From the gentle white sand islands of the eastern Algarve to the tranquil rocky coves north of Porto, Portugal is home to some of Europes best beaches. 

 

Algarve beaches were voted the best in Europe at the 2019 World Travel Awards . Escape the crowds on the long stretches of sand and dunes of the Eastern Algarve. Adventurers can find Caribbean-style beach islands, while less energetic sun lovers can relax at popular resorts such as Monte Gordo and Vilamoura.

1. Barril beach, near Tavira

 

A short walk from town keeps crowds away. Take a floating wooden bridge to cross a pond where flamingos cross. The path leads to what appears to be another world: an uninhabited sandy island 10 kilometers long.

Dunes and roads do not make this a laid-back vacation getaway. Restless sunbathers can investigate a quirky fishing museum - youll find a great seafood cafe inside. Its an opportunity to learn about the demise of the Algarve tuna industry ... while eating fresh tuna. Photographers will love the artistic arrangement of 100 large rusty anchors covering the dunes as a vast memorial to the Algarves lost tuna fishing fleet.

2. Faro Beach, Faro

 

Its hard to believe, but one of Portugals best beaches is next to one of its busiest airports. Beyond the Faro airport runway, simply cross the long wooden bridge to this long, bohemian island in a national park. Beach lovers can get off their flight and discover a five-kilometer beach. It is a local favorite, but unknown among international tourists, who drive from the airport for hours to busier resorts.

Best of all, Faro Island offers two beaches: soft white sands, facing the sparkling Atlantic waves and sheltered shoals along the inland lagoon. So kids can dig seafood and catch crabs in buckets on one side, while parents do their undisturbed sunbathing work on the other.

Explorers can board wooden boardwalks through waterfront huts along the edge of the lagoon. Take your phone to capture creative log and cactus gardens. The island of Faro is full of Portuguese restaurants. Try cataplana stew at Wax beachside cafe (  waxhostel.com/restaurant/  ).

Pousada Tavira

Find a peaceful retreat from beach life at this medieval cloistered convent in a church square in the heart of Tavira.  (  Pousadasofportugal.com/pousadas/tavira/  ).

WESTERN ALGARVE

From Albufeira to the west, the beaches are such a spectacular mix of beautiful coves and wild rock formations that most visitors take boat trips just to look at the coast from the water.

The farther west you go, the wilder the coast and the less crowded the resorts, but there are so many beaches that you can choose a different one each day. Try the main resorts, such as Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos, for shops, bars and nightlife, but crowds can also find dozens of unfamiliar places.

3. Albandeira, near Porches

 

Excitement increases as you pass narrow lanes through cacti and fig trees to discover these small golden sand coves wedged between orange cliffs and stone arches. Better yet, you can tunnel through the cliffs to find another hidden cove. Your lasting memory will be to swim from beach to beach through a giant stone arch.

It seems such a remote place, until its time to eat stroll through trees above the beach to discover Morgadinhos classic restaurant, former Portuguese soccer player Luis Figo (  suitesalbaresort.com/morgadinho-restaurant  ).

4. Mareta Beach, near Sagres

 

Visit the southwest corner of Europe to see Cape St. Vincent, the Portuguese equivalent of the Lands End.  After visiting the mighty lighthouse, the end of the world souvenir stalls and the 600-year-old castle of Henry the Navigator, youll feel like if it was falling on a beach.

Fortunately, beautiful, little-visited yellow sands are just below the headland. They are protected from the winds of the Atlantic by huge wall-like cliffs. Watch the storks nest on the rocky edges and take a break to eat at the Tasca seafood restaurant at the nearby Sagres fishing port (  restauranteatasca.pt/  ).

Pousada Sagres

Admire Atlantic sunsets at this elegant hotel that blends traditional with modern touches. Rooms offer views of Mareta Beach, Sagres Castle and Cape St. Vincent. Pull tight curtains or the headlight will keep you awake. Double B&B from £ 89 (  hostels.ie/en/hotel/pousada-sagres  ).

LISBON SOUTH

 

Little known by British visitors, this rugged, undeveloped, west-facing Atlantic coastline includes national parks full of lakes, coves and marshes, paddy-backed beaches and one of Europes largest sandy beaches stretching over 48 miles. km. With so many options, its easy to find all the space and seclusion you need.

5. Carvalhal, Alentejo

Head into a tranquil verdant valley, brushing swaying wildflowers, and you will find this empty sandy cove framed by gentle cliffs. Without houses or hotels, it seems that only the lifeguard and the beach bar are company. Cool off in the nearest village, Brejao, and enjoy a meal of charcoal-cooked octopus with the locals at Cafe Central.

6. Comporta Beach, Troia

At the end of an unpaved sand trail you will find this part of an endless sandy beach. You may not realize that you have become a Portuguese celebrity. So you can mingle with stars youve never heard of fancy beach cafes or find your own space - there are miles of white sand to choose from.

Beachcombers will take large, colorful shells, nature lovers spot dolphins from the coast, and gourmets will devour gourmet specialties such as monkfish risotto sitting on the beachfront tables of the Rice Island restaurant.

Pousada Castle Alcácer do Sal

Stay in this cool minimalist conversion of an ancient hilltop castle, perched on cliffs above a whitewashed riverside town. Double B&B from £ 89 (  hostels.ie/en/hotel/pousada-alcacer  ).

NORTH LISBON

The beaches near Lisbon are understandably busy, so head only 50 miles further north for quieter local resorts and long, unspoiled sandy beaches that are never overcrowded.

7. Baleal Beach, near Peniche

Escape to a small old whaling village on its own rocky island through a narrow passage. Surfers can choose from a huge sandy bay on one side; Oarsmen can choose the shallow beach sheltered by the others rocks. Beach goers can find water sports classes and kit rentals in nearby villages, while hikers can explore the paths through mountain dunes. At lunchtime, Mundano, a small restaurant on a paved alley on the island, offers the kind of innovative food youd expect at a big-city restaurant.

8. Tocha Beach, near Coimbra

Another huge white sand beach amid dunes and pines, supported by small wooden fishermans houses. Dont miss the charming little beach library on stilts on the beach, offering free books and magazines for sunbathers. This place is a big hit with the locals, so no wonder the food is sensational, especially the baked sardines. First, visit the beachfront museum about local sardine fishing, then try the real thing on Avenida Beachs seafront terrace.

Pousada Ria

This modern and tranquil hotel overlooks the shores of a lagoon on a sandy spit beside the sea in a tranquil nature reserve. Double B&B from £ 68 (  hostels.ie/en/hotel/pousada-ria  ).

NORT OF PORTUGAL

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