If you’re visiting Portugal, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. And that won’t necessarily feel like a good thing, when they’re all so beautiful that you won’t know where to go first!

We all have our preferences when it comes to beaches, so that can help to narrow down your options somewhat. Most of us prefer golden sands, but there are exceptions to every rule, and you might prefer a pebbled beach! Some of us love huge expanses of ocean, whilst others are keener on a short and sweet coastline.

Or you might adore a small and intimate beach surrounded by cliffs, whilst another tourist enjoys a wide open beach that goes on for miles, with a busy promenade alongside. We’re all different, so to help you choose, here are the best beaches in Portugal:

Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, Setúbal

Known for being somewhat secluded, Praia do Portinho da Arrábida features a white sand and pebble coastline. The ocean is perfect for diving, sailing, and more, though it is the beach’s tranquillity that appeals to many. It’s also the ideal beach spot for those visiting the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, as it’s situated right within it. The marine life is beautiful and diverse, accentuated by the stunning blue and green shades of the water itself.

Praia da Falésia, Algarve

With an extensive length of seven kilometres, the yellow-sanded Praia de Falésia is a stunning place to sun yourself. Orange and white cliffs line the coast, bordered by deep green pine trees, and the result is simply breathtaking. In terms of activities, beach-goers can partake in everything from diving to paragliding, as well as hiking along the trail that runs above the cliffs, and you won’t go hungry with a range of restaurants and hotels available along the coastline. Sunway offer a range of accommodation in the Algarve, so you should find one that suits you best without any issue.

Praia do Evaristo, Algarve

Located near the famous resort of Albufeira, Praia do Evaristo is a pretty beach whose golden sands are pleasantly interjected with large rock formations that add character and a feeling of intimacy, great for watching the waves bounce off and for a little bit of adventurous exploration. The beach offers a full range of public facilities, from lounger hire to showers, and there’s a handy snack bar and a seafood restaurant for when you’re feeling peckish.

Praia dos Três Castelos, Algarve

Lined by a long promenade, the Praia dos Três Castelos boasts gorgeous golden sands and a lush blue ocean. Cliffs and sea stacks are what make this beach unique, and holiday-makers will have fun exploring the quirky features that line the sands. It connects to the neighbouring Praia da Rocha beach via a rock passageway, adding to its adventurous feel. Facilities include toilets, showers, and a water-sports centre.

Praia da Costa Nova, Aveiro

Soft white sand and fluffy green dunes are what make Praia da Costa Nova stand out from the crowd. A long walking board allows you to take in the picturesque views of this stunning beach, which is offset beautifully by a colourful row of wooden huts, giving that classic beach feel. Visitors can hire loungers and parasols, and access a range of water-sports. You won’t have to go far for a bite to eat either, with plenty of options available in nearby Costa Nova.

Praia da Ursa, Sintra

The pretty Praia da Ursa is known for its seclusion, which is mostly due to its inaccessibility. The steep path that leads from the overlooking cliffs is a tricky climb, both up and down, and requires some seriously good walking shoes. The beach’s seclusion makes it popular with naturists, and a little less popular with young families. You’ll also need to take everything you need to cater for yourself for the day, as it offers no facilities. However, known to be one of the country’s most picturesque beaches, this yellow sanded beach more than makes up for its lack of amenities.