Are you searching for the very best seashore cities in Portugal?
Look no additional! From beautiful cliffside views and crystal-clear waters to vibrant nightlife and scrumptious seafood, Portugal’s coast is a paradise ready to be explored. Whether or not you’re trying to find an idyllic spot to chill out or a vigorous place to go sightseeing, every of those locations presents one thing actually particular.
So pack your luggage, seize your sunscreen and hop in your automobile rental to discover the very best seashore cities in Portugal!
Greatest Seaside Cities round Porto
1. Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo, positioned about 45 minutes north of Porto, is a surprising seashore city with loads to supply guests. From its breathtaking golden seashores and rolling dunes, this historic metropolis stuffed with structure and attention-grabbing points of interest has one thing for everybody. It is called probably the most lovely cities in Portugal and has its personal forte and cathedral.
Take the funicular as much as Monte de Santa Luzia Sanctuary to see the largest rose window within the Iberian peninsula, or go to the Gil Eannes hospital ship for an attention-grabbing afternoon. There are many actions to maintain you busy whereas on the town, so don’t miss out on exploring the beautiful medieval structure or the scrumptious regional delicacies.
Nearest airport: Porto
Greatest seashore: Praia do Cabedelo
Greatest place to remain: Casa Manuel Espregueira e Oliveira is a good possibility with plenty of character and is true downtown!
What and The place to eat: Attempt the pescada à Vianense which is a neighborhood cod dish, in addition to the well-known caldo verde soup. That is the place the long-lasting potato, kale, and chouriço soup was born! Attempt Tasquinha da Linda proper downtown for lunch or dinner.
2. Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a seaside city in Portugal, positioned simply on the outskirts of Porto. It’s a well-liked vacation spot for surfers seeking to journey the waves, and its seashores are recognized for his or her beautiful views. Right here, you too can go to the biggest aquarium in Portugal and discover the spectacular 83-hectare Parque da Cidade do Porto.
Should you’re feeling artsy, don’t miss the prospect to go to the Serralves Artwork Deco villa and its spectacular park and modern artwork museum. Lastly, in the event you get hungry, head to one of many many eating places in Matousinhos for a scrumptious seafood feast!
Nearest airport: Porto
Greatest seashore: Matosinhos Seaside
Greatest place to remain: Ocean Porto – Seaside Home is a small home 500 m from the seashore with a gorgeous fashionable design and its personal pool within the yard. To not be missed!
The place to eat: Fish and seafood are king right here, and in the event you’re right here through the summer season months, attempt the grilled sardines! Meia-Nau Matosinhos has among the finest dishes on the town proper in entrance of the marina!
Greatest Seaside Cities between Porto and Lisbon
3. Aveiro
Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque canals winding via town, is a good vacation spot for vacationers eager to see one thing completely different on this charming coastal city.
You possibly can take a ship journey down the canals, lease a motorbike to discover town or take an organized tour to go to one of many close by lagoons and expertise its salt manufacturing. Don’t miss the salt spa on the lagoon, it’s a good way to pamper your self for a number of hours.
A number of kilometers towards the ocean you may go to Costa Nova and its iconic striped cottages – a stunning spot for a day stroll proper on the seashore.
Aveiro can be recognized for its ceramic artwork. Hold your eyes peeled for the murals on the practice station and plenty of different buildings round city. Don’t neglect to attempt candy Ovos Moles, they’re a neighborhood favourite!
Nearest airport: Porto
Greatest seashore: Praia da Costa Nova
Greatest place to remain: Saber Amar Charme is the perfect place to remain in the event you’re searching for an genuine Portuguese dwelling with good design and a handy location. The view over the canal is unbeatable!
The place to eat: Attempt the fish stew at restaurant O Bairro for an distinctive dinner out and glorious service!
4. Sao Martinho do Porto
Sao Martinho do Porto is a gorgeous coastal city in Portugal, positioned on the Silver Coast with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a perfect vacation spot for vacationers seeking to chill out and revel in a while away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.
The attractive stretch of fantastic golden sand is exclusive as a result of it’s protected by a skinny strip of land with a small opening to the ocean. This produces a naturally calm shell-shaped lagoon the place vacationers and locals can spend their days enjoyable by the seashore.
The cobbled streets are lined with cafes, eating places, and bars, whereas the beachfront presents loads of actions reminiscent of swimming, crusing, and fishing. The Portuguese love to return right here for a day by the seashore, and it’s particularly fashionable with households.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest seashore: Praia de Sao Martinho do Porto
Greatest place to remain: Paradise Bay T3 is a very nice newly renovated flat with an unbelievable view of the lagoon, a pool, and an distinctive design. To not be missed!
The place to eat: Nova Caravela is the place to be for glorious fish, shellfish, and seafood! Attempt the octopus salad, it’s divine!
5. Peniche
Peniche is a seashore city positioned about 1.5 hours north of Lisbon alongside the coast. It’s recognized for its beautiful seashores, browsing, and different water sports activities. It is likely one of the most attention-grabbing coastal cities in Portugal resulting from its range of actions and boasts clear blue waters with medicinal properties because of the excessive iodine content material.
Don’t miss an tour to the Berlenga islands! This archipelago makes for an amazing boat tour to take a look at the colony of puffins and different marine life within the pure reserve. Should you’re feeling adventurous you may go kayaking, diving, or climbing round these islands.
Proper off the city’s heart, Fortaleza de Peniche is a cliff-top fortress with an amazing view over the Atlantic. This centuries-old fort has been restored and now homes an attention-grabbing museum, with reveals about its historical past and artifacts from the Age of Discoveries.
On the opposite facet of city, you will discover Praia do Baleal, a former whaling station that has now develop into a hip surf hub with plenty of cool surf retailers and faculties. The seashore additionally presents breathtaking sunsets over the horizon, it’s a must-see for any customer to Peniche.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest seashore: Praia da Consolaçao
Greatest place to remain: This Deluxe Flat in Historic Middle is a wonderful possibility with improbable design, fashionable facilities and glorious reception by the homeowners.
The place to eat: Os Americano’s is an unbelievable spot for delectable dishes and though it’s a wine bar, I’d go there for the fabulous meals, particularly the Polvo a Lagareiro.
6. Nazare
Nazare is a surprising coastal city on the Silver Coast of Portugal. With its lovely seashores, charming cobblestone streets and dramatic red-roofed buildings, it’s a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers eager to discover the breathtaking Portuguese shoreline. The primary seashore in Nazare is Praia da Nazare, which has golden sand and crystal-clear waters. This seashore is ideal for swimming, browsing and sunbathing.
The outdated city of Nazare is a must-visit for these seeking to discover the tradition and historical past of the area. Wander via its slim streets lined and take the funicular as much as the convent at Sitio. Right here you may take pleasure in breathtaking views of the shoreline, in addition to go to the lighthouse and Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo. You’ll additionally wish to hold your eye out for its well-known monster waves which may attain as much as 25 meters!
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest seashore: Praia da Nazare
Greatest place to remain: Nazare Marisol Praia presents an amazing location within the heart of the village and proper in entrance of the seashore. It’s fashionable, clear and the view is spectacular.
The place to eat: Arimar is a wonderful selection because it’s proper subsequent to the funicular on arriving in O Sitio, and has superb views of the fabulous stretch of sand and village beneath.
Greatest Seaside Cities round Lisbon (Central Portugal)
7. Ericeira
Ericeira is a gorgeous seashore city positioned simply outdoors of Lisbon alongside the coast. With its beautiful ocean views and charming streets, Ericeira is the proper vacation spot for a calming getaway. As the one World Surf Reserve in Europe, additionally it is THE spot for surfers seeking to catch some waves.
Close by, you may go to the beautiful Palácio de Mafra, a Unesco web site and among the finest palaces to go to in Portugal. Ericeira itself presents loads to do – from strolling the slim cobblestone streets and people-watching within the quaint village sq. to biking, climbing, and having fun with the native surf vibe within the eating places and retailers.
Plus, you may’t miss out on attempting among the scrumptious seafood dishes right here – Ericeira is the place of selection for LIsbonites searching for glorious fish and seafood!
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest seashore: Praia de Foz de Lizandro
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest place to remain: Casa das Aguarelas presents fashionable comforts with a historic flare that’s ideally positioned downtown.
The place and What to eat: Attempt the well-known caldeirada de peixe (fish stew), octopus rice, or the scrumptious seafood plater at Ribas. It was not too long ago renovated and now has a surprising aquarium as a centerpiece!
8. Azenhas do Mar
Azenhas do Mar is a captivating seaside village simply outdoors of Lisbon. Its picturesque location alongside the coast, with conventional Portuguese properties perched atop a craggy cliff and overlooking the pounding surf, is an unforgettable sight. The cobblestone streets are lined with lovely conventional homes and there’s a small sandy seashore for swimming and sunbathing.
The village can be recognized for its glorious fish and seafood served in eating places constructed into the cliffs – the large home windows up on the cliffs are the proper technique to benefit from the beautiful views. Don’t miss the mill stones scattered across the village alleys. They’re remnants of the unique sea-powered water mills which gave the village its title. An amazing day journey from Lisbon!
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest seashore: Praia das Maças
Greatest place to remain: Casa Nas Arribas is a cute cottage in a wonderful location proper on the ocean. It presents a really genuine expertise in a standard home which has been properly saved.
The place to eat: The Azenhas do Mar restaurant is a basic, constructed proper into the cliffs above the crashing waves. Right here attempt the fish and seafood, however you’ll discover it pretty costly. Should you’d like one thing higher priced, and simply as scrumptious, attempt Cafe das Patricias – you gained’t remorse it!
9. Cascais
Cascais is an idyllic coastal paradise positioned minutes from Lisbon’s grand motels and concrete really feel. With its lovely seashores, beautiful views, and charming cobblestone streets, it’s no marvel Cascais is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot.
And it’s solely 40 minutes from the Lisbon Airport for these who select Cascais as a base to discover the encircling space. Whether or not you’re seeking to surf within the ocean, discover historic fortresses, or simply chill out within the solar, Cascais is the proper spot in your vacation.
The seashores close to Cascais are notably beautiful, with Praia da Duquesa and Guincho being two of the most well-liked spots. Guincho’s wild shoreline and powerful winds make it an amazing vacation spot for browsing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, whereas Praia da Duquesa’s gently rolling waves make it best for swimming and sunbathing.
Past the seashores, Cascais additionally has a wealth of points of interest for vacationers to discover. The Estoril On line casino is a well-liked spot the place you may attempt your luck within the card tables or simply take pleasure in its great environment. You may as well take a stroll across the heart of Cascais and discover the quaint retailers, cafes, eating places and bars. Don’t miss the Fortress of Santa Marta, which is a superbly preserved Sixteenth-century Portuguese fort.
Nearest airport: Lisbon
Greatest seashores: Praia da Duquesa and Guinchos
Greatest place to remain: Luna Home is such a stunning place to remain proper subsequent to the historic heart. It’s properly priced fashionable, has a gorgeous backyard and pool, and could be very handy.
The place to eat: A Nova Estrela is a good conventional Portuguese Restaurant with glorious dishes and actually fabulous service! The proprietor is at all times there receiving diners and makes certain you’ll have a wonderful eating expertise. This places it far above all different locations with nice meals in Cascais.
Greatest Seaside Cities in Algarve and South of Lisbon
10. Sagres
Located on the southernmost tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Sagres is a stunningly lovely vacation spot that provides a novel and charming expertise for vacationers searching for one thing off the crushed path.
With its wild and windy seashores, rugged terrain, and spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no marvel this straightforward city has develop into so fashionable with guests.
The seashores of Sagres are lovely lengthy sandy seashores and the privileged location makes for glorious surf spots close by. Guests can take pleasure in a variety of watersports and actions, reminiscent of browsing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and rather more.
Additionally price visiting is the fifteenth-century fort that stands guard over the city and shoreline. With its sweeping views and salty air, it’s straightforward to grasp why individuals consult with Sagres as ‘the top of the world’.
Nearest airport: Faro
Greatest seashore: Praia da Mareta
Greatest place to remain: Sagres Time Apartamentos are an amazing possibility for a properly priced flat positioned between the principle seashores. Though not essentially the most fashionable, it does supply a pleasant pool and could be very properly rated.
The place to eat: A Seriea is a restaurant positioned on high of the fish market which serves the freshest fish in Sagres. Should you arrive after lunch, you’ll get to see the fish public sale from the market!
11. Odiceixe
Odiceixe is likely one of the prettiest coastal cities in Portugal. Positioned on the Silver Coast, Odiceixe has a lot to supply its guests.
The primary attraction is Odiceixe Mar with its pretty seashore, a slim river-formed seashore with a small lagoon excellent for swimming and paddleboarding. It’s additionally a perfect spot for browsing due to the sturdy waves coming off the Atlantic on the principle seashore.
The small hamlet on the ocean is small however charming with a number of eating places, surf retailers and cafes – though most are solely open in summer season months. A must-see when visiting is the breathtaking sundown from the seashore.
Odiceixe can be on the Rota Vicentina, a community of trails for hikers – so why not mix some seashore time with some lovely views of nature?
Nearest airport: Faro
Greatest seashore: Praia de Odiceixe
Greatest place to remain: Should you’d wish to be proper downtown, attempt Bohemian Vintage Guesthouse for its lovely design and nice location. Should you’ve obtained a automobile, Odiceixe is unquestionably the place for rural tourism. Monte Joao Roupeiro is a standard Alentejano household nation home with acres of property, lovely views, a stunning pool and pond, and extra.
The place to eat: Ao Largo Odeceixe presents lovely Portuguese meals, in addition to glorious vegetarian and vegan choices proper within the central sq. of the city.
12. Ferrugado
Ferragudo is a captivating fishing city positioned on the opposite facet of the Arade river from Portimao. It’s an amazing vacation spot for these seeking to escape the bustle of metropolis life, because it presents a peaceable environment with loads of cultural and historic websites to discover. The outdated city heart is stuffed with conventional white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets, making it a romantic spot for a night stroll.
Ferragudo presents loads of outside actions, from climbing to the fort simply throughout the river in Portimao, biking to the lighthouse, or snorkeling amongst Atlantic marine life – all of which could be finished with out having to navigate too removed from the shore.
Moreover, guests can go to the Silves Citadel thought-about the very best preserved Moorish fort in Portugal, and its archeological museum, or take a journey to Slide & Splash – one of many largest water parks in Algarve. For these eager to enterprise slightly additional, half-hour north you’ll discover Parque da Mina – an attention-grabbing historic theme park centered on an iron ore mine, distillery and 18th-century manor home.
Nearest airport: Faro
Greatest seashore: Praia Grande
Greatest place to remain: Lodge Rural Brícia Du Mar is likely one of the finest resort choices within the space for good giant fashionable rooms with beautiful pool views and nice facilities for a really low worth.
The place to eat: Fim do Mundo is a stunning taverna with funky decor and completely improbable meals. Attempt the rib eye and be blown away!
13. Tavira
Tavira is a pleasant and charming city positioned on the Mediterranean coast of Portugal. Proper on the Gilão River, it presents a gorgeous setting for enjoyable and exploring. For these searching for a little bit of enjoyable, Praia do Barril could be accessed by taxi boat after which mini practice and is likely one of the most beautiful seashores within the space.
The city additionally has many cultural points of interest, together with Tavira Citadel which is a restored remnant of the city’s Moorish period. For one thing actually distinctive, guests ought to pay a go to to Tavira’s digital camera obscure, arrange in a transformed water tower from 1931.
High all of it off with some leisure at Fado com História for a night of Portuguese music, dancing and storytelling.
Nearest airport: Faro
Greatest seashore: Praia do Barril
Greatest place to remain: Staying at Colégio Attraction Home is an expertise in itself for the reason that property is a fabulously renovated schoolhouse. The design is actually beautiful and the distinctive service and a spotlight to element places this place above the remaining.
The place to eat: O Barril has glorious Portuguese meals with nice home wine! The duck breast right here is divine!
Map of the Greatest Seaside Cities in Portugal (Mainland)
Greatest Seaside Cities in Portugal: The Wrap Up
Portugal is a gorgeous nation with an abundance of beautiful coastal cities and seashores. From the Silver Coast to Madeira, there are many locations to probe for these in search of journey or leisure on their travels. Whether or not you’re searching for golden sand, crystal-clear waters or monster waves, these finest seashore cities in Portugal have one thing particular that may captivate your coronary heart and soul.
Visitor Writer: A beachcomber, an avid bookworm, and a instructor. Michelle is a Canadian journey blogger who writes about Ericeira. She lives between Mallorca and Ericeira, together with her household. Comply with her adventures on Ericeirafamilyadventures.com.
Learn Subsequent:
