Portugal is known for its stunning coastline and beach cities, attracting thousands of tourists annually. There are plenty of lesser-known beach cities to explore if you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path.
Let’s look at 5 off-the-beaten-path beach cities in Portugal.
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Vila Nova de Milfontes
Vila Nova de Milfontes is a charming town at the Mira River’s mouth that can be found on the Alentejo coast. The town is well-liked by surfers and hikers and has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.Vila Nova de Milfontes
A few of the best activities in Vila Nova de Milfontes include hiking the Rota Vicentina, touring the town’s castle and churches, and going to the neighborhood craft market.
The travel season is from May to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the water is warm. Visit Forte de Sao Clemente for a very Instagram-worthy view.
Information on the weather: Summertime temperatures range from 17°C to 27°C.
Restaurants to Try at Vila Nova de Milfontes
The three foods Sopa de Caço, Peixinhos da Horta, and Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice) are the best to try. a great restaurant to try there is Tasca do Celso. Adress is: R. dos Aviadores 34, 7645-000 Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal.
La Delicia for ice cream and gelato.
Beach Camping
A fun activity in Vila Nova de Milfontes is camping at Campiferias.
A campground is a great option for campers who want to spend their camping trip enjoying the sun, sand, and sea because it is only a few hundred meters from the beach.
The campground provides a variety of amenities and services, including tent and caravan campsites as well as cabins and bungalows for campers who prefer a more luxurious setting.
There are also a number of common areas, such as a restaurant, bar, grocery store, restrooms, and showers.
The fact that Campiférias Vila de Milfontes is right in the middle of town is one of the best things about camping there. A charming fishing village with a variety of places to shop, eat, and drink is Vila Nova de Milfontes. The Mira River and the breathtaking beaches of the Alentejo coast are two examples of the lovely natural scenery that surrounds the town.
If you’re interested in outdoor activities, there are plenty of options available in the surrounding area. You can take a boat trip along the Mira River to view the local flora and fauna or go hiking or mountain biking in the nearby hills.
The Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a protected natural area with some of Portugal’s most beautiful coastal scenery, is also only a short drive from the campground.
Another option is to stay at the Hotel HS Milfontes
Porto Covo
Lisbon is bordered on the south by the small fishing count of Porto Covo. Praia Grande and Praia dos Buizinhos are just two of the village’s breathtaking beaches. The crystal clear waters are stunning.
There is also Praia da Samoqueira, Praia do EspingardeiroThere are cool rocks, and the water is wonderful for kids to swim in. Overall a great family beach town.
May through September are the ideal months to visit. This time of year, the water is warm.The summertime temperature ranges from 16 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Where to Stay in Porto Covo
Cabeca de Casa guest house is a wonderful option.
Where to eat in Porto Corvo
The best dishes to try are Bacalhau à Brás (salt cod with scrambled eggs), Cataplana de Marisco (seafood stew), and Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice).
Ze Inacio serves traditional vina de alho which is a disk made with pork, wine, garlic and coriander. They also have delicious grilled squid and grilled sole.
Lamelas. They have yummy fried calamari and delicious Portuguese shrimp & crab dish called sapateiras.Address: Rua Candido da Silva 55A, 7520-437, Portugal.
Unique Activity to do: Fisherman’s Trail is said to be an epic hike.
Figueira da Foz
In the heart of Portugal, there is a thriving coastal community called Figueira da Foz. The town’s most distinctive features include miles of long, sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife.
The best activities in Figueira da Foz include exploring the Serra da Boa Viagem Natural Park, strolling through the town’s historic district, and taking a chance at the nearby casino.
Best time to go: June-September. The weather and water temperature are both mild at this time of year.
The temperature in the summertime fluctuates between 19 and 27 degrees Celsius.
The best dishes to try are roast suckling pig (leito à Bairrada), fish stew (caldeirada de peixe), and seafood rice (arroz de marisco).
Where to eat a Figueira Da Foz
- Restaurante Caçarola I.
- Olaias Restaurante
- Taverna Ti João
- Tasca Maria – Comida Caseira
- Zagallo kitchen for the best meat
- Big Hug Cafe for coffee
Comporta
Comporta is a small beach town located just one hour south of Lisbon. Praia da Comporta and Praia do Pego are two of the town’s well-known gorgeous beaches.
Comporta is a great place for foodies because it has many top-notch restaurants and bars.
You can walk up a huge boardwalk at Praia Do Carvalhal.
Visitors love how charming it is with the colorful houses
It is ideal for beach activities at this time of year because it is warm and sunny. Information on the weather: Summertime temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C.
The best dishes to try are Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams), Choco Frito (fried cuttlefish), and Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice).
Where to Stay in Comporta
Stay at the Quinta Da Comporta
For a minimalistic beach house feel, stay at Sublime Comporta Country Retreat and Spa , it is located in a 17-acre estate surrounded by nature very close to a natural reserve. There is a complimentary shuttle to their beach club.
For a unique experience, stay at Casa na Areia, which means House in the sand and your room’s floor is actually sand.
Another popular hotel in Comporta is Spatia.
Where to Eat in Comporta, Portugal
First up is Comporta cafe, which sits right on the beach and it is a great place to watch the sunset. Right next door is Ila do Arroz, and also to eat at the Sublime beach club.
A unique thing to do in Comporta is horse riding on the beach.
Important tip. Many beach restaurants close for the afternoon and then open back up for dinner, so check the times always.
Peniche
North of Lisbon is the coastal town of Peniche. Numerous surf schools and competitions are held in the town, which is well-known for its excellent surfing conditions.
Some popular beaches there are: Praia de Peniche de Cima, Molhe Leste, Praia da Gambola,
There are many restaurants serving fresh seafood in Peniche, making it a great destination for seafood lovers. It also a terrific place for skaters.
There is a popular hostel, called Selina Hostel that has a skate ramp.
Best time to go: June-September. This time of year is mild in terms of the weather and water temperature.
Weather information: During the summer, temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C.
Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice), Caldeirada de Peixe (fish stew), and Carne de Porco à Alentejana (pork with clams) are the best dishes to try.
Unique to do: Visit its cool flea market called Mercado Local, which occurs only once a month. There is also live music and neat nick knacks.
There are lifeguards, and families do love this beach.
Unique to do in Peniche. Take a boat ride and visit Ilha Berlenga.
Beach Cities in Portugal
Overall the beaches in Portugal are beautiful, affordable and super easy to get to. We will be visiting another beach town in March, and you can follow along our Portugal road trip.
Here are some other Portugal Travel Tops
If you are looking for another incredible beach location, then check How to Visit Greece on a Budget.
