Portugal’s 5 loveliest beaches

15 January, 2019

If you’re a real beach-lover, you’ve probably already visited the Costa Brava, Costa Daurada and Côte d’Azur on many occasions. If so, it’s time to try something else for a change: Portugal! Many people don’t realise that Portugal has beautiful beaches, with fantastic rock formations and crystal clear water. To give you a bit more of an idea I have selected five of the loveliest beaches for you in this Southern European holiday destination.

Praia da Amoreira

If you’re looking for a real coastal area where you can enjoy the sun, sea, beach and fun in the water with the whole family, come to Praia da Amoreia. This resort, located in western Algarve, has extensive beaches which offer plenty of space for even the biggest sand castles. There are two restaurants where you can eat genuine Portuguese food, or you can have a surfing lesson at the local surf school.

Campsites close to Praia da Amoreira:

Zambujeira do Mar

For those who like rugged beaches and jagged rocks, Zambujeira do Mar is the place for you. This beach is on Portugal’s west coast, on the Atlantic side. The sea here is often rougher and you can’t always swim in it, but you can always go for a paddle. The village has a lively boulevard with attractive shops which you can enjoy between your sunbathing sessions.

Campsites close to Zambujeira do Mar:

Praia do Meco

Praia do Meco is close to Lisbon. The sandbanks that form this beach are close to the lake at Albufeira and the Serra da Arrabida nature park, and the coastline here is unspoilt. The beach is mostly used as a naturist beach but there are plenty of places where you can sunbathe and swim in your swimming clothes. Moreover, it is also very good for surfing.

Tip: Have your camera ready to take photos at sunset, and drink a beer in Bar do Peixe, the beach’s number one spot.

Campsites close to Praia do Meco:

Praia dos Tres Castelos

This beach is an hour’s drive from Faro. You can eat the most delicious freshly caught fish here and relax on your beach towel among the ochre-coloured rocks. Combined with the golden-yellow sands and the medieval village of Fortaleza da Santa Catarina, you have the perfect setting for a relaxing day on the beach!

Campsites close to Praia dos Tres Castelos:

Praia do Camilo

Camilo Beach is located in southern Portugal, between Praia de Dona Ana (a nearby beach) and Ponte da Piedade (impressive steep rock formations) and close to the town of Lagos. You can get to the beach by taking more than 200 steps down to the water, where the beach is positioned between two large rocks. It’s a real eye-opener. There’s plenty to see, and not only above the surface, it’s worth taking a look underwater. That’s real snorkelling!

Campsites close to Praia do Camilo

If you think we’ve missed out a beach which in your opinion should be included in this list, please let us know in the comments!