Are you searching for the most effective seaside cities in Portugal?
Look no additional! From gorgeous cliffside views and crystal-clear waters to vibrant nightlife and scrumptious seafood, Portugal’s coast is a paradise ready to be explored. Whether you’re trying to find an idyllic spot to loosen up or a vigorous place to go sightseeing, every of those locations provides one thing really particular.
So pack your baggage, seize your sunscreen and hop in your automobile rental to discover the most effective seaside cities in Portugal!
Best Beach Towns round Porto
1. Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo, situated about 45 minutes north of Porto, is a surprising seaside city with loads to supply guests. From its breathtaking golden seashores and rolling dunes, this historic metropolis stuffed with structure and attention-grabbing sights has one thing for everybody. It is called one of the vital lovely cities in Portugal and has its personal forte and cathedral.
Take the funicular as much as Monte de Santa Luzia Sanctuary to see the largest rose window within the Iberian peninsula, or go to the Gil Eannes hospital ship for an attention-grabbing afternoon. There are loads of actions to maintain you busy whereas on the town, so don’t miss out on exploring the gorgeous medieval structure or the scrumptious regional delicacies.
Nearest airport: Porto
Best seaside: Praia do Cabedelo
Best place to remain: Casa Manuel Espregueira e Oliveira is a superb choice with plenty of character and is true downtown!
What and Where to eat: Try the pescada à Vianense which is an area cod dish, in addition to the well-known caldo verde soup. This is the place the long-lasting potato, kale, and chouriço soup was born! Try Tasquinha da Linda proper downtown for lunch or dinner.
2. Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a seaside city in Portugal, situated simply on the outskirts of Porto. It’s a preferred vacation spot for surfers seeking to trip the waves, and its seashores are recognized for his or her gorgeous views. Here, you can too go to the biggest aquarium in Portugal and discover the spectacular 83-hectare Parque da Cidade do Porto.
If you’re feeling artsy, don’t miss the possibility to go to the Serralves Art Deco villa and its spectacular park and modern artwork museum. Finally, for those who get hungry, head to one of many many eating places in Matousinhos for a scrumptious seafood feast!
Nearest airport: Porto
Best seaside: Matosinhos Beach
Best place to remain: Ocean Porto – Beach House is a small home 500 m from the seaside with a stupendous fashionable design and its personal pool within the yard. Not to be missed!
Where to eat: Fish and seafood are king right here, and for those who’re right here in the course of the summer season months, attempt the grilled sardines! Meia-Nau Matosinhos has among the greatest dishes on the town proper in entrance of the marina!
Best Beach Towns between Porto and Lisbon
3. Aveiro
Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque canals winding by way of town, is a superb vacation spot for vacationers desirous to see one thing completely different on this charming coastal city.
You can take a ship journey down the canals, lease a motorcycle to discover town or take an organized tour to go to one of many close by lagoons and expertise its salt manufacturing. Don’t miss the salt spa on the lagoon, it’s an effective way to pamper your self for a couple of hours.
A number of kilometers towards the ocean you’ll be able to go to Costa Nova and its iconic striped cottages – a beautiful spot for a day stroll proper on the seaside.
Aveiro can also be recognized for its ceramic artwork. Keep your eyes peeled for the murals on the prepare station and plenty of different buildings round city. Don’t neglect to attempt candy Ovos Moles, they’re an area favourite!
Nearest airport: Porto
Best seaside: Praia da Costa Nova
Best place to remain: Saber Amar Charme is the perfect place to remain for those who’re searching for an genuine Portuguese house with good design and a handy location. The view over the canal is unbeatable!
Where to eat: Try the fish stew at restaurant O Bairro for an distinctive dinner out and wonderful service!
4. Sao Martinho do Porto
Sao Martinho do Porto is a stupendous coastal city in Portugal, situated on the Silver Coast with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great vacation spot for vacationers seeking to loosen up and revel in a while away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.
The lovely stretch of wonderful golden sand is exclusive as a result of it’s protected by a skinny strip of land with a small opening to the ocean. This produces a naturally calm shell-shaped lagoon the place vacationers and locals can spend their days stress-free by the seaside.
The cobbled streets are lined with cafes, eating places, and bars, whereas the beachfront provides loads of actions resembling swimming, crusing, and fishing. The Portuguese love to come back right here for a day by the seaside, and it’s particularly widespread with households.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best seaside: Praia de Sao Martinho do Porto
Best place to remain: Paradise Bay T3 is a very nice newly renovated flat with an unbelievable view of the lagoon, a pool, and an distinctive design. Not to be missed!
Where to eat: Nova Caravela is the place to be for wonderful fish, shellfish, and seafood! Try the octopus salad, it’s divine!
5. Peniche
Peniche is a seaside city situated about 1.5 hours north of Lisbon alongside the coast. It is thought for its gorgeous seashores, browsing, and different water sports activities. It is likely one of the most attention-grabbing coastal cities in Portugal as a consequence of its variety of actions and boasts clear blue waters with medicinal properties because of the excessive iodine content material.
Don’t miss an tour to the Berlenga islands! This archipelago makes for a terrific boat tour to take a look at the colony of puffins and different marine life within the pure reserve. If you’re feeling adventurous you’ll be able to go kayaking, diving, or mountain climbing round these islands.
Right off the city’s heart, Fortaleza de Peniche is a cliff-top fortress with a terrific view over the Atlantic. This centuries-old fort has been restored and now homes an attention-grabbing museum, with displays about its historical past and artifacts from the Age of Discoveries.
On the opposite facet of city, you’ll find Praia do Baleal, a former whaling station that has now change into a hip surf hub with plenty of cool surf outlets and colleges. The seaside additionally provides breathtaking sunsets over the horizon, it’s a must-see for any customer to Peniche.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best seaside: Praia da Consolaçao
Best place to remain: This Deluxe Flat in Historic Center is a superb choice with improbable design, fashionable facilities and wonderful reception by the homeowners.
Where to eat: Os Americano’s is an unbelievable spot for delectable dishes and though it’s a wine bar, I’d go there for the fabulous meals, particularly the Polvo a Lagareiro.
6. Nazare
Nazare is a surprising coastal city on the Silver Coast of Portugal. With its lovely seashores, charming cobblestone streets and dramatic red-roofed buildings, it’s a preferred vacation spot for vacationers desirous to discover the breathtaking Portuguese shoreline. The most important seaside in Nazare is Praia da Nazare, which has golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This seaside is ideal for swimming, browsing and sunbathing.
The outdated city of Nazare is a must-visit for these seeking to discover the tradition and historical past of the area. Wander by way of its slender streets lined and take the funicular as much as the convent at Sitio. Here you’ll be able to take pleasure in breathtaking views of the shoreline, in addition to go to the lighthouse and Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. You’ll additionally wish to hold your eye out for its well-known monster waves which might attain as much as 25 meters!
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best seaside: Praia da Nazare
Best place to remain: Nazare Marisol Praia provides a terrific location within the heart of the village and proper in entrance of the seaside. It’s fashionable, clear and the view is spectacular.
Where to eat: Arimar is a superb alternative because it’s proper subsequent to the funicular on arriving in O Sitio, and has wonderful views of the fabulous stretch of sand and village under.
Best Beach Towns round Lisbon (Central Portugal)
7. Ericeira
Ericeira is a stupendous seaside city situated simply outdoors of Lisbon alongside the coast. With its gorgeous ocean views and charming streets, Ericeira is the right vacation spot for a calming getaway. As the one World Surf Reserve in Europe, it’s also THE spot for surfers seeking to catch some waves.
Nearby, you’ll be able to go to the gorgeous Palácio de Mafra, a Unesco web site and among the finest palaces to go to in Portugal. Ericeira itself provides loads to do – from strolling the slender cobblestone streets and people-watching within the quaint village sq. to biking, mountain climbing, and having fun with the native surf vibe within the eating places and outlets.
Plus, you’ll be able to’t miss out on attempting among the scrumptious seafood dishes right here – Ericeira is the place of alternative for LIsbonites searching for wonderful fish and seafood!
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best seaside: Praia de Foz de Lizandro
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best place to remain: Casa das Aguarelas provides fashionable comforts with a historic flare that’s ideally situated downtown.
Where and What to eat: Try the well-known caldeirada de peixe (fish stew), octopus rice, or the scrumptious seafood plater at Ribas. It was lately renovated and now has a surprising aquarium as a centerpiece!
8. Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar is a captivating seaside village simply outdoors of Lisbon. Its picturesque location alongside the coast, with conventional Portuguese properties perched atop a craggy cliff and overlooking the pounding surf, is an unforgettable sight. The cobblestone streets are lined with lovely conventional homes and there’s a small sandy seaside for swimming and sunbathing.
The village can also be recognized for its wonderful fish and seafood served in eating places constructed into the cliffs – the enormous home windows up on the cliffs are the right method to benefit from the gorgeous views. Don’t miss the mill stones scattered across the village alleys. They are remnants of the unique sea-powered water mills which gave the village its identify. An excellent day journey from Lisbon!
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best seaside: Praia das Maças
Best place to remain: Casa Nas Arribas is a cute cottage in a superb location proper on the ocean. It provides a really genuine expertise in a standard home which has been nicely saved.
Where to eat: The Azenhas do Mar restaurant is a basic, constructed proper into the cliffs above the crashing waves. Here attempt the fish and seafood, however you’ll discover it pretty costly. If you’d like one thing higher priced, and simply as scrumptious, attempt Cafe das Patricias – you gained’t remorse it!
9. Cascais
Cascais is an idyllic coastal paradise situated minutes from Lisbon’s grand resorts and concrete really feel. With its lovely seashores, gorgeous views, and charming cobblestone streets, it’s no marvel Cascais is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.
And it’s solely 40 minutes from the Lisbon Airport for these who select Cascais as a base to discover the encircling space. Whether you’re seeking to surf within the ocean, discover historical fortresses, or simply loosen up within the solar, Cascais is the right spot on your vacation.
The seashores close to Cascais are significantly gorgeous, with Praia da Duquesa and Guincho being two of the preferred spots. Guincho’s wild shoreline and powerful winds make it a terrific vacation spot for browsing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, whereas Praia da Duquesa’s gently rolling waves make it splendid for swimming and sunbathing.
Beyond the seashores, Cascais additionally has a wealth of sights for vacationers to discover. The Estoril Casino is a well-liked spot the place you’ll be able to attempt your luck within the card tables or simply take pleasure in its fantastic environment. You also can take a stroll across the heart of Cascais and discover the quaint outlets, cafes, eating places and bars. Don’t miss the Fortress of Santa Marta, which is a superbly preserved Sixteenth-century Portuguese fort.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Best seashores: Praia da Duquesa and Guinchos
Best place to remain: Luna House is such a beautiful place to remain proper subsequent to the historic heart. It is nicely priced fashionable, has a stupendous backyard and pool, and may be very handy.
Where to eat: A Nova Estrela is a superb conventional Portuguese Restaurant with wonderful dishes and really fabulous service! The proprietor is at all times there receiving diners and makes certain you’ll have a wonderful eating expertise. This places it far above all different locations with nice meals in Cascais.
Best Beach Towns in Algarve and South of Lisbon
10. Sagres
Situated on the southernmost tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Sagres is a stunningly lovely vacation spot that gives a novel and fascinating expertise for vacationers searching for one thing off the crushed path.
With its wild and windy seashores, rugged terrain, and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no marvel this straightforward city has change into so widespread with guests.
The seashores of Sagres are lovely lengthy sandy seashores and the privileged location makes for wonderful surf spots close by. Visitors can take pleasure in plenty of watersports and actions, resembling browsing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and way more.
Also value visiting is the fifteenth-century fort that stands guard over the city and shoreline. With its sweeping views and salty air, it’s straightforward to know why individuals seek advice from Sagres as ‘the end of the world’.
Nearest airport: Faro
Best seaside: Praia da Mareta
Best place to remain: Sagres Time Apartamentos are a terrific choice for a nicely priced flat situated between the primary seashores. Although not probably the most fashionable, it does provide a pleasant pool and may be very nicely rated.
Where to eat: A Seriea is a restaurant situated on prime of the fish market which serves the freshest fish in Sagres. If you arrive after lunch, you’ll get to see the fish public sale from the market!
11. Odiceixe
Odiceixe is likely one of the prettiest coastal cities in Portugal. Located on the Silver Coast, Odiceixe has a lot to supply its guests.
The most important attraction is Odiceixe Mar with its beautiful seaside, a slender river-formed seaside with a small lagoon excellent for swimming and paddleboarding. It’s additionally a great spot for browsing because of the robust waves coming off the Atlantic on the primary seaside.
The small hamlet on the ocean is small however charming with a number of eating places, surf outlets and cafes – though most are solely open in summer season months. A must-see when visiting is the breathtaking sundown from the seaside.
Odiceixe can also be on the Rota Vicentina, a community of trails for hikers – so why not mix some seaside time with some lovely views of nature?
Nearest airport: Faro
Best seaside: Praia de Odiceixe
Best place to remain: If you’d prefer to be proper downtown, attempt Bohemian Antique Guesthouse for its lovely design and nice location. If you’ve bought a automobile, Odiceixe is certainly the place for rural tourism. Monte Joao Roupeiro is a standard Alentejano household nation home with acres of property, lovely views, a beautiful pool and pond, and extra.
Where to eat: Ao Largo Odeceixe provides lovely Portuguese meals, in addition to wonderful vegetarian and vegan choices proper within the central sq. of the city.
12. Ferrugado
Ferragudo is a captivating fishing city situated on the opposite facet of the Arade river from Portimao. It’s a terrific vacation spot for these seeking to escape the bustle of metropolis life, because it provides a peaceable environment with loads of cultural and historic websites to discover. The outdated city heart is crammed with conventional white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets, making it a romantic spot for a night stroll.
Ferragudo provides a whole lot of out of doors actions, from mountain climbing to the fort simply throughout the river in Portimao, biking to the lighthouse, or snorkeling amongst Atlantic marine life – all of which could be completed with out having to navigate too removed from the shore.
Additionally, guests can go to the Silves Castle thought-about the most effective preserved Moorish citadel in Portugal, and its archeological museum, or take a trip to Slide & Splash – one of many greatest water parks in Algarve. For these desirous to enterprise a bit of additional, half-hour north you’ll discover Parque da Mina – an attention-grabbing historic theme park centered on an iron ore mine, distillery and 18th-century manor home.
Nearest airport: Faro
Best seaside: Praia Grande
Best place to remain: Hotel Rural Brícia Du Mar is likely one of the greatest lodge choices within the space for good giant fashionable rooms with attractive pool views and nice facilities for a really low value.
Where to eat: Fim do Mundo is a beautiful taverna with funky decor and completely improbable meals. Try the rib eye and be blown away!
13. Tavira
Tavira is a pleasant and charming city situated on the Mediterranean coast of Portugal. Right on the Gilão River, it provides a stupendous setting for stress-free and exploring. For these searching for a little bit of enjoyable, Praia do Barril could be accessed by taxi boat after which mini prepare and is likely one of the most attractive seashores within the space.
The city additionally has many cultural sights, together with Tavira Castle which is a restored remnant of the city’s Moorish period. For one thing really distinctive, guests ought to pay a go to to Tavira’s digicam obscure, arrange in a transformed water tower from 1931.
Top all of it off with some leisure at Fado com História for a night of Portuguese music, dancing and storytelling.
Nearest airport: Faro
Best seaside: Praia do Barril
Best place to remain: Staying at Colégio Charm House is an expertise in itself because the property is a fabulously renovated schoolhouse. The design is actually gorgeous and the distinctive service and a focus to element places this place above the remaining.
Where to eat: O Barril has wonderful Portuguese meals with nice home wine! The duck breast right here is divine!
Map of the Best Beach Towns in Portugal (Mainland)
Best Beach Towns in Portugal: The Wrap Up
Portugal is a stupendous nation with an abundance of gorgeous coastal cities and seashores. From the Silver Coast to Madeira, there are many locations to probe for these looking for journey or rest on their travels. Whether you’re searching for golden sand, crystal-clear waters or monster waves, these greatest seaside cities in Portugal have one thing particular that can captivate your coronary heart and soul.
Guest Author: A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a instructor. Michelle is a Canadian journey blogger who writes about Ericeira. She lives between Mallorca and Ericeira, along with her household. Follow her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com.
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