16 Best Beach Towns to Visit in Portugal, According to Locals

“Portugal’s coastline is a journey of timeless beauty and soulful discovery. Each town along the shore tells a story, not just through its landscapes, but through its traditions, its people, and the distinct rhythm of life that defines it.”

Helder Martins, the general manager of Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve, is certainly correct. 

Four years ago, I packed up my life in Los Angeles and relocated to Portugal to pursue my Ph.D. I didn’t know how long I’d stay, but the very first weekend I moved, my husband and I made our way to the coast to take a dip in the ocean and relax after a long flight. One peek at the towering cliffs, one touch of the warm sand, and one afternoon staring far into the horizon, I knew that this was home forever. 

From north to south, Portugal’s coastline is a patchwork of picture-perfect fishing villages, surf towns, and sun-soaked beach enclaves, each with its own rhythm and charm. Some are quite cosmopolitan; others are distinctly old-world. “What makes these towns special is not just their beauty; it is their soul,” Martins added. “They offer not just a destination, but a lasting memory.”

Ready to dive in and make memories all your own? Here are some of the top coastal towns in Portugal, according to locals. 

Cascais

“Having grown up in Cascais, it naturally holds a deep emotional resonance for me,” Duarte Gonçalves Cunha, the general manager of Octant Praia Verde, shared. “It is where I formed my earliest memories of the sea, and where my enduring relationship with the Portuguese coast began.”

Cascais, about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, offers the ideal blend of sea breezes and a hint of city life. The golden beaches are lined with seafood restaurants you’ll want to visit again and again. “Cascais is an elegant coastal town with a cosmopolitan rhythm and a rich maritime legacy,” Cunha added. “Its proximity to Lisbon makes it vibrant and accessible, yet its natural beauty offers a constant sense of escape.” 

“Cascais for surfing is great. Close to both south and west-facing beaches, so you can surf just about every day,” Lucas Adee, a surfboard shaper who lives in town and whose boards are ideal for the waves here, added. “When it’s small, head out to Guincho or venture just north to the beaches of Sintra. And when it’s big, you can surf all the waves from Cascais to Lisbon.  The best part is that most, if not all, are along the train stops.” 

After a surf, stay a few nights in the Pestana Cidadela Cascais, an art hotel surrounded by galleries and studios that are sure to inspire. 

Ericeira

Ready to paddle out with some of Portugal’s coolest surfers? Then Ericeira is the town for you. “Ericeira is such a cool little town,” Lorena Carrillo Perez, Lisbon tour manager for Walks and Devour Tours, said. “It’s known as the surf capital of Portugal, and you can feel that energy everywhere. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s a great place to hang out, eat well, and watch the waves.”

The town is more than just great waves. It’s also home to cobblestone streets and tiled façades, with plenty of adorable shops and cafes to pop in and out of all day long. Expect cold beers, delicious seafood, endless waves, and a great crowd. Travelers can also find an upscale stay at Immerso, a wellness-focused hotel where there’s no shortage of views and yoga classes to try. 

Sagres

Sagres, located on the southern tip of the Algarve, is another outdoor lovers’ heaven. “Sagres is a mecca for surfers, hikers, and those seeking an unspoiled, laid-back vibe,” Chitra Stern, the CEO of Martinhal, shared. “Home to some stunning beaches, including family-favorite Martinhal Beach.”

The town is unfussy, with a “welcoming, low-key ambience,” Stern added. “Check out Three Little Birds for craft beers and burgers or The Laundry Lounge, which offers yoga classes on the terrace, and a chance to catch up on your clothes washing whilst enjoying fresh, seasonal dishes and creative cocktails.” Naturally, the Martinhal Sagres makes for the perfect home base while you’re here. 

Burgau

About 30 minutes east of Sagres, travelers can find even more peace and solitude in the quiet coastal village of Burgau. According to Stern, it’s “a picturesque fishing village with cobbled lanes and whitewashed houses offering a lovely blend of authenticity and low-key tourism.” Pop in for a pizza and sunset views at Corso, which sits high above the beach, for a fantastic end to your day. The town is very small, so hotels are lacking, but there’s no shortage of excellent short-term rentals, including this lovely one-bedroom condo with breathtaking ocean views. 

Carrapateira

For those craving wild terrain, Carrapateira delivers. This, Stern says, is a “laid-back bohemian surf village surrounded by vast dunes and cliffs.” There isn’t much going on here, and that’s really the point. You can surf Praia do Amado, one of Portugal’s most celebrated beaches, and you’ll undoubtedly find plenty of space for your blanket and umbrella on the expansive Praia da Bordeira. Just make sure to put away your phone and pull out a good book, because this place is tailor-made for unplugging. Speaking of relaxing, for those who plan to stay overnight, there’s nowhere better suited than Hortas do Rio, a chic boutique stay with plenty of private nooks for a quiet moment. 

Odeceixe

Located along the northern edge of the Algarve is the village of Odeceixe, “one of Portugal’s most picturesque towns, perched above a winding river valley,” according to Stern. It’s another spot with the ideal mix of expansive beach access paired with an adorable town filled with shops and restaurants. Stern recommended Altinho Restaurant for vegetarian-friendly dishes and sunset views or Agapito for casual, wood-fired pizza. However, I’d be remiss not to mention one of my personal favorites in the region, Näperoñ, a restaurant recognized by the Michelin guide that offers seven and nine-course tasting menus that will leave you begging for more. The best part? You can also stay the night at the attached Casas do Moinho, which is equally as exciting as the food. 

Tavira

“Tavira is a historic fishing village on the edge of the Ria Formosa, where many fishermen still live and work,” Emma Campus, co-owner of Austa, located in nearby Fuseta, shared. The town, located just a few miles from the Spanish border, is also jam-packed with winding cobblestone streets and gorgeous tiled homes, along with plenty of spots to enjoy a bike ride. According to Campus, travelers should start their day at Xisto, a sleek new bakery in town, walk, grab lunch, and then head for the islands. “After a streetside lunch at Casa Corvo next to the fish market, we catch a small boat past the oyster beds to the islands, where empty sandbanks stretch for miles,” she says.

And don’t miss out on happy hour. “No trip here is complete without a stop for local craft beer at Nano Brewery or some beautiful Portuguese natural wines at Wild Thing in Cabanas.” Then, spend the night at Vila Galé, located in the center of town, for easy access to everything. 

Olhão

Just down the block, travelers can explore another coastal town, Olhão, which should be in its own time zone, as here, everyone lives at their own pace. Although there’s one time you can expect to see everyone gathered together, and that’s on Saturday mornings for the weekly market, Joy Jung from Vila Joya shared. Here, you can find vintage clothing, plenty of local produce, fresh fish, and more second-hand home goods that you can dream of. While the market is a must, Jung noted that it’s “lovely to scroll around town when the sun goes down.” She added that if you’re lucky, you can snag a rooftop terrace seat somewhere as it’s “heaven on Earth watching the tide and the boats coming in and going out, listening to the sounds of the seagulls.” Stay at Real Marina, which has its chaise loungers set up facing the ocean so you can so you can get that view and more. 

Aljezur

Find a little more barefoot luxury in Aljezur, a hip town packed with surfers, expats, and locals alike. “We head to Aljezur when we want to escape and revive our energy after long weeks working at the restaurant,” David Campus, co-owner of Austa, added.

It’s a hub for agriculture (including some of the best sweet potatoes I’ve had, and it’s also close to several excellent beaches for surfing. “We’ll meet local surfer and natural winemaker Filipo of Atlas Land for a tasting of his recent harvest,” David said, “before tucking into dinner at Eira do Mel or Pisco in nearby Vila do Bispo.” Need a fantastic coffee? Head right over to Koyo Specialty Coffee, where you’ll not only find a great cup but also all the coolest locals in town hanging out on the back patio. Book a night here at Monte do Sol, a rural retreat that will help you connect to the area’s landscapes on a deeper level. 

Setúbal

Just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, Setúbal is a great spot for seafood lovers. Gail Curley, co-owner of Palacio Príncipe Real, shared, “Setúbal is a working fishing port famed—amongst other things—for its oysters.” 

Mercado do Livramento is the star of the show here, where you can watch fishermen haul in the catch of the day and pick up a few things to bring home to cook with you. But that’s not all. Curley noted the coastline of Arrábida Natural Park is only a 15-minute boat ride away, so go ahead and rent a boat—the water here is gin-clear, making it ideal for a summer or early fall swim. You may even get lucky and spot a few of the resident dolphins swimming offshore. Then, check into the Casa Palmela, an 18th-century house-turned-luxury hotel, for the perfect getaway. 

Comporta

Often referred to as the “Hamptons of Lisbon,” Comporta is known for high-end living. “Comporta is all about understated luxury,” Cunha said. “It is where simplicity is elevated to an art form—endless rice fields, thatched cabanas, and a bohemian atmosphere.”

Ashley Les, a luxury travel advisor at Global Travel Collection, added that Comporta is also home to  “amazing shopping and restaurants, plus one of the longest stretches of beach in Europe.” Check into spots like the Sublime and Quinta da Comporta to round out the top-of-the-line experience. 

Zambujeira do Mar

Remember that little town I went to for my first weekend? It’s here. Zambujeira do Mar delivers natural drama, tranquil peace, and a community of the kindest people, not just in Portugal, but anywhere on Earth, in my humble opinion. Check into Craveiral Farmhouse, a fantastic hotel that has a working garden, a delicious restaurant, and even a few horses. Want something all to yourself? You can always check into my house, Nowhere, which sits just up the road, amid old-growth cork and pine trees, just a short bike ride from the beach.

Vila do Conde

The south doesn’t hold a monopoly on great coastal towns. Just north of Porto, Vila do Conde is the perfect mix of history and culture that most visitors seek on a trip to Portugal. “It offers a captivating blend of maritime heritage, architectural grandeur, and serene beaches,” Danilo Cerqueira, the founder of TempoVIP, explained.

Don’t miss the Aqueduto de Santa Clara for a look into the area’s history. “The town’s rich shipbuilding legacy is showcased at the Alfândega Régia,” Cerqueira said, “complemented by the Nau Quinhentista, a full-scale replica of a 16th-century Portuguese carrack.”

Aveiro

Nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a river town that is like a postcard come to life. “The city is famous for its colorful moliceiro boats, which glide through the city’s picturesque canals,” Cerqueira said. “It’s a city of Art Nouveau architecture, salt pans, and marshland beauty.” While in town, make certain you have time for ovos moles, the sweet egg-and-sugar treats wrapped in wafer-thin shells that are famous here. Have a stay fit for royalty by checking into the Turin Aveiro Palace Hotel, located right on the water’s edge.

Nazaré

Nazaré, Cerqueira said, is “world-renowned for its record-breaking waves, which attract professional surfers from around the globe.” Those waves are thanks to the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geological wonder that pushes the water up to 100 feet high before crashing to shore. But, like the others here, there’s more than just the watery view. It’s also “known for its traditional culture, including women wearing seven skirts and vibrant folklore festivals,” Cerqueira explained, making it an all-seasons town worth visiting even when the waves are flat. Stay close to the action by booking a room at Miramar Hotels, which offers the best ocean views in town. 

Matosinhos

Matosinhos is Porto’s salty little sibling just up the road, where the locals go for fish and surfing. “It’s a great expat town,” local Cynthia Matthews von Berg, who also runs Sharing the Wander, said. “We are on the coast with metro access to downtown Porto.” Rua Herois de França is the ideal street to walk down as it’s packed with restaurants grilling fish right outside. “Tell them what you want, they’ll show you the fish itself, and then grill it up for you,” she said. The town also has a long, winding boardwalk from the visitor’s center down to the Anémona sculpture that’s worthy of a stroll. “All along that boardwalk, you’ll find a very deep sand beach, and lots of surf schools. Matosinhos has small waves, so it’s a great beach for beginners,” she pointed out. Find a cozy spot to stay at the Ocean Porto Beach House right in the center of town.