Best beaches in Portugal 2023

When heading abroad, finding a destination with a beautiful beach is top of the holiday checklist for many. A short-haul trip to Europe often involves swimming, sunbathing and watersports.

As well as having hot summers and temperate winters, Portugal is second only to Spain in the number of the most Blue Flag beaches it has – with a whopping 432 in total, far more than the 104 found in England and Wales. This means that from them it is safe to take a dip in the sea, because they meet high cleanliness, safety and environmental standards.

The European country is on the Atlantic coast and some of its plentiful sandy beaches also join the mouths of rivers originating in Spain. From popular holiday spots in the Algarve to a sweeping stretch of sand off Madeira, both the mainland and islands are renowned for their clear waters and golden bays. Whether you have an upcoming trip booked or are looking for travel inspiration, keep scrolling to see the best beaches in Portugal.

Praia Dona Ana, Lagos

Best for: Nearby bars and restaurants

This popular southern Portugal beach in the Algarve is less than half an hour on foot from Lagos, and it has a sizeable length of 160 metres. You can access the beach by climbing down some steps onto the sands and here you’ll find sun loungers for relaxing, plus clear, turquoise waters and secret caves. There’s a small café on the Praia Dona Ana, and you’ll also notice plenty of bars and restaurants nearby for beach day refreshments.

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Where to stay

Just under two kilometres away is Lagos Atlantic Hotel, and this four-star accommodation has an outdoor pool, sea views, a fitness centre and barbecue facilities.