an evening right here at Monte do Sol, a rural retreat that can allow you to connect with the world’s landscapes on a deeper degree. 

Setúbal

Only a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, Setúbal is a superb spot for seafood lovers. Gail Curley, co-owner of Palacio Príncipe Real, shared, “Setúbal is a working fishing port famed—amongst different issues—for its oysters.” 

Mercado do Livramento is the star of the present right here, the place you’ll be able to watch fishermen haul within the catch of the day and choose up just a few issues to convey house to cook dinner with you. However that is not all. Curley famous the shoreline of Arrábida Pure Park is simply a 15-minute boat trip away, so go forward and hire a ship—the water right here is gin-clear, making it superb for a summer season or early fall swim. You could even get fortunate and spot just a few of the resident dolphins swimming offshore. Then, verify into the Casa Palmela, an 18th-century house-turned-luxury lodge, for the right getaway. 

Comporta

Sometimes called the “Hamptons of Lisbon,” Comporta is thought for high-end dwelling. “Comporta is all about understated luxurious,” Cunha mentioned. “It’s the place simplicity is elevated to an artwork kind—limitless rice fields, thatched cabanas, and a bohemian ambiance.”

Ashley Les, a luxurious journey advisor at Global Travel Collection, added that Comporta can also be house to  “superb procuring and eating places, plus one of many longest stretches of seaside in Europe.” Test into spots just like the Sublime and Quinta da Comporta to spherical out the top-of-the-line expertise. 

Zambujeira do Mar

Keep in mind that little city I went to for my first weekend? It is right here. Zambujeira do Mar delivers pure drama, tranquil peace, and a neighborhood of the kindest folks, not simply in Portugal, however anyplace on Earth, in my humble opinion. Test into Craveiral Farmhouse, a incredible lodge that has a working backyard, a scrumptious restaurant, and even just a few horses. Need one thing all to your self? You’ll be able to all the time verify into my home, Nowhere, which sits simply up the highway, amid old-growth cork and pine bushes, only a brief bike trip from the seaside.

Vila do Conde

The south does not maintain a monopoly on nice coastal cities. Simply north of Porto, Vila do Conde is the right mixture of historical past and tradition that almost all guests search on a visit to Portugal. “It provides a charming mix of maritime heritage, architectural grandeur, and serene seashores,” Danilo Cerqueira, the founding father of TempoVIP, defined.

Do not miss the Aqueduto de Santa Clara for a glance into the world’s historical past. “The city’s wealthy shipbuilding legacy is showcased on the Alfândega Régia,” Cerqueira mentioned, “complemented by the Nau Quinhentista, a full-scale reproduction of a Sixteenth-century Portuguese carrack.”

Aveiro

Nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a river city that is sort of a postcard come to life. “Town is known for its colourful moliceiro boats, which glide by means of town’s picturesque canals,” Cerqueira mentioned. “It is a metropolis of Artwork Nouveau structure, salt pans, and marshland magnificence.” Whereas on the town, make sure you’ve gotten time for ovos moles, the candy egg-and-sugar treats wrapped in wafer-thin shells which can be well-known right here. Have a keep match for royalty by checking into the Turin Aveiro Palace Hotel, situated proper on the water’s edge.

Nazaré

Nazaré, Cerqueira mentioned, is “world-renowned for its record-breaking waves, which magnetize skilled surfers from across the globe.” These waves are due to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geological marvel that pushes the water as much as 100 toes excessive earlier than crashing to shore. However, just like the others right here, there’s extra than simply the watery view. It is also “recognized for its conventional tradition, together with girls carrying seven skirts and vibrant folklore festivals,” Cerqueira defined, making it an all-seasons city value visiting even when the waves are flat. Keep near the motion by reserving a room at Miramar Hotels, which provides the most effective ocean views on the town. 

Matosinhos

Matosinhos is Porto’s salty little sibling simply up the highway, the place the locals go for fish and browsing. “It is an excellent expat city,” native Cynthia Matthews von Berg, who additionally runs Sharing the Wander, mentioned. “We’re on the coast with metro entry to downtown Porto.” Rua Herois de França is the perfect road to stroll down because it’s filled with eating places grilling fish proper exterior. “Inform them what you need, they will present you the fish itself, after which grill it up for you,” she mentioned. The city additionally has an extended, winding boardwalk from the customer’s middle all the way down to the Anémona sculpture that is worthy of a stroll. “All alongside that boardwalk, you will discover a very deep sand seaside, and plenty of surf colleges. Matosinhos has small waves, so it is an excellent seaside for freshmen,” she identified. Discover a cozy spot to remain on the Ocean Porto Beach House proper within the middle of city.