Gone seem the days when deserted and unknown beaches didn’t feature on our social media feeds. Nowadays, it’s nearly impossible to find beaches without tourists, allowing us to escape the masses. Even so, we believe that the stunning Portuguese coastline still hides some less explored treasures, which can be genuine havens of tranquillity. With this in mind, we’ve prepared a list of some of the most secret beaches in Portugal for you to discover on your next holiday.
Praia da Samarra, Sintra
We start with a secret refuge among cliffs; Praia da Samarra, an excellent option for those seeking a hidden place to relax near Lisbon. This beach in Sintra will bring you closer to nature while you unwind to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean waves.
The descent to the beach is made via a cliff, so it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear. Also, note that Praia da Samarra is not supervised, which emphasises the need for caution, especially if you are visiting with young children.
Praia de Galapinhos, Arrábida
Considered the Best European Beach of 2017 by the site European Best Destinations, Praia dos Galapinhos in the Serra da Arrábida remains a paradise for relaxing alone or with friends. It is situated among green hills and the limestone cliffs of this area. Moreover, it stands out primarily for its turquoise waters, which make even those living in the south of France or Italy envious.
It is important to note that access to Praia de Galapinhos is via a rather steep trail, so it is not the best beach to visit with a full backpack or with small children. However, it is a supervised beach, meaning it is safe for those who want to dive into the icy ocean that will rejuvenate your muscles and soul.
Praia da Adiça
South of Costa de Caparica, we find a practically untouched place. Situated in Fonte da Telha, a small fishing community south of Costa da Caparica, Praia da Adiça spans 1.5 km, meaning you have plenty of space to lay your towel and enjoy beach activities.
You can - and should - take the opportunity to photograph the surrounding landscape, which features golden cliffs and some dunes. As it is a naturist beach, it is unsupervised and lacks any bar or restaurant services. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare a basket with water, fruits, and healthy snacks; otherwise, you will need to walk 15 to 30 minutes to the community of Fonte da Telha. The goal is to arrive here and stay until the last rays of sunlight.
Fajã dos Padres, Madeira
It's time to head to the island of Madeira where we find an unusual paradise. Fajã dos Padres is a beach where the sun constantly shines, the mountains offer an impressive view, and the sea temperature can reach 24°C during the warm season. Although it is an unsupervised beach, the natural beauty and tranquillity it offers make it an unmissable destination.
Around the beach, there is also fertile land filled with exotic fruits, which are then served at the local restaurant. This detail adds a special charm to Fajã dos Padres, allowing you to enjoy the fresh and authentic flavours of Madeira. Some call it the island within the island, because to get there you need to use a boat or a cable car, the latter being a breathtaking experience from the very first minute.
Cais do Sardinha, Madeira
On the eastern coast of Madeira, we find another beach with difficult access, whose popularity has been growing in recent times. Even so, it continues to have few foreign visitors. We are talking about Praia do Sardinha, situated at Ponta de São Lourenço, where the landscape looks like something out of a film - it’s no coincidence that "The Acolyte," the new Star Wars series, was filmed here.
To reach this stunning beach, you can either opt for a three-kilometre hike, adorned by the arid scenery of this area, or arrive by sea. It is important to note that there are no support services or supervision at Praia do Sardinha, so bathers need to stay vigilant at all times. Even so, this is a spot of crystal-clear waters where you can finally be far from the crowds.
Aldeia Ana de Aviz river beach
We finish with Praia Fluvial Ana de Aviz, a river beach situated in Figueiró dos Vinhos. Recognised for its exceptional conditions, this beach is a true oasis of fun. Here, the crystal-clear waters of the stream form a natural pool with a schist bottom that glistens in the sun.
Around this marvel, you'll find a lawn ideal for a picnic or a nap. It is a very well-equipped beach with a medical post, parking for cars and bicycles, access ramps for people with reduced mobility and their companions, and it even has a lifeguard and a fully equipped bathroom for everyone. An opportunity to make the most of the summer months’ rest.
Visit Porutgal
If you're planning on visiting Portugal's secret beaches and want to stay nearby, make sure you check out holiday rentals on offer in the area, and if you want to stay a little longer, we're also here to helo you find long-term rentals and property for sale in Portugal.
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