Find your beach in Portugal

Meia Praia is one of the longest beaches in the Algarve, with around four kilometres of golden sand stretching from Lagos. Its calm, shallow water makes it ideal for families with children and for water sports. The view of Lagos and the Ponta da Bandeira fort adds character to the setting.

Costa Nova do Prado is famous for its iconic striped houses in vibrant colours — the palheiros — which have become one of the most photographed symbols of Portugal. The beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria de Aveiro, forming a unique sand strip with two distinct waterfronts. The colourful houses, seafood restaurants and lively atmosphere make Costa Nova one of the most distinctive destinations on the central coast.

Ilha de Tavira is one of the longest barrier islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with kilometres of deserted beach reached by ferry from Tavira. The Atlantic-facing side offers open surf beaches, while the lagoon side delivers warm, calm water. The island has a handful of seasonal restaurants but keeps an untouched, lightly developed character.

Praia da Torreira Norte is the northernmost stretch of Torreira beach, with better-preserved dunes and a more natural setting than the central area. Surf conditions are good and water quality is excellent. The sand strip between the lagoon and the ocean delivers unique landscapes overlooking the Ria de Aveiro.

Praia da Vitória, on Terceira island, is the largest sandy beach on the island and one of the most popular in the Azores, with light-coloured sand and calmer water than other Atlantic beaches in the archipelago. The town of Praia da Vitória has a history tied to aviation and the Second World War, with the Lajes air base nearby and a museum dedicated to wartime history. The well-equipped beach and laid-back atmosphere make it Terceira's main bathing destination.

Praia das Milícias is one of the most accessible beaches in Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores, with solid amenities and the basaltic black sand typical of São Miguel island. Its location next to the city makes it easy to combine with a visit to Ponta Delgada's historic centre, home to the famous city gates and the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Esperança. It is very popular with locals.

Praia de Afife sits on the Viana do Castelo coast, within the Afife Local Nature Reserve — one of the first nature reserves created in Portugal to protect dunes and coastal habitat. The towering dunes and preserved native vegetation create a setting of high ecological value. Strong waves draw surfers, and the calm of the place is widely valued.

Praia de Aguda is a medium-sized beach on the Gaia coast, with a breakwater that creates a calmer area by the rocks much appreciated by families. The Aguda coastal station, a research centre focused on local marine life, adds an educational dimension to a beach visit. Water quality and a relaxed atmosphere are its main draws.