Portugal's stunning coastline is home to some of the most charming seaside towns in the world, each with its own unique character and beauty. As you travel from north to south, you'll first encounter coastal towns in Portugal that resemble those of Galicia in Spain, with their traditional stone houses. Further south, the villages become brighter and more colourful, leading to some of the best beach towns in Portugal, including picturesque fishing villages full of charm. While the Algarve, with its spectacular beaches, remains a top tourist destination, we're mostly venturing beyond to explore other breathtaking locations, including the Alentejo coast—a region renowned for its hidden gems and stunning scenery. Join us as we uncover the best coastal towns in Portugal in 2025, from serene retreats to vibrant seaside escapes.
What is the best seaside town in Portugal?
Portugal boasts several beautiful beach towns along its coastline, each with its own charm and appeal. While it's subjective and depends on personal preferences, some of the most popular and well-regarded coastal and beach towns in Portugal include:
Cascais
Just a short distance from Lisbon, Cascais offers elegant beaches, charming streets, and a sophisticated atmosphere, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
Cascais is blessed with several beautiful beaches, including Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, and Praia da Duquesa. These beaches offer golden sands, clear waters, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports like surfing or stand-up paddleboarding, Cascais has a beach for you.
Cascais also serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. Nearby attractions include the scenic town of Sintra with its fairytale palaces and lush forests, as well as the picturesque coastal town of Estoril, known for its casino and beautiful gardens.
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Sagres
Sagres, located in the southwestern tip of Portugal, is a captivating destination known for its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled natural beauty. Sagres holds historical significance as the site of Prince Henry the Navigator's School of Navigation during the 15th century. The town's fortress, Fortaleza de Sagres, overlooks the sea and offers stunning views. While much of the original structure is in ruins, the site is still worth a visit for its historical importance and panoramic vistas.
Sagres is also renowned for its wild and untouched coastline, characterised by towering cliffs, hidden coves, and sweeping beaches pounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery on this part of the Portugal coast is breathtaking, especially around spots like Ponta de Sagres and Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), which is the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe.
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Viana do Castelo
Located in Portugal's Northern Region, Viana do Castelo sits on the banks of the Lima River. This charming town town close to the Portugal coast has plenty to offer visitors, including an intriguing medieval quarter and beautiful beaches on its outskirts. The town's main attractions include the Praça de la República, which boasts historic buildings, and the Santiago de Barra Castle. Additionally, the Monte de Santa Luzia offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the sea from its impressive basilica, making it one of the most sought-after places to visit and reside in Portugal.
Aveiro
Aveiro, referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," is recognised for its vibrant buildings and intricate system of canals. It is an undeniable tourist hotspot on the Portuguese coast, boasting a delightful year-round climate and a diverse range of museums, landmarks, beaches, and traditional delicacies such as "Ovos Moles," a sweet treat made of sweetened egg yolks. To truly immerse yourself in this seaside town's charm, make sure to visit the Santa Joana Museum, the Jardim do Rossio, and the Aveiro Cathedral.
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Figueira da Foz
The cosmopolitan city of Figueira da Foz is located in the Coimbra region and owes its name to its location at the mouth (foz in Portuguese) of the Mondego River. It is one of Portugal's main tourist destinations, thanks to the fact that in the late 19th century it became fashionable for the region's aristocracy to spend the summer in Figueira.
One of its most outstanding features is the casino founded in 1900. Its spectacular beach is home to the longest stretch of sand in mainland Portugal and is a great destination for water sports enthusiasts. For a panoramic view of the town, we recommend a trip to the Serra de Boa Viagem for the best view of the area from the Mirador de Vela.
Nazaré
No list of Portugal seaside towns would be complete without a visit to Nazaré which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages on the coast of Portugal. It is a typical Portuguese village in an excellent location, facing a beautiful sandy beach and only about 100 kilometres north of Lisbon. Nazaré is a year-round tourist destination thanks to its pleasant climate: in the summer, it is an ideal destination for families with children who can swim in the sheltered waters of the bay, while in winter it becomes the surfing capital, as it comes alive with the world's best surfers.
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Peniche
Located in the central region of Portugal, Peniche stands out for its varied cultural offer, traditions and natural resources. Nowadays, it is still one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal. Its historic centre is home to numerous restaurants where you can taste typical local dishes made with fresh, top quality food, especially seafood since this is one of Portugal's best fishing areas. On top of this, the maritime area of the town is the perfect place to watch spectacular sunsets, solidifying its position as one of the best coastal towns in Portugal.
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Portugal beach towns near Lisbon
Portugal is blessed with numerous beautiful beach towns near Lisbon, offering a mix of stunning coastline, cultural richness, and leisure activities. Here are some noteworthy beach towns near Lisbon:
- Cascais: Located just 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, Cascais is a charming coastal town with a rich history and beautiful beaches. Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha are popular choices for sunbathing and swimming. Cascais also boasts a picturesque old town, elegant mansions, and a vibrant marina.
- Estoril: Adjacent to Cascais, Estoril is famous for its glamorous past as a resort town and its elegant Casino Estoril, which inspired Ian Fleming's James Bond novels. Visitors can enjoy the golden sands of Tamariz Beach and explore the town's lush gardens and palm-lined promenade.
- Carcavelos: Situated between Lisbon and Cascais, Carcavelos is known for its wide sandy beach and excellent surfing conditions. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking sun, sea, and waves. The beach is lined with bars, restaurants, and surf schools.
- Costa da Caparica: Across the Tagus River from Lisbon, Costa da Caparica offers an extensive coastline with over 15 kilometres of sandy beaches. Praia da Rainha and Praia do Rei are among the most popular beaches, known for their lively atmosphere and beach bars. Costa da Caparica is easily accessible from Lisbon by ferry or car.
- Setúbal: A bit farther south of Lisbon, Setúbal is a charming coastal city known for its seafood, historic center, and proximity to the scenic Arrábida Natural Park. Nearby beaches like Praia da Figueirinha and Praia de Galápos offer crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs.
- Sesimbra: Located on the Setúbal Peninsula, Sesimbra is a picturesque fishing town surrounded by sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. Praia do Ouro and Praia da California are popular choices for swimming and sunbathing, while the town itself boasts a charming harbour, seafood restaurants, and a medieval castle.
These beach towns near Lisbon offer a diverse range of experiences, from relaxation and sunbathing to water sports, cultural exploration, and culinary delights, making them ideal destinations for a seaside getaway.
The most affordable beach towns in Portugal
If you're looking for the most affordable beach towns in Portugal, consider Nazaré, Peniche, and Vila Real de Santo António.
- Nazaré – Famous for its giant waves, this fishing town offers a lower cost of living compared to the Algarve. It has a relaxed atmosphere, fresh seafood, and a strong local community.
- Peniche – A surfer’s paradise, Peniche is one of Portugal’s more budget-friendly coastal towns. It has affordable housing, great seafood, and a laid-back vibe.
- Vila Real de Santo António – Located near the Spanish border in the eastern Algarve, this town is more affordable than the western Algarve hotspots. It has beautiful beaches, a warm climate, and a peaceful atmosphere.
These towns provide a mix of affordability, natural beauty, and Portuguese charm—ideal for those seeking a seaside escape without the high costs of tourist-heavy destinations.
The best beach towns in Portugal to live
Choosing the "best" beach town to live in Portugal ultimately depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and priorities. However, several beach towns stand out for their quality of life, amenities, natural beauty, and overall desirability. Many of the destinations mentioned above are not only great tourist destinations, but also ideal places to live, with the list of the best beach towns in Portugal to live including Cascais, Lagos, Tavira, Aveiro, Albufeira and many more. For more information on the best places to live in Portugal, check out our guide.
Where is the best coastal town to retire in Portugal?
Lagos, in the Algarve, is also one of the best coastal towns in Portugal to retire. It offers a perfect mix of stunning beaches, a charming historic centre, and modern amenities. The town has a welcoming expat community, excellent healthcare facilities, and a mild climate year-round. Lagos provides a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle, with plenty of restaurants, cultural events, and outdoor activities like golf, sailing, and hiking.
For a quieter option, Cascais, near Lisbon, is another top choice. This elegant seaside town offers beautiful coastal walks, excellent healthcare, and easy access to Lisbon’s international airport. It has a slightly higher cost of living but boasts a high quality of life.
Both towns offer a safe, friendly environment, making them ideal for retirees looking to enjoy the best of Portugal’s coastal beauty while maintaining comfort and convenience.
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