Purple tips: Portugal Holidays – The Best Beaches

With so many beaches in Portugal to choose from it’s hard to know where to start looking when you are searching for the perfect beach destination. Green coast? Silver coast? Fear not, Purple Travel is on hand to help you narrow down your choice for stunning Portugal holidays. Here are our top 5  beach choices in Portugal.

1. Praia da Falesia

The name “Falesia” means “cliff”, referring to the splendid orange-red cliffs that form a magnificent background to this long stretch of sand. At over 6km long, Praia da Falesia is one of the longest beaches in the Algarve, situated between the popular resorts of Vilamoura and Albufeira. For those adventurous enough, Praia da Falesia offers many opportunities to participate in watersports such as windsurfing and for those seeking a relaxing evening, the coastline has many bars and restaurants to soak up the local flavour.

2. Praia da Ancora

Praia da Ancora is located on Portugal’s “green coast” in the northern, Minho region, so called because of its wild beaches which are popular with surfers and windsurfers. The beaches along this coast are some of the most beautiful in Portugal, in particular  that of Praia de Ancora, which offers calm water for those wanted to bathe and relax. It is particularly popular among swimmers due to the fact that it is protected from Atlantic winds by the surrounding hills to the north and south.

3. Salema

Three hours south of Lisbon near Cape Sagres lies Salema, a tiny fishing village famed for its wide beach nestled between two cliffs. While much of the Algarve has been taken over by high-rises and resorts, Salema has remained authentic; fisherman can still be seen going about their daily work. With just one main street, stucco houses, and a small handful of places to eat and drink you can truly experience life in a laid-back fishing village. Sheltered by the cliffs, Salema is ideal for families and has been awarded a blue flag for cleanliness.

4. Praia Dona Ana

This picturesque beach is located within walking distance of central Lagos and is famed for its natural cliff formations which offer the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets. You can explore the stunning golden beaches by walking along the top of the cliff formations or get down to sea level and explore on foot or by boat the numerous grottoes that envelope the crystal clear waters.

5. Adraga and Baleal

Adraga and Baleal are located close to Sintra on Costa de Prata, Portugal’s “silver coast”, famed for its white sandy beaches which are popular with sunbathers and watersports enthusiasts alike. Adraga is nestled between two hills and is popular with surfers while Baleal is located a little further east and is a popular bathing spot due to its calmer waters. The waters are only for the brave as they are quite cold for swimming however the beach itself is very secluded. When the tide is low it is possible to take a scenic walk to Praia Grande.

These are our top choices for beaches in Portugal. Have you been to any? Or think we have missed one of your favourites? Let us know in the comments below.