Top 6 Seaside Towns Along The Sunkissed Coast of Portugal

Boasting 943 kms of coastline the ocean plays a major role in the culture of Portugal, with many capital cities being built along its rugged coast. 

With overseas travel off limits until it is deemed safe again, Portugal is top of of the list for many and here’s why.

A country renowned for its love of wine and creamy Portuguese tarts Portugal hosts beautiful untouched coastline and some of the world’s most stunning seaside towns. The national dishes are grilled sardines and salted cod, also known as Bacalhau. 

With spectacular scenery, eye popping views, a stretch of sand to suit every traveller, wine galore at bargain prices and seafood straight out of the water Portugal is a fantastic travel destination.

Once known for its maritime era, Portugal is home to some of the best surfing spots in the world including Nazaré where the swell occasionally reaches up to 30 meters, or 100 feet. 

Madonna, Scarlett Johansen, Monica Belluci and Christian Louboutin are just a few of the names that have already been surrendered to the charms of this country several of whom have bought property in the Lisbon area.

There are no direct flights from Sydney to Porto however it is an easy 2.5 hour flight from London, 3 from Berlin or just 2 from Paris. 

Porto

Set on a river 3 km from the ocean, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and is famous for its namesake, Port wine. Port is a fortified wine which is typically richer, sweeter, heavier, and higher in alcohol content than unfortified wines and it really packs a punch.

A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without visiting a Port House. We recommend Kopke Port House andVinhos Quinta Do Noval  which are a few doors apart along the Douro River. Line your stomach with Portuguese tarts, also known as pastel de nata in the medieval Ribeira district and admire the narrow cobbled streets that wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. 

Try Portuguese Vinho Verde, Madeira Wine or even Ginjinha if Port is not your thing.

Cascais and Estoril 

Located 1 hour out of Lisbon, Cascais is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. Visit the Gothic Revivalist Palace, Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães which boasts a library of more than 25,000 volumes, Indo-Portuguese furniture and prehistoric archaeology from local caves. 

Swim at the pristine Praia de Rainha beach which is a few strides from the café and bar filled Rua Frederico Arouca which is a great place to order coffee and fresh Bacalhau. 

Neighbouring suburb Estoril is quieter and boasts a German school and one of the biggest working casinos in Europe. Estoril is a great place to relax, take yoga classes and a departure from the well-trodden tourist trail. 

Portinho da Arrábida 

Lying within the Lisbon metropolitan area, Portinho da Arrábida is accessible from Setúbal, an industrial fishing city about 30 km south of Lisbon. Located in the Arrábida Natural Park, Portinho da Arrábida is a tranquil place to swim or scuba dive with clear waters and white sand. 

There is good hiking within the Natural Park and a scene from 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was filmed here. 

Lagos

A tourist favourite of Portugal’s southern Algarve region, Lagos is home to Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. 

The Ponta da Piedade is a Portuguese natural wonder and is just minutes south of Lagos’ old centre. Gnarled cliffs and stacks of red and yellow limestone rising to 20 metres into the air contrast with the shimmering turquoise water below. Explore the natural arches and caves of the Ponta da Piedade by kayak or boat from the Lagos marina. 

Albufeira

Albufeira is the largest and liveliest of all the resort towns long Portugal’s southern coast. There are hundreds of different restaurants to choose from along the decorated streets of Albufeira’s old town serving fresh local seafood. 

Visit the Instagram famous Benagil Cave which is located 16 km west of Albufeira by boat. View the breathtaking cave from above or if you’re feeling adventurous swim in from Benagil Beach which takes about 5-10 minutes. 

Portugal is truly one of the most stunning destinations in Europe. With more than 900 kms of stunning coastline, Portugal is the best place in Europe to drink Vinho Verde and eat fresh seafood by the beach.

See Also: 7 Reasons To Visit Lisbon