As a country that’s surrounded by beautiful beaches, there’s no shortage of sandy shores and gorgeous azure waters to pick from in Portugal.
With 1,794 km of coastline in this beautiful couples’ paradise, finding your favorite spot can be an exciting challenge.
Before you visit Portugal’s postcard-perfect beaches, read our rundown of where to find the most romantic sandy spots across the country.
Be warned, taking your other half to places this romantic could leave them expecting a certain question to be asked…when are we coming back?!
Here are our picks for the top three romantic beaches in Portugal:
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Praia de Benagil
Next to the small fishing village of Benagil on the Atlantic Coast, there lies a romantic cove that’s got a hidden secret.
Perfect for more adventurous couples who are seeking natural wonders, Praia de Benagil or Benagil Beach is a secluded spot with transparent water and soft sands.
Surrounded by golden cliffs that protect the beach from winds, there’s a set of steps leading you from the village down to the beach below. The village is quite small and there are a couple of restaurants.
The real pièce de résistance is Algar de Benagil, a beautiful cave created by the erosion of the rocks by the elements. It’s a natural wonder and one of the best things to see in the Algarve. There’s even a small magical beach inside the cave.
We aren’t the only ones to have waxed lyrical about this enchanting spot – Huffington Post also shortlisted Algar de Benagil as one of the 10 coolest caves in the world!
Access to the cave is via water but there are good cruises and boat trips that you can book. Alternatively, you can hire a kayak or SUP and travel round yourself, staying for as long as you want.
Top tip: We recommend going to the cave either first thing in the morning, or staying until sunset for a truly romantic experience.
Praia do Creiro
Situated an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Praia do Creiro or Creiro Beach truly offers those gorgeous day-at-the-beach vibes.
The beach is situated next to Arrábida Natural Park in Setubal, an area of outstanding beauty, and there are two other beaches nearby – Praia Portinho da Arrábida and Praia dos Coelhos.
Considered as one of the best beaches in Portugal, it’s a must-visit for so many reasons. Above all, it’s stunning – surrounded by mountains with fine sand and clear waters, it feels like a great spot to relax.
On the eastern side of the beach, there’s a tiny volcanic islet called Pedra da Anicha (Anicha Rock) which makes for a lovely view.
From the parking lot to the beach, you’ll also pass an archaeological site with unearthed Roman ruins that date back to the 1st century AD, so you can take in some history too.
This is a comfortable beach that maximizes your relaxation time together. It’s easy to rent amenities like chairs, umbrellas, hammocks and sunshades. There’s a good range of beach restaurants, and to top it all off you can adventure away on a catamaran, jet-ski, stand-up paddleboard or sea kayak.
Praia do Camilo
Framed by rocks topped with pine trees, Camilo Beach has crystal clear water and golden sand.
And – gasp – there’s a tunnel through a rock wall that takes you to a smaller, more secluded beach. Could this be any more charming and romantic?
There’s another little secret, too. Inside the bay, there’s a small island that contains an old watchtower ruin.
Visiting Praia do Camilo or Camilo Beach really does make you feel like a celebrity starring in a perfume advert, and it’s the perfect place to laze on the sand, read a book and enjoy the beautiful views.
The beach is a 30 minute walk or 10 minute drive from Lagos, and has free parking at the top of the stairs. We recommend taking your own parasol for shade, and you’ll also need reef-safe sunscreen.
