Visit this wonderful country, with its lengthy Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, exceptional beaches and charming coastal villages as well as good tourist infrastructure. Add great accommodation options, fabulous food and really charming people for a holiday to tick all the boxes.
The Algarve’s incredible beauty on the beach
When it comes to stunning coastlines and unique culture, few European destinations deliver quite like the Algarve. With golden sand as far as the eye can see, stunning seawater and an ensemble of rock formations sculpted by the sea, you are guaranteed a magnificent view wherever you go. With almost 200 km of coastline, there is a beach to suit every taste and the quality of them is outstanding, as the majority have been awarded the EU ‘Blue Flag’.
Are you planning on taking incredible travel photos or immersing yourself in coastal beauty?
Here are our favourite places to do just that in the Algarve: Praia de Benagil, Praia do Carvoeiro e Praia do Paraíso, Praia do Camilo, Praia da Falésia, Praia do Barril and Praia da Piedade.
Connect with nature and wildlife in Alentejo
Sado Bay is one of the southern Portugal’s best-kept secrets. A bay blessed with tranquil waters and dancing dolphins, enclosed by the Sado River estuary, the highlands and unique flora of Serra da Arrábida and Tróia Peninsula. A land of two shores between one river. A land with activities aplenty. A land of experiences.
Get onboard a catamaran and discover the community of Sado dolphins or enjoy a sunset tour along the coast of Troia and Arrabida, while tasting wines and products of the region. You can also start your day by taking a horse ride or a jeep tour along the rice paddies, crossing the dunes to the beach in Comporta region and treat yourself with a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset at the end of the day with Serenada Wine Tourism.
One reviewer wrote, “Vila Nova de Milfontes is where the beaches have to be seen to be believed, equalling anything in the Caribbean. Lunch at the La Choupana restaurant is like something from the movies, sitting out on the deck watching the waves lap onto a deserted beach and enjoying freshly caught sardines. A true slice of Portuguese heaven and at a price which takes you back at least a decade.”
Lisbon cosmopolitan beaches
Lisbon is one of the few capitals in Europe to be on the coast, and close to magnificent sandy beaches, either on the Lisbon side like pretty Cascais from where you can walk along a wonderful promenade to glamorous Estoril, with its famous F1 racing track or across the Tejo River in Costa da Caparica. Most beaches have great beach bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or a meal overlooking the sea at sunset.
After a day at the beach, get yourself to one of Lisbon’s famous miradouros or rooftop bars. Here, you will find some of the best cocktails in town and a front-row seat to the astonishing landscapes with coloured houses and ocean views. For a charming night and sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River, try the Bairro Alto Hotel rooftop, located in the heart of historic downtown, between Bairro Alto and Chiado district.
Secluded river beaches in the centre of Portugal
Are you looking for a different type of beach? Then why not try a river beach with fresh and clear water?
The river beaches in the centre of Portugal are the ideal solution for those who are looking for places to cool off and that, at the same time, offer peace and tranquillity in a setting surrounded by forest green. So, if you are looking for tranquillity, but you also want to immerse yourself in the local culture and nature, we suggest that you explore Lousã.
Here you can stay at Lousã Palace Boutique Hotel, which is surrounded by enchanted places such as small stone villages, rivers, waterfalls and stunning viewpoints.
Surf, kitesurf and windsurf in the north
The north coast of Portugal, including Porto, is rich in long sandy beaches and a dream spot for those looking for adventure holidays in Europe. Here you can find amazing places to enjoy water sports, such as surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing. If you’d rather just sit and watch, that’s equally exciting too! Wetsuits and waves aren’t for everyone. And a long walk along the sands is very good for you too.
FeelViana Sport Hotel offers outdoor activities and lessons for guests and non-guests, should the moment take you. The hotel, located in Viana do Castelo, overlooks the Cabedelo beach pines, and it is a sustainable four-star superior hotel, all made from wood and perfectly framed in the surrounding landscape.
With both indoor and outdoor pools, large glass windows and a superb location by the sea (200 metres), this Hotel is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends these companies for holidays, cruises and trips to Portugal.
