Where is the best place to swim in Portugal?

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.
  • Costa da Caparica, Almada.
  • Praia Porto Santo, Porto Santo Island.
  • Praia de Moledo, Moledo.
  • Praia da Falesia, Albufeira.
  • Praia de São Jacinto, Aveiro.




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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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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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Top 5 beaches with the hottest waters in Portugal
  1. Praia de São Torpes, Sines. The Brazilian magazine Viagem e Turismo has highlighted the temperature of the waters of this beach of Costa Alentejana. ...
  2. Praia da Manta Rota, Algarve. ...
  3. Praia da Rocha, Algarve. ...
  4. Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro, Sines. ...
  5. Praia da Marinha, Algarve.


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Best Beaches in Portugal
  • Albufeira.
  • Lagoa.
  • Portimão.
  • Sagres.
  • Aveiro.
  • The Azores.
  • Madeira.
  • Tróia Peninsula.


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If beachcombing is on your list while visiting, check out some of the beaches along the Tejo River in Lisbon. You'll find sea glass, tiles, and maybe even a few marbles. The beaches in Lagos are loaded with shells. In Porto, there's a small beach by the lighthouse where I've found some great pieces of glass.

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11 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
  • Belém Tower, Lisbon.
  • Sete Cidades, Azores.
  • Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon.
  • Madeira Botanical Gardens, Funchal.
  • Peneda-Gerês National Park, Porto.
  • Monserrate Palace, near Sintra.
  • 25th April Bridge, Lisbon.
  • The Douro Valley, Porto.


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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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The Algarve is one of the sunniest regions of Europe. With a warm climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year, you can enjoy a great holiday throughout the year. If you are looking for a beach holiday, then the Algarve is the perfection destination. You can swim in the ocean comfortably from March until October.

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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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Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas
  • Stingray City, Grand Cayman.
  • Stingray City, Grand Cayman.
  • Gardner Bay, Galapagos Islands.
  • Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda.
  • Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda.
  • Allas Sea Pools in Helsinki, Finland.
  • Ho'okipa Beach Park, Hawaii.
  • Grand Anse Beach, Grenada.


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The Portuguese coastline – along with the coastlines of California, South Africa, Western Australia and Peru – is subject to a phenomenon known as upwelling. In simple terms, if the wind blows parallel to the coast, then water from the bottom of the ocean (cold and rich in nutrients) rises and comes to the shoreline.

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Algarve is the hottest region of Portugal, with the exception of Madeira Island (an archipelago of Portugal). In the Alentejo region the average temperatures are around 16ºC (depending on if you are on the coast or in the interior) and in the Algarve region 18ºC.

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Swimming Safety in Portugal Portugal is lined by the Atlantic Ocean which offers swimmers cool waters and large waves, depending on the location. Caution should be taken for beaches connected to rivers or streams since currents may be strong.

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After a storm is usually a good time to check out the beach and in the spring and fall when the foot traffic is low! A well groomed beach does not produce much beach glass, so choose a beach with plenty of rocks.

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There are three Glass Beach sites in Fort Bragg where trash was dumped into the ocean between 1906 and 1967. Site Two (1943–1949) and Three (1949–1967 – Glass Beach) are located at the end of the path that begins on the corner of Elm Street and Glass Beach Drive.

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Winter: If you don't like the heat, the North is your number one choice. The climate is Atlantic, which means the sea moderates the presence of the heat so it'll never be too hot. And so, you can enjoy and visit monumental cities as Viseu, Aveiro and Porto without a drop of sweat. Summer: So, you're a Summer lover…

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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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Both of the country's major cities are considered coastal, but the answer to whether Porto or Lisbon is best for beaches is a little more complicated. On paper, Porto's beaches should beat Lisbon, as the northern city's upscale Foz do Douro district has its own stretches of golden sand.

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