August is, for many people, the most eagerly anticipated month of the year. The country settles into a different rhythm, beaches fill up, villages come alive with local celebrations and pilgrimages, and the major cities quieten down as many Portuguese people head off on holiday. It is also the season of the longest days, evenings spent outdoors and swims that stretch into late afternoon.
The good news is that there are options for every type of trip. You might choose a seaside destination, a river beach inland, a village with cooler evenings or a city close to water parks.
Here is where to go on holiday in Portugal with the family in August.
Beach destinations for August vacations
If you would like to keep the Algarve on the list but explore a different area, these three options balance the sea, scenery and things to do away from the beach.
Algarve: Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António
In the eastern Algarve, Monte Gordo has a long sandy beach and water that is usually warmer than along much of the Portuguese coast. Nearby Vila Real de Santo António has a historic centre, a riverside promenade beside the Guadiana and easy access to beaches including Santo António and Manta Rota.
Setúbal Peninsula: Arrábida and Tróia
The Serra da Arrábida is a good choice for anyone looking for coves with clear water and hills meeting the sea. Beaches including Figueirinha and Galapos are particularly popular in August, so it is sensible to arrive early.
On the other side of the Sado Estuary, Tróia offers kilometres of sandy shoreline, as well as boat trips to spot dolphins.
West Coast: São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho
São Martinho do Porto is especially well suited to families, thanks to its shell-shaped bay and waters that are generally more sheltered than those on open-ocean beaches.
A few kilometres away, Foz do Arelho brings together the Óbidos Lagoon and the Atlantic, allowing you to choose between calmer spots for swimming and more open beaches for walks or water sports.
Inland river beaches for cooling off in August
At river beaches, the sea is replaced by clear rivers, waterfalls, granite riverbanks and natural shade that makes you want to linger until the end of the afternoon.
These are ideal places to combine freshwater swimming with short walks, mountain villages and long lunches away from the pace of the coastal resorts.
Loriga, Serra da Estrela
Loriga River Beach sits in a glacial valley in the Serra da Estrela and is one of the country’s most striking river beaches. The natural pools formed by the river have cold, crystal-clear water, framed by mountains and large granite boulders. It is a good spot for combining a swim with a walk, though arriving early in August is advisable.
Fraga da Pena, Arganil
In the Serra do Açor, near Pardieiros, Fraga da Pena combines a tall waterfall, dense greenery and natural pools where you can cool down. The area forms part of the protected landscape of the Serra do Açor and feels wilder than a conventional river beach.
Agroal River Beach, Ourém
Agroal River Beach, between the municipalities of Ourém and Tomar, is known for its cool water and lush setting beside the River Nabão.
It has swimming areas, places to rest and some visitor facilities, making it easier to enjoy with the family. It is also a good option for a day trip from Lisbon or central Portugal.
Traditional Portuguese villages to enjoy summer
For a quieter holiday at a gentler pace, away from crowded beaches and the heat of the big cities, Portugal’s villages are a sound alternative for August.
Amid stone lanes, old houses, regional food and mountain landscapes, there are places made for walking, swimming in rivers or simply slowing down. These three villages combine heritage, nature and simple ways to spend a few different days in the country’s interior.
Piódão, Serra do Açor
In the heart of the Serra do Açor, Piódão is a historic village known for its dark schist houses and blue window frames, set into a green hillside.
In summer, there are walking trails, viewpoints and swims at Piódão River Beach, beside the stream. It is well suited to anyone seeking milder night-time temperatures and plenty of peace and quiet.
Monsanto, Beira Baixa
Monsanto, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, is a village built among enormous granite boulders. Some homes quite literally use the rocks as walls or roofs, creating a scene that is unusual in Portugal.
In August, you can wander its narrow lanes, climb up to the castle for views over the Beira Baixa plain and sample regional dishes in small taverns.
Sortelha, Guarda
Sortelha is one of Portugal’s best-preserved historic villages, with walls, a castle and stone houses within its medieval centre. It is close to the Serra da Estrela, making it possible to combine a visit with river beaches, walks and trips to other villages in the region.
Fun-filled holidays: destinations with water parks in Portugal
At this time of year, a water park can be just the thing to break up days at the beach, sightseeing and family meals. Slides, pools and leisure areas keep both children and adults entertained, particularly when the coastal wind picks up, or the heat has everyone looking for water.
Quarteira and Vilamoura, Algarve
Quarteira and Vilamoura make good bases for family holidays, with long beaches, restaurants and plenty of accommodation. Aquashow Park in Quarteira is only a short drive away, with slides, pools, children’s areas and attractions for different age groups.
Amarante, northern Portugal
Amarante is a different option for those who prefer a holiday in the north, with river scenery, mountains and historic heritage. Amarante Water Park is beside the River Tâmega and is usually a popular choice for families, with pools, slides and relaxation areas.
Vila Real and Douro
For a family break combining nature, river landscapes and fun, Vila Real is a good base for exploring the Douro and Trás-os-Montes. The NaturWaterPark – Douro Adventure Park, in Andrães, combines a water park, pools, slides and adventure activities in a rural setting.
A day of swimming and adrenaline can be paired with visits to wine estates, Douro viewpoints and strolls around Vila Real’s historic centre.
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