Portugal’s breathtaking shoreline boasts a collection of captivating seaside communities, each radiating its own distinct allure and charm. As you journey from north to south, you’ll first discover coastal havens reminiscent of Galicia in Spain, adorned with traditional stone dwellings. Moving southward, the villages become brighter and more vibrant, culminating in Portugal’s most delightful beachfront towns, including idyllic fishing villages brimming with character. While the Algarve, famed for its magnificent sands, remains a premier tourist destination, we’re venturing beyond to uncover equally amazing locales, such as the Alentejo coast—a region celebrated for its hidden treasures and incredible scenery. Join our exploration of Portugal’s most exceptional coastal towns in 2025, spanning serene getaways to lively seaside experiences.
What’s Portugal’s Ultimate Seaside Town?
Along its extensive coastline, Portugal showcases several enchanting beach towns, each presenting unique appeal. While the “best” is a matter of personal taste, some of the most esteemed and frequently visited coastal and beach towns include:
Cascais
A mere hop from Lisbon, Cascais presents sophisticated beaches, captivating streets, and an upscale vibe, making it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
Cascais is graced with a selection of stunning beaches, such as Praia da Rainha, Praia da Conceição, and Praia da Duquesa. These beaches offer shimmering sands, pristine waters, and dramatic Atlantic Ocean panoramas. Whether you seek swimming, sunbathing, or invigorating water sports like surfing or paddleboarding, Cascais has the perfect beach for you.
Further enriching its appeal, Cascais is an ideal launching point for exploring the nearby region. Surrounding attractions include the enchanting town of Sintra, renowned for its fairytale palaces and lush forests, as well as the picturesque coastal town of Estoril, famous for its casino and beautifully manicured gardens.
Sagres
Sagres, gracing Portugal’s southwestern tip, enchants with its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and undisturbed natural splendor. Sagres carries significant historical weight as the location of Prince Henry the Navigator’s School of Navigation in the 15th century. The town’s fortress, Fortaleza de Sagres, commands a stunning view of the sea. While much of it is in ruins today, the site merits a visit for its historical resonance and breath-taking vistas.
Additionally, Sagres is celebrated for its wild and untamed coastline, marked by towering cliffs, secluded coves, and expansive beaches embraced by the Atlantic’s force. The coastal scenery is extraordinary, particularly around locations such as Ponta de Sagres and Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), continental Europe’s southwesternmost point.
Viana do Castelo
Nestled in Portugal’s Northern Region, Viana do Castelo graces the banks of the Lima River. This alluring town near the Portugal coast extends a broad appeal to visitors, including a fascinating mediaeval quarter and gorgeous beaches on its outskirts. The town’s stellar attractions include the Praça de la República, adorned with historic buildings and the Santiago de Barra Castle. For a panorama that will truly take your breath away, ascending Monte de Santa Luzia offers panoramic views of the city and sea from a striking basilica, making it a highly desirable place to both visit and settle in Portugal.
Aveiro
Aveiro, nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal,” charms with its colourful buildings and an enchanting network of canals. This coastal gem is a compelling destination year-round, boasting an appealing climate matched by a diverse offering of museums, landmarks, beaches, and culinary delights; don’t miss trying “Ovos Moles,” a unique sweet fashioned from sugared egg yolks. Immersion in this seaside town’s charm demands that you visit the Santa Joana Museum, wander through the Jardim do Rossio, and explore Aveiro Cathedral.
Figueira da Foz
The cosmopolitan city of Figueira da Foz is found in the Coimbra Region and owes its name to where it sits at the mouth (foz in Portuguese) of the Mondego River. The destination became a major tourist spot in the 19th Century because of the fashionable aristocracy who chose to spend their summers there.
One of its most outstanding features is the casino founded in 1900. Its spectacular beach provides that longest stretch of sand in mainland Portugal and is the perfect location for watersports. For a panoramic veiw of this area of the coast, we recommend a trip to the Serra de Boa Viagem for the best view of the area from the Mirador de Vela.
Nazaré
No exploration of Portugal’s seaside towns would be complete without Nazaré, certainly among the coast’s most lovely villages. Nazaré’s appeal is boosted by its excellent location, overlooking a beautiful sandy beach and located just 100km north of Lisbon. Its enduring climate makes it worthwhile all year round, making it an ideal destination for families, while in winter it transforms into a surfing capital.
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.
Portugal beach towns near Lisbon
Those seeking sun and sand needen look further than the beautiful beach towns close to Lisbon. The stunning coastline is a rich mixture of cultural richness and water based leaisure 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 diversity of experiences so you can relax, sunbath, or choose from a variety of watersports, cultural trips, and culinary delights, making them perfect destinations for a seaside getaway.
The most affordable beach towns in Portugal
If you are looking for affordability when choosing a beach town consider Nazaré, Peniche, and Vila Real de Santo António.
- Nazaré – Famous for its enormous waves, Nazaré 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 beaches, a warm climate, and a peaceful relaxed atmosphere.
These towns are the perfect mix of affordability, natural beauty, and Portuguese charm—ideal for those seeking an escape without the high prices of many tourist destinations.
The best beach towns in Portugal to live
Choosing the “best” beach town to live in Portugal depends on you, your individual lifestyle and interests however if it quality of life, amenities and natural beauty is your main concern then these are some of the best. Many of the destinations mentioned above are not only ideal for holidays but they are also the best places to live. The best beach towns in Portugal for living include Cascais, Lagos, Tavira, and Aveiro but there are many more. For more information, check out our guide.
Where is the best coastal town to retire in Portugal?
Lagos, in the Algarve, is one of the best coastal towns in Portugal to retire to. It offers a fantastic mix of stunning beaches, a charming centre, and modern amenities. The town welcomes travellers, has fantastic healthcare facilities and a mild climate year-round. Lagos provides a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of restaurants, cultural events, and outdoor activities like golf, sailing, and hiking.
For a quieter option, Cascais, near Lisbon, is another great choice. In this stunning town you will discover beautiful coastal walks and fantastic healthcare as well as easy access to Lisbon airport. It carries slightly higher costs of living because of it’s high quality of life.
Both towns are friendly and safe places to live if you desire the best of Portgual’s coastal living.
