Portugal has for decades been a favourite with Brits who want a cheap but highly rewarding break in the sun. Whilst many head to the golf courses of the Algarve, the 1700km coastline is full of wonderful beaches and finding the best can be difficult when there are so many to choose from. 

So without any further ado, here we showcase what we consider to be the best beaches in Portugal – please do let us know if you disagree in the comments section below!

Praia de Tavira, Algarve

Praia de Tavira is located on Ilha de Tavira, an island that stretches southwest from Tavira towards Fuseta and can be reached by ferry from the mainland. What separates this from many beaches in the built-up Algarve region is that to date it has escaped the high-rise hotels that can blight the skylines of popular beaches, and instead you are faced with mile after mile of golden sand. Unsurprisingly in the peak summer months it can get busy but as the beach is so long all you need to do is walk to a less crowded area to get some privacy. This really is utter bliss for beach lovers. 

Praia da Marinha, Algarve 

This is a stunning cove beach which like Praia de Tavira has escaped mass development. In fact the only thing that can be found here is a small restaurant, and even that is closed half of the year! We recommend that you explore the surrounding coves by hiring a boat and taking a daytrip. Most of the beaches you’ll visits are inaccessible by land and will make sensational content for your Insta feed. 

Miramar, Porto

Located around 10km south of Porto, Miramar is another secluded beach that will take your breath away. The beach is the perfect place for a scenic stroll, with long flat miles of sand to explore and wander along. Don’t get too close to the sea though as it can be a bit lively – but if you are a surfer then the water is a paradise waiting to be explored and conquered if you dare. 

Santa Cruz Beach, Cascais

If the name of this beach rings a bell, that is because it is home to the iconic 98ft-high rock Penedo do Guincho right by Guincho beach. Located just outside of Lisbon in Torres Vedras, this is another beach that attracts the wavy haired surfer community, thanks to its awesome surf and windy conditions. In fact the sea is not ideal for anything other than a spot of surfing – it is not the sort of place to go for a paddle. There is a reason why Portugal is one of the world’s best surf spots and this beach proves it. 

Barril Beach, Algarve

Crystal clear, warm waters and fluffy sand awaits at Barril beach, found in the central zone of Tavira Island. You can reach it by train or along the walkway and it is located just 9km from Tavira, meaning it is under a 10 minute drive away from the main town. Once you reach the beach you will find a good number of facilities which make it ideal for families, with a café, bar, restaurant and clean toilets within easy reach of the main beach strip making this a perfect beach for family holidays to Portugal. 

Have you ever been to any of these? Let us know which one is your favourite, or if we have missed your one from our list!