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Does Portugal have blue water?

South of Lisbon The sea that surrounds Portugal's Costa Azul ('Blue Coast') certainly lives up to its name - it's startlingly blue against the white rockface.



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Praia dos Coelhos, Sétubal The setting for innumerable films and advertising campaigns, this idyllic, secluded beach on the Arrábida coastline boasts some of the clearest waters you'll likely ever swim in. Though increasingly on the tourist trail, it's still relatively crowd-free.

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From craggy coves and dune-backed shorelines to island bays lapped by crystal-clear sapphire waters, Portugal's paradisiacal sands are as scenic as they are relaxing.

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Top beaches include Praia da Prainha and Praia do Porto do Seixal, a gorgeous black sand beach surrounded by vibrant green mountains. Just remember to set aside time for exploring Madeira's natural swimming pools.

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Clearest Waters in Europe
  • Cala Macarella, Menorca. A small cove with brilliantly white sand and crystal clear waters. ...
  • Calanques d'En Vau, South of France. ...
  • Nissi Beach, Cyprus. ...
  • Primosten, Croatia. ...
  • Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece. ...
  • Isola Bella, Sicily. ...
  • Lake Bled, Slovenia. ...
  • Famara Beach, Lanzarote.


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Clearest Waters in Europe
  • Nissi Beach, Cyprus. ...
  • Primosten, Croatia. ...
  • Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece. ...
  • Isola Bella, Sicily. ...
  • Lake Bled, Slovenia. ...
  • Famara Beach, Lanzarote. ...
  • Sveti Stefan, Montenegro. ...
  • Calo des Moro, Majorca.


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Here are 11 of the best beaches in Portugal, with something for every type of traveler.
  • 01 of 11. Praia do Norte. ...
  • 02 of 11. Praia do Camilo. ...
  • 03 of 11. Praia do Quinta do Lago. ...
  • 04 of 11. Zambujeira do Mar. ...
  • 05 of 11. Praia de Cavaleiro. ...
  • 06 of 11. Praia Baleal. ...
  • 07 of 11. Praia da Ursa. ...
  • 08 of 11. Praia da Comporta.


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1. The Maldives. The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, have around 1,190 islands and sandbanks. A lagoon with crystal clear water encircles all the islands, which are protected by a reef structure that is home to an array of underwater life.

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Top beaches include Praia da Prainha and Praia do Porto do Seixal, a gorgeous black sand beach surrounded by vibrant green mountains. Just remember to set aside time for exploring Madeira's natural swimming pools.

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While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation. Both countries offer beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, making them great destinations for travelers on a budget.

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Praia da Dona Ana, near Lagos in the Algarve, is a stunning beach renowned for its clear waters and striking cliffs.

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TURKEY'S TURQUOISE COAST Because the seas in this part of Turkey are so blue that the whole stretch of coastline is named 'The Turquoise Coast'.

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Spain leads the list with a hidden beach, Torrente de Pareis, in the Balearic island of Mallorca, followed by Bordeira Beach in Portugal's Algarve coast and Spain's Amio Beach in Pechon, Cantabria, in second and third places.

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Most Beautiful Beaches in the Mediterranean
  • Cala Coticcio Beach – Sardinia.
  • Cala Salada & Saladeta – Ibiza.
  • Platja de Ses Illetes – Formentera.
  • Cala Macarelleta – Menorca.
  • Caló des Moro – Mallorca.
  • Navagio Beach – Zakynthos.
  • Monterosso Fegina Beach – Cinque Terre.
  • Lindos Beach – Rhodes.


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Top 5 Clear Water Beaches in the Mediterranean
  1. 1) Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy. ...
  2. 2) Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. ...
  3. 3) Navagio Beach, Zakynthos Island, Greece. ...
  4. 4) Nissi Beach, Aya Napa, Cyprus. ...
  5. 5) Blue Lagoon, Comino Island, Malta, Europe.


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The verdict. Deciding which country has the best beaches for you really depends on what you're looking for. Whereas Spain is graced by the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and the chilled-out beach life that comes with it, Portugal benefits from the lively waters of the Atlantic and some truly epic scenery.

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The high season – June to August – is the best time for the beach. During the summer months, you'll find warmer ocean temperatures, especially as you head south to the Algarve. Water temps and crowds alike peak in July and August, so plan on sharing those pretty beaches with plenty of other sunseekers.

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What Is Portugal Famous For?
  • Gastronomy. Portuguese food. Portugal is well known for its food and fine wine. ...
  • Beaches. Meco Beach, near Lisbon. ...
  • Madeira. Madeira. ...
  • Wine. Port wine. ...
  • Surfing. São Sebastião Beach, Ericeira. ...
  • Fado Music. Fado performance. ...
  • Pastel de Nata. Pastel de Nata. ...
  • Golf. Golf course in Algarve.


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