The country of Portugal is a rich country when it comes to beaches due to its location. With 850km of coast and more than 530 beaches, we selected 10 of the most beautiful beaches in this coastal country.

• Praia de Miramar

Praia de Miramar or Praia do Senhor da Pedra is situated in Vila Nova de Gaia. Yes, it is situated in an urban area but don’t let this fool you because if you are sitting on this beach you will only see sea and sand as the city lays hidden behind the rocks and dunes. This beach is most commonly knows due to one very special detail, a chapel built over the rocks, that becomes completely surrounded by the sea as soon as the tides go up. An absolute stunner and very picturesque, combining sand, water and pretty sunsets.

• Praia do Mindelo

Praia do Mindelo is a beautiful beach in the City of Vila do Conde, on the south of the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve. Within this beach, there are a large number of dunes. These dunes are part of a protected area within the reserve due to be home to various types of birds.

• Praia de Caminha

Praia de Caminha is situated in the most north-westerly point of the Portuguese mainland and within a protected area called Mata Nacional do Camarido and it’s surrounded by pine trees and natural beauty and also joining with the mouth of the Minho River. Due to this feature, this beautiful beach is absolutely perfect for families with children and even for surfers. Within one side of the beach, where the mouth of the river sits, thicker sands and more agitated waters will be witnessed. On the opposite side, the calm, thin sands and calm waters. It can be said that this beach has something for everyone.

• Praia da Apulia

Praia da Apulia is situated in Esposende in the North of the country. In this beach, you can find a large area of sand which is protected by dunes. A long time ago, within the dunes, old windmills could be seen but been since then restored and transformed into amazing holiday homes making this location a very popular location for holidaymakers.

• Praia de Gálapos

Praia de Galapos is situated in Setubal and its surrounded by the stunning and unique landscaped of the Serra da Arrabida. This beach was, back in 2017, nominated as the best beach in all Europe. Clear and quiet waters, thin sand and palm trees, kissed by the amazing Serra da Arrabida, thriving with life and greenery.

• Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha, situated in the Algarve, near Lagoa, it is considered one of the most beautiful in all world. This beach is surrounded by steep cliffs where allows visitors to observe the sea, the sands and the beautiful and unique cliffs. Praia da Marinha is also famous due to a special rock structure that can be found. This rock or structure is called the M rock or the Cathedral and consists in a huge structure that resembles the letter M that is always visible but it stands to all its glory when the tide is low. If you are a fan of snorkelling or if you are tempted to give it a try, this is just the right place as a huge variety of sea life can be observed.

• Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is situated in the south of Portugal and is the main beach in the city of Portimao. Considered a very popular touristic destination, this beach takes pride of nearly two kilometres of sand and backed by steep limestone cliffs. There are a vast variety of activities that can please each one of us, from water sports to dolphin watch trips and boat tours. If none of these activities attracts you, there are always themed bars and restaurants alongside the vast expanse of soft golden sands.

• Praia da Albandeira

Praia da Albandeira, situated in the Carvoeiro, is one of the best well-kept secrets of Algarve. It is not considered as a touristic spot as it is secluded and other famous and less private beaches are very close by. This beach is famous for its stunning and breathtaking arch in the water, the blue waters and gold coloured sand. Although this beach is divided into two small areas with only about 80 metres in total, it was ranked the third best beach in Europe by Conde Nast. Due to is almost transparent water, this is an amazing spot for diving and snortling as well as swimming.

• Praia de Porto Santo

Praia de Porto Santo, situated in the Ilha de Porto Santo, Madeira, formed of 9km of fine golden sand and clear warm waters. This beach is a holder of a Blue Flag award due to its amazing conditions and cleanliness. It is also important to mention that this place holds an “Accessible Beach” award, allowing those with reduced mobility to also enjoy this amazing place. Due to its amazing climate, this beach is well known for the therapeutic properties regarding the treatment of orthopaedic and circulatory problems. Swimming and water sports are also practised on this beach as the peaceful and warm water sure does tempt the majority.

• Praia de S. Lourenco

Praia de S. Lourenco, situated in a volcanic bay, in the Ilha de Santa Maria, Acores, primes for the harmony between land and sea. Situated within a bay, the waters are warm and clear blue, the sand is of a light colour and not too thin due to its volcanic nature. Due to its deepness in some areas, around 12 metres deeps at some spots, some people practice observation diving. Surrounded by vine trees, this beach also has a natural swimming pool that is perfect for those who want a different experience.