Where is the clearest water in Portugal?

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. Remember, too, that the volcanic Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores are Portuguese, offering exciting beaches of their own.

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


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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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Praia do Vale de Centeanes is where you'll want to go to see some of the clearest water in the Algarve. On a clear day, it's easy to see the bottom of the ocean without even setting foot in the water. This beach is located near Carvoeiro, so it won't be hard to travel from here to Praia da Marinha or Praia de Benagil.

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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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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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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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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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Porto Covo, Portugal Pink sand beaches are pretty rare, but if a pink-ish sand beach will do, swing by Porto Covo in Portugal. The color of the sand changes depending on the light, but it has pinkish hues.

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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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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 11 best places to visit in Portugal
  • Óbidos. ...
  • Setúbal Peninsula. ...
  • Porto. ...
  • The Minho. ...
  • Évora. Best for historical architecture. ...
  • Coimbra. Best for a student vibe. ...
  • The Algarve. Best for a relaxing family holiday. ...
  • Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela. Best for hiking and alpine activities in winter.


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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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Fort Bragg, California Glass Beach is adjacent to MacKerricher State Park and is one of three beaches in Fort Bragg that were official dumpsites in the 1940s. As a result, this is the sea glass beach, probably the best and most unique in the world. Basically, the entire beach is made up of sea glass instead of sand.

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