The best beaches in Portugal can be found dotted throughout the country – and while catching a wave is easy on the many vast stretches of water and their famous breakers, there are hidden pockets of tranquility, where you’ll find still, crystal clear water for wading in and paddling.

No matter where you go in Portugal, you’re never too far from a beach – from the scorching hot sands of the Algarve to Porto’s coastline, travellers often choose to move up and down the coast to see the sands all across the country. Portugal expert Trish Lorenz and Edwina Pitcher, author of ‘Wild Guide Portugal’, share their tips for seeing some of the most popular – and little-known – beaches around the country.

Praia do Portinho da Arrábida

Setubal, near Lisbon

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon is Arrábida National Park – a stunning landscape of green hills leading to bright, bright blue waters. Portinho beach is considered one of the most stunning, thanks to its fine white sand and crystal clear sea – and it tends to remain relatively quiet, due to its location away from the city. The area is less open than most of the coast of Portugal, so you don’t tend to get the large waves you’ll often see domineering the coastlines; not so good for surfers, but ideal for those looking to relax and swim safely. 

Get there: Fly to Lisbon and drive for 45 minutes

Costa da Caparica

South of Lisbon

A short drive from the sights of Lisbon is Caparica; a 26km stretch of coast loved by locals, who flock to the sands during the warmer summer months. Outside of peak season, though, you’ll find it much quieter – the Portuguese tend to find it too chilly (although it’s often perfectly pleasant to most Brits), while tourists haven’t quite cottoned on yet – making April and October an ideal time to take a stroll along the soft sands. If you want to swim, it’s best to do so in peak season when lifeguards are on duty, as the waves here can be overwhelming, even to strong swimmers. If you choose to stay out of the water, you’ll be entertained by the local surfers catching a wave and the many chic beach bars dotted along the coast.

Get there: Fly to Lisbon, and drive 30 minutes to the coast

Praia de Moledo, Moledo

The far north

Close to the Spanish border, Moledo’s beach has attracted visitors for more than a century with its long stretch of sand, pretty landscape panoramas of the Camarido Forest and views across the bay to the hills of Spain. Often windy and with strong waves, it’s ideal for kite surfers. Porto-born photographer Eduardo Leal, who knows the area well, says: ‘I love Moledo. The surf is good and it has lovely scenery. Other than in August, when it can be busy, it’s a relaxing and peaceful beach.’

Get there: fly to Francisco de Sá Carneiro then a 50-minute drive

Praia de São Jacinto, Aveiro

South of Porto

Bordered by dunes and a nature reserve, Praia de São Jacinto’s long stretch of sand is a place of escape. The dunes are home to unique plant and bird life, there are no cafés or bars, the waves are good for surfing and the seemingly endless stretch of sand, ideal for long strolls, feels pleasingly wild and deserted: bring a book, switch off your phone and savour the sound of the waves. Taking the boat from Aveiro across the river is the fastest and simplest way to get there.

Get there: fly to Porto then a 90-minute drive

Portinho da Arrabida, Sierra da Arrabida, Setubal

South of Lisbon

Deep in the Serra da Arrabida National Park, about 30 30-minute’ drive from Lisbon, the cove of Portinho is flanked on three sides by tall, forest-covered mountains (and on the fourth by the sea, of course). The sandy beach, gently lapping waves and plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide make it a great place for families. There are pedalos, some with slides, for hire and a small selection of restaurants and cafés. The beach is popular and parking is limited so arrive early in the summer (before 10.30 am) if you don’t want to have to walk the steep road down.

Get there: fly to Lisbon then a 50-minute drive

Praia do Carvalhal, Comporta

South of Lisbon

Comporta, just over an hour’s drive south of Lisbon, has become popular with the chichi families of the capital, and Carvalhal, with its long stretch of white sand abutting the turquoise sea, is their beach of choice. There are plenty of practical additions, including umbrellas and sun loungers to rent, a tent for massages and a small library with books for all ages and daily Portuguese newspapers to read on the rustic terrace. Nearby is Restaurant Diniz, run by a former fisherman and famous for its excellent fish dishes and casual barefoot feel.

Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour-15-minute drive

Praia de Odeceixe, Algarve

Northern Algarve

This wide bay of sand has something for everyone. The small river that joins the ocean on the beach’s north is great for children, with calm, warmer and shallower water. The main beach is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer and the waves are usually invigorating rather than violent. Just around the southern cliffs, accessible on lower tides, is a stretch of sand designated for nudists. There is a selection of cafés and restaurants on the clifftops overlooking the beach, the pick of which is Bar da Praia, where friendly Spanish owners Pedro and Pablo serve up tasty tapas and cold beers accompanied by a mellow soundtrack.

Get there: Fly to Faro then a one-hour-45-minute drive