Sunny & sandy beaches in Center of Portugal

From north to south there are dazzling Atlantic beaches along the 279 km-long coastline of Center of Portugal, enjoying the most surprising natural settings! Ideal for holidaymakers travelling in family, eager to make the most of soul-soothing days!

Furadouro

The beach of Furadouro is located in the north region of Center of Portugal only 3 km away from the town of Ovar. It is known as a fishermen’s and a surfer’s beach, according to the seasons. There is a cycling path connecting Ovar to Furadouro beach. From Furadouro beach you can walk to the nearby Cortegaça and visit its marvellous churches. The involving beaches of Maceda, embraced by the pine forest, and the fishermen’s Torrão do Lameiro with a never-ending sand area can be reached on foot.

São Jacinto

The beach of São Jacinto is truly a hidden gem, located very close to Aveiro at the south extreme of a vast piece of land that separates Aveiro Lagoon from the sea. The quickest way to get from Aveiro to São Jacinto is by ferry. Bordering with the Natural Reserve of São Jacinto Dunes, the sand area is quite vast and wild. Ideal for surf and long soothing walks along the coast. Located north from São Jacinto, you can discover Torreira beach.

Costa Nova

This is definitely one of the most iconic beaches of Center of Portugal. Famous for its colourful striped house that were in the past the warehouses of the fishermen, the beach of Costa Nova is just like a postcard. Often the perfect setting for an Instagram post! This beach has some pleasant restaurants along the sea front. The sand area is quite vast, ensuring pleasant moments of relaxation. You can walk to Barra beach, iconic for its amazing lighthouse.

Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz was a traditional beach resort in the past that has managed to keep its glamourous flair of golden days. There is more to Figueira da Foz than just great surf beaches. There are incredibly long beaches with endless sand areas, ideal for families. Praia do Relógio is a true must among holiday-makers, as well as Praia de Buarcos, a welcoming fishermen’s beach with fantastic restaurants.

Praia Velha

Praia Velha, located near Leiria, is an unpretentious beach, crossed by a pleasant walking path. Ideal for recharging walks along the coast, this beach has a vast sand area, as well as iconic dunes.

S. Pedro de Moel

The cliffy beach of São Pedro de Moel is situated between the pine forest of Leiria and the sea, crossed by the cycling path Atlantic Road. It is one of the most picturesque beaches of Leiria, conveying a somehow aristocratic flair, since it was in the past a classic beach resort for the wealthy families. The imposing 55-m high Penedo da Saudade lighthouse illuminates the sea and the skies since 1912.

Pedra D’Ouro

This is a vast beach surrounded by black hills, coloured by marl stone. In the north hill there is a picturesque abandoned mill. We can contemplate the beautiful lighthouse of São Pedro de Moel from afar. Located near Leiria.

Paredes da Vitória

This charming beach is located very close to the World Heritage Monastery of Alcobaça. It is a perfect beach for families, because of its peacefulness, safety and closeness to the river. A quite striking rocky formation called “castle” resembles a resting lion facing the Atlantic. At the centre of the beach there is a small village with pleasant terraces, restaurants, a kids’ park and public toilets.

Vale Furado

Vale Furado beach is located a few km north from Nazaré among the most surprising cliffs. This is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the endless wonders of nature. Steep access to the beach and no surveillance. This beach is very popular among fishing aficionados.

Nazaré

The half-moon shaped beach of Nazaré is one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal, seducing its visitors with colourful beach huts, friendly dry fish sellers and dazzling natural beauty. The best view over Nazaré can be taken from Sítio district, where you can get to by funicular. This is the ideal spot to contemplate this absolutely unique coastal town, while feeling the wind on your face.

São Martinho do Porto

The seashell-shaped beach of São Martinho do Porto, founded by the Monks of Alcobaça Monastery in the 13th century, is located halfway between Nazaré and Caldas da Rainha. During the 19th century São Martinho do Porto became a sought-after beach resort and a new era of tourism development began with the opening of hotels, a casino, a nautical club, terraces, cafés, restaurants, and shops.
This cosy beach resembles a bay with very few waves, ideal for swimming with kids, hence its popularity among families! Actually, the bay defines the identity and the spirit of the place. If you are a fan of paragliding the nearby Praia do Salgado is known as “the paragliding capital”.

Salir do Porto

The beach of Salir do Porto has the highest dune in Portugal, which is 50 meters-high! Seen from the bay of São Martinho do Porto, you can have an idea of the real extension of this breath-taking dune.

Foz do Arelho

Picture a vast triangle of sand bathed on the left side by the peaceful waters of Óbidos Lagoon and on the right side by the Atlantic Ocean. This is the one-and-only beach of Foz do Arelho, located near Caldas da Rainha, set in a unique natural landscape. Foz do Arelho has its roots in a small fishing community that lived from the wealth provided by Óbidos Lagoon. In the 19th century Foz do Arelho was the place to be among the rich bourgeoisie and became a cosmopolitan beach resort. Nowadays Foz do Arelho wooden paths with a length of approximately 800m, designed by Nadia Schilling, provide the most outstanding panoramic view over the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Lagoa de Óbidos

The Óbidos Lagoon is the longest lagoon system in Portugal, with high differentiation of fauna and flora. Across 6.9km2, explore the many migratory birds and aquatic biodiversity. It extends until the Óbidos castle. All of this 10km away from Caldas da Rainha.

D’El Rey

Located near Óbidos and embraced by the amazing landscape of Montejunto mountain range, Praia d’El Rey is a golden beach with never-ending sand areas and a striking pristine natural beauty.

Bom Sucesso

Beautifully located on the left bank of Óbidos Lagoon, Bom Sucesso beach is a must-go beach for fishing aficionados. The waters next to Óbidos Lagoon area quite peaceful, ideal for swimming with the kids.

Peniche

Peniche is a worldwide surf destination. But there’s more to it! There are superb family and pet-friendly beaches, the sustainable archipelago of Berlenga in front of Peniche and the lighthouse of Cape Carvoeiro, brightening the Atlantic. A dramatically beautiful natural landscape with true geological treasures that define the unique essence of Peniche. This is also the place to taste the freshest fish in the country! The beach of Baleal is the perfect spot for holidaymakers travelling in family, a far-reaching beach that owns a very special flair.

Porto Dinheiro

This vast beautiful beach is located next to a small fishermen’s village. There are very good restaurants on spot. The daily departure of small boats is a must-see show! This beach is the stage of the famous Sea Feast that takes place every year in August.

Porto das Barcas

The beach of Porto das Barcas has a small fishing port in the north. In the Summer there is a nice restaurant by the port with a terrace, serving fish specialities.

Porto Novo

Located on the mouth of Alcabrichel river, Porto Novo Beach enjoys a truly overwhelming natural setting in between cliffs covered by the most lavish vegetation. On top of one of the cliffs there is a surprising image of a saint, a promise made by a group of fishermen who were in danger in the sea. This was the place where British troops disembarked prior to the Battle of Vimeiro, during the first Napoleonic invasion, in 1807.

Santa Cruz

This is one of the most breath-taking beaches in the Portuguese west coast. Santa Cruz beach is a deeply vast beach with crystal-clear waters, wild cliffs, never-ending sand areas and remarkable rocky formations with curious shapes, such as the 30-meters high Penedo do Guincho. A truly heavenly place!

Praia da Física

Integrated in Santa Cruz beach, Praia da Física has a very long sand zone, crossed by wooden paths. Ideal for nautical sports.

Praia Formosa

Integrated in Santa Cruz beach, Praia Formosa has a reasonably long sand area. This is a cosy beach, protected from the wind by the arch-shaped cliff. Two belvederes in the north zone – Riba Amarela – and in the south zone – Santa Helena.

Praia Azul

The beach Praia Azul offers a far-reaching sand area, along with the dunes. Very popular among holidaymakers and nautical sports aficionados.

Praia de Santa Rita

Santa Rita beach is a far-reaching beach with dunes. The sea can be angry sometimes, making it perfect for nautical sports. There are walking trails on top of the cliff available.