The country of great sailors, travelers and famous football players occupies the westernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula. The whole world knows the names of Vasco Da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho and others. Filled with the sun, generously rewarded with gifts of nature, caressed by the Atlantic, Portugal is a large open-air museum. Hundreds of ancient sights in different cities are objects of pilgrimage for tourists. According to the nature of the landscape, the country is divided into 2 parts – mountainous northern and flat southern, the border of which is the valley of the Tagus River. The subtropical Mediterranean climate and the magnificent beaches of Portugal make it a popular seaside resort. In addition to the coastal resorts of the mainland, it is famous for the elite island resorts of the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Magoitu

This coastal strip of land, stretching along the ocean for 800 m, is not an ordinary beach, but a unique natural formation that is part of the Sintra-Cascais National Reserve. Magoitu strikes the imagination with a ridge of petrified sand dunes, furrowed with deep “wrinkles” due to the fault of the winds. Such unusual dunes are a real geological unique, created by nature over the millennia. Next to the dunes is the main entrance to the beach. The surprises do not end there: in the southern part of Magoito, gray-black rocks rise close to the water's edge, contrasting with the yellowness of the sand.
In the northern part of the beach, on the slope, there is a wooden flooring with steps that zigzag down to the water. A coniferous forest has grown around, ozonating the sea air. The forest is well-groomed, it is equipped with cozy picnic areas. At low tide, giant relic layers are exposed in this part of the coast. Of great interest to tourists is the staircase laid in a vertical tunnel, cut down once in a 20-meter-high cliff. Today, fishermen go down to the sea along it. Magoitu is very popular with tourists not only for its unusual landscape, but also for its healing air and excellent infrastructure.

Azenhas do Mar

In the famous wine region of Portugal at the confluence of the river. Ribeira do Cameijo is a village with a beach of the same name. The name of the village and the beach comes from the Arabic watermills (azenyash). This piece of the Lisbon coast is extraordinarily picturesque. Dazzling white houses under tiled roofs, successively descending to the water, adorn the high cliff. The white foamy lace of the surf surrounds the rocky walls in a wide ribbon.

But the actual beach, 30 meters long, can only be found as such at low tide. Moreover, the “image” of Azenhas do Mar is constantly changing under the influence of ocean waves: the layer of sand after winter storms either increases or decreases. There is a long staircase with gentle steps leading to the beach along the river. The pool carved into the rock and filled with water at high tide is amazing here. Directly above it are the open terraces of the restaurant of the same name, which tourists like to visit.

It serves a unique variety of red wine with a tart, salty taste (the visiting card of these places). Local sandy soils with a special composition protect the grapes from phylloxera diseases, so the wine is very much appreciated by gourmets. The beach strip is devoid of any infrastructure – after swimming, many are located on the site around the pool.

Ursa

Probably, there will not be a person among travelers who would not express admiration for one of the most beautiful Portuguese beaches called Ursa (bear). Legends associated with the geological metamorphoses of the Earth simply could not ignore it. According to one of them, millions of years ago, when everything was covered with ice, a bear with cubs lived here. The ice began to melt, and the gods called on the animals to leave the ocean, but they remained on their native land, for which the angry gods turned them into rocks.

Ursa is a wild beach, which is quite difficult to get to. A kilometer-long dirt road leads directly to it – it can be reached either on foot or by SUV. The descent down goes along 2 paths, the left one is much more convenient and safer. The wild beach will justify all the difficulties of the journey: the bewitching beauty of bizarre rocks against the backdrop of the blue ocean makes you freeze with delight! Behind the “bear” rock, a giant arch rises, hanging over a sandy strip. The waterfall formed by the river, a small cave and a bay strewn with stones attract attention.

Masash

Masash (apple) beach is located 13 km from Sintra near the settlement of the same name. The village and the beach got the fruit name in connection with the apples brought here by the course of the Masash River, along the banks of which apple orchards grow. The wide and long beach is a favorite vacation spot for the Portuguese and foreign tourists. They are attracted by the charming authenticity of the environment. When you come here from Sintra, you are transported to the era of the early 20th century. The narrow-gauge railway, laid in 1904 along the mountainside in the middle of a dense forest, an old tram is a real magic.

Masash nestled comfortably between low hills and a settlement that protected him from the wind. The entry into the water is gentle, comfortable, so it is good to relax here with children. There are excellent conditions for active pastime: there are tennis courts, a football field, a park with children‘s attractions and benches. There is a rental point, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards are on duty. The only negative is the presence of stones on both sides of the beach. The village has a choice of apartments, a cafe with national cuisine for those who come here for a few days.

It costs Kaparika

The Setubal peninsula cannot be called anything other than a beach paradise – 30 km of its western coast is a continuous sandy strip. The beaches of the Costa da Caparica resort occupy 8 km of the coast, and this is only a well-equipped part of them. Further on, wild stretches of the coast continue. Thanks to the influx of tourists here, the former fishing village has turned into a thriving resort with a highly developed infrastructure.

There are no clear boundaries between the 21st beach area, you can navigate by the name of the station of the tourist train coming from Lisbon. The best beaches are marked for cleanliness with the Blue Flag, international quality medals. But almost everywhere everything has been created for an excellent civilized holiday for holidaymakers. The first of the northern beaches is the widest and longest (3 km) stretches along the city. There is a bike path and a pedestrian promenade.

In the spring, when the trees in the neighboring grove bloom, the air here is filled with fragrance. The next 6 beaches with a narrow strip near the city limits are also picturesque, well-groomed, and enjoy the attention of not only tourists, but also local fishermen. Their colorful boats stand off the coast at low tide. The remaining 14 sections of the coast lie outside the city, some of them are limited by dunes, followed by forest. In this kingdom of sand and water, everyone can choose their own piece of happiness.

Assenta Left

The wide sand and pebble strip of the southern beach of Assenta Sul is more of a contemplative object than intended for swimming and other beach activities. This place attracts tourists with its amazing landscape. A high rocky shore overgrown with grassy vegetation, a charming cascading waterfall falling on mossy stones create a rather picturesque picture. Despite the fact that there is some infrastructure, swimming, surfing is excluded here due to the low water temperature (+18) and the presence of large stones along the coast.

On Assenta Sul there are no rental points, lifeguard services. There is a mini-bar, several areas for vacationers are open. Tourists walk to a small lighthouse located along the road leading to the village of Assunta. At the coast, the road ends with an extensive parking lot and an observation deck at the same time. Comfortable benches are installed here, sitting on them, you can view the majestic panorama of the ocean and the surrounding area. There are more fishermen on Assunta Sul than tourists, judging by the presence of several boat sheds and fishing outbuildings.

Alzheimer's

Located on the Lisbon Riviera, a 250-meter strip of yellow-gray sand is the beach of the city of Alges. Today, looking at the sparsely populated space, it is hard to believe that before 1965 it was a very busy place, teeming with people. But everything changed with the commissioning of the bridge leading to the Costa da Caparica with a huge number of beaches. Tourists and Lisbonians flocked to them, ignoring the nearest beach.

But lovers of secluded relaxation still prefer the cozy strip of Alzes, surrounded by fishing docks. A thick layer of soft sand, clear turquoise water with small waves allow you to enjoy a relaxing holiday. A small breakwater protects against strong waves. Everyone comes here with towels or mats – there is no beach infrastructure. A Mexican restaurant is open at the sand's edge.

Kebrad's Circle

The indescribable beauty of the Portuguese Atlantic coast is undoubtedly complemented by the sand and pebble strip of Cruz Quebrada beach. It is located in the suburbs of Lisbon within the boundaries of the village of the same name. In translation, Kruzh Quebrada sounds like a “broken cross”. In confirmation of this, a wooden cross of the 12th century, damaged by lightning, is installed near the beach. The rarity is carefully pulled together with metal pins, and is listed as a monument. Circle Quebrada can hardly be called a lively tourist attraction.

There are more Portuguese fishermen here, many of whose boats and tackle are stored on the shore. There are no sun loungers, umbrellas, lifeguards are not on duty. Fans of semi-wild recreation enjoy spending their leisure time admiring the blue of the ocean and the white wings of sailing boats. Attracts vacationers sports complex, located nearby. It has a stadium, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a golf course. In the middle of the beach strip, a river flows through which 3 bridges are thrown: a railway and 2 automobile ones. One of the auto bridges is crowned with Roman arches from the 17th century.

Kashiash

1.2 km from Lisbon there are 2 ancient forts located on both banks of the Tagus River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Under their “protection” is the beach of Kashias, covered with golden yellow sand. From Lisbon, it is very convenient to get to it by train or train that stops in front of the beach. Forts of the 17th century in baroque style is the main visited attraction of this place. One of them, San Bruno, built in the shape of a star, is especially beautiful. Running and cycling paths are laid along the beach strip.

Between Fort San Bruno and the autobahn there is a small square with a restaurant and parking. The palm alley, green lawns with lush grass look very picturesque. Restaurant visitors are located indoors, under a covered canopy and on an open terrace. The entrance to the water in the r / not of the 1st fort is convenient sandy, and next to the 2nd fort it is rocky. At low tide between the stones, you can see shrimps and nimble crabs. There are sun loungers and umbrellas made of palm leaves, lifeguards are on duty, vigilantly watching the vacationers.

Santo Amaru de Oeiras

This stretch of coast, located in the vicinity of Oeiras, is very popular with Lisbon residents and tourists. Santo Amaru is rightfully considered the best large beach of the Lisbon Riviera. It has everything that can decorate a vacation: rental of surf equipment, catamarans, a restaurant, a bar, sports grounds. During the swimming season there are rescue and medical services, at night the strip is illuminated with electricity. From the embankment to the beach descend on comfortable ramps. A strip of sand 760 m long is perfectly clean, the water on this stretch of the ocean is without strong waves – side breakwaters protect them from them.

Shallow water off the coast at a distance of 15 m attracts parents with small children. Here you can enjoy not only beach pleasures, but also unique sights. In the center of the river mouth Tagus is an islet with a round fort and a lighthouse. On the east side of the strip is a fort that today hosts a summer camp for the Portuguese Navy. This is an architectural monument in the style of Mannerism, with an interesting interior design. On the west side, Santo Amaru borders on the Oeiras yacht marina and 2 forts from the 17th-18th century.

Torre

Another beach in the vicinity of Oeiras got its name from the tower of the 16th century fort of São Julian da Barra. Built according to the project of the famous architect Vauban, the fortification building is an outwardly impregnable structure. It was not by chance that he was chosen as the seat of the Portuguese Ministry of Defense. The fort is closed to visitors, only external sightseeing is possible. Torre is the best place for swimming with constant monitoring of water quality.

The monolithic walls of the fort and the pier of the harbor reliably protect the ocean from the waves. The entry into the ocean is gentle, the bottom is sandy, so the main contingent of vacationers here are families with children. Locals come here, tourists from neighboring resorts. The territory of Torre is very well maintained, equipped with excellent infrastructure. There are plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets and showers. An interesting bar, equipped in an old railway carriage. There is a restaurant with an open terrace. On the other side of the fort is the harbor, crowned with an original monument in the form of a huge whale tail.

Azaruzhinya

For the first time being on Azaruzhina, you find yourself in the atmosphere of a fantasy world. A solid wall of monolithic rocks, similar to an ancient amphitheater, surrounds a small patch of sand. In a strong tide, it is almost completely flooded, leaving only a narrow strip in the central part of the beach, surrounded by stone slabs. They go down to it along 2 steep stairs laid along the slopes of the rocks. On the other hand, the entrance to the beach is from a concrete embankment stretching along the water's edge for 3 km.

City buildings, a palm alley approaching the edge of a rocky wall look picturesque. There is an opportunity to rent umbrellas in Azaruzhina, there is a first-aid post, a rescue service. On the western side of the strip is a popular bar surrounded by an area with benches. Here you can relax, quench your thirst with drinks and admire the unusual landscape. On the east side is the fort of Santa Antonio da Barra (16th century). But you can approach it only through the city, there is no way along the coast.

Job

A strip of sand with a length of 200 m, located 500 m from the famous Tamarizh beach, like many beaches in Lisbon, is very picturesque. And for the purity of the water, Posa was awarded the Gold Medal. Unlike other places, access to it is easy, from the side of the embankment. But swimming here is allowed only in the central part, since on both sides in the sea there are stone heaps that pose a danger to bathers.

The eastern part of the beach is quieter and calmer – it is protected from the land by a high rocky wall. It is based on the grandiose building of Fort Cadavera – a monument of the 17th century. After a recent restoration, it was given over to a children's summer camp. As on the entire Atlantic coast of Portugal, the water here, even in the hot months, does not warm up above 20 °. Comfortable conditions for rest are created on the strip. There is a rental of equipment for surfing, snorkeling, showers are equipped, a restaurant and a bar are open, lifeguards are on duty.

Мойташ

It is hard to go wrong when looking for a small section of the sandy Moytas coast. An excellent reference point is a huge ala-modern glass structure next to the beach. The strip of fine soft sand, which has the shape of an elongated triangle, is separated by a breakwater that goes 100 m into the sea. Mojtas is regularly awarded the Blue Flag for ecology. The whole urban environment of these places looks very attractive. Interesting to visit, for example, a museum housed in a 19th-century mansion. neogothic style.

Although swimming here cannot be called convenient, there are always a lot of people on Moytash. The presence of stones exposed at low tide at the bottom is compensated by a natural stone pool filled with water at high tides. It warms up well, and after swimming in the cool ocean, many go to the pool. Here expanse for those who go in for windsurfing, diving, snorkeling – the wind is a frequent guest on Moytash. The excellent arrangement of the beach, ecological cleanliness attract people of all ages.

Tamarizh

Between Lisbon and Cascais is the town of Estoril, which has received resort development, thanks to the famous Tamarizh beach. The wide sandy strip attracted the attention of beachgoers long before its improvement. And this gave impetus to the rapid development of the city. Today it houses the world-famous Estoril Casino opposite Tamarij. Many beautiful buildings surround the embankment.

An infrastructure has been created here that is not inferior to the level of the world's best resorts. The only downside is the lack of paid parking spaces. Tamarij is the first beach in Portugal, marked in 1987 with the Blue Flag. Since then, this award has been given annually to the site, along with the Gold Medal for Water Quality. The sandy strip (300 m) in the center is divided into wide and narrow parts by rocks.

The eastern section is fenced off by a 100-meter pier protruding from the embankment into the ocean. It provides a calm expanse of water. On the other side of the pier there is a natural pool, and a little further a wild rocky beach. There are 2 paid pools in the western part of Tamarizh, the reference point for them is the church of Santa Antonia of the 18th century. Tamarizh has everything for a comfortable stay, even places for wheelchairs.

Passo de Arcush

The beautiful Portuguese city of Paço de Arcos, part of the municipality of Oeiras, is famous for the beach of the same name, which was the first to be landscaped in Portugal. Today it is divided into 2 halves – new and old. The first occupies a length of 250 m and is ideally equipped with the necessary attributes of a comfortable sea holiday. In the swimming season, there is literally nowhere for an apple to fall – it is very crowded. Young people, the elderly, couples with children choose this beautiful place.

A charming city garden with the ruins of an ancient fort complete the picturesque Paço de Arcos. Parts of the beach are separated by the buildings of the Sailing Center and the territory of the Lighthouse Directorate closed to the public. The old part of the beach strip, protected from the flow of the river by a pier 150 meters long, is occupied by fishermen. Their fishing gear and boats are picturesquely located everywhere. Nearby, 20 meters from the shore, a geyser fountain beats – an attractive sight, especially when it is illuminated by lights.

The western side of the Paso de Arcos ends in a narrow strip with a heap of stones. It is interesting to walk along it for research purposes. Here you can see small pools, an interesting Roman arch bridge laid to the rock. It contains a strange structure with walls covered in abstract graffiti.

Fogg du Cisandra

A sandy area of curved shape, washed on one side by the ocean, on the other – by the river of the same name – this is the beach of Fozh do Sisandro. There are two ways to reach the sandbank: via the nearby Azul beach or via the footbridge from the village of Fauge. True, the bridge is only accessible in summer, at low tide. At the autumn tide, it half disappears under water. Even in summer it is not very crowded, because the water temperature rarely reaches +20°C.

Strong winds often blow in this place, and big waves are in the hands of surfers. On Fauges, there is a rental office for equipment for water sports, including fishing. There are showers, parking, guards on duty. It is possible to dine at a local restaurant, freshen up in the bar with cool drinks. At the place where the river flows into the ocean, a shallow lagoon forms. The water in it warms up well, and children usually splash in it.

Santa Marta

When you first come to this amazing place, you immediately understand that Santa Marta is not a standard beach. Nobody swims here, there are no sun loungers and umbrellas, sanitary control. Visitors are attracted here by a truly unique environment, as if resurrected from the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. An ancient Roman bridge with a stream flowing under it, an ancient palace with ivy climbing the walls create a magical picture.

A sandy piece of the beach itself is located at the end of a narrow bay. It formed a pool, fenced with stones. At high tide, the water rises to the walls of the palace, which once belonged to Count Castro. The yellow walls of the picturesque building, the stone tower with a Gothic roof are very impressive. Today it is a museum where a collection of things of the count is exhibited. Next to the current lighthouse is the building of the 2nd museum, the exhibits of which are dedicated to the history of Portuguese lighthouses.

Avenkash

A small sandy area 250 m long inherited the name from the type of medicinal fern growing in the vicinity. Avencash is interesting for its amazing relief: it is almost completely surrounded by picturesque rocks. It can be reached by a narrow staircase from a footpath laid along the highway, or through a tunnel in the rocks. The eastern edge of Avenkash is limited by a breakwater, the western edge by natural stone walls, which makes it protected from the winds.

But even at the height of summer, the water in the beach area warms up to +19°. Although not everyone dares to swim for a long time, Avenkash is not empty. The interesting landscape of the bottom exposed at low tide with stone ridges attracts tourists and local residents. Looking at the bizarre formations and marine life, vacationers take walks to the nearby beach of Bafureira. Avencash has all the necessary amenities: rental of sun loungers and umbrellas, water sports equipment, a first-aid post, lifeguards, a bar, toilets.

Parede

Surrounded by an unusually picturesque urban environment, Parede Beach is known as a place for the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Due to natural features, a special microclimate with iodine-saturated air and water has been created here. People come here for treatment in two well-established orthopedic clinics. As early as the beginning of the 20th century, St. Anne's Hospital was opened here. Although at high tide only a narrow section 120 m long remains from the strip, there are always many vacationers here.

Pareda is accessed through 3 tunnels in the rocks. In 1940, a volumetric wall (parede) was erected on the beach, on which 2 cafes with outdoor terraces were placed. For the cleanliness of the environment, the object was awarded the Blue Flag. There is a good beach infrastructure, there is even a wheelchair ramp. The bottom is rocky, presenting an interesting sight at low tide. Round dents are exposed on the surface of stone slabs. Studies show that these are traces of dinosaurs living 100 million years ago. The richest world of marine fauna makes the authorities of Cascais think about giving this place the status of a biosphere reserve.

Koel

A small sandy strip, protected by a stone ridge of bizarre shapes, is very popular with holidaymakers. The ridge resembles the dilapidated walls of an ancient amphitheater. Despite the fact that at high tide, the Koel area is significantly reduced, there are always a lot of vacationers here. Clean sandy bottom, convenient entry into the water makes it possible to relax here with children. Adults and teenagers are fond of snorkeling among the rocks, watching the small inhabitants of the ocean.

There is a rental of equipment for water sports, a restaurant, and lifeguards. Koelya and its surroundings are a great place for exciting walks. A half-kilometer path leading from the settlement to the beach passes between olive, oak groves, dwarf palm trees, relic carob trees and other subtropical flora. They go down to the sand along the stairs laid on the rocks. At the western end of the strip there is a rock with a natural grotto, and behind it is a tiny wild beach, which also attracts attention.

Senora da Rocha

In the suburb of Armacao de Pera, there is a piece of the Señora da Rocha ocean coastline full of natural charm (150 X 60 m). The sandy area, bounded on both sides by steep cliffs, is an example of an ideal beach. The high safety criterion, cleanliness of the runway and good ecology are marked with the Blue Flag. The water gradually washes away the rocks standing in the water, “licks off” pieces of rock from them, revealing their horizontal layers. When viewed from the ocean, the rocks look like a Napoleon cake.

The western edge of Señora da Rocha is crowned with a rock with the ruins of an ancient fortification and a chapel of the Virgin. A tunnel has been pierced in the rock mass for passage to the neighboring bay. The comfortable beach strip is perfectly landscaped, protected from the wind. The water warms up better than in neighboring areas (+ 20-22 °) On fishing boats moored in the center of the beach, at low tide you can go to quiet bays with small patches of sand, visit local caves. On the first Sunday of August, a religious procession is held from the fort to the sea with the face of the Virgin Mary, kept in the chapel.

Albandeira

This truly amazing place on the coast will appeal to those who are not looking for a particularly comfortable beach holiday, in whom there is a craving for exploring nature. Albandeira Beach, surrounded by grandiose rock formations, will satisfy the needs of inquisitive tourists. In some places, the “caps” of rocks, hanging over the water, form grottoes with “visors”. There is also a huge natural arch, striking the imagination with bizarre shapes and sizes. There are no benefits of civilization on Albandeira, there is a car park and a small cafe.

A small beach strip is divided into 2 parts by stone heaps from the collapse of rocks. In them, at low tide, mini-pools are formed, a tunnel is released, along which lies the path to the neighboring wild beach. It is here that a bizarre arch is based, there are 5 outlandish caves visited by tourists. Even further away is a rocky island with a tiny sandy area near a horseshoe-shaped bay. Flocks of bats and many species of sea birds are found in caves and rock crevices, which are interesting to watch. There are paths and picnic areas in the surroundings.

But Sentianesh

Looking at the yellowing masses of the rocky cliffs surrounding the beach of Vale Sentianesh, you will once again be amazed at the scale and power of natural transformations – they are so powerful. And one cannot but admire the extraordinary picturesqueness of a wonderful piece of coast. The sandy strip of medium size is comfortably located between the stone giants in the suburbs of Carvoeiro. The passage to it is very convenient, thanks to the hollow separating the cliffs. It has sloping gangways and parking facilities.

The entire beach area is well landscaped, a dive center, boat rental, sun loungers and umbrellas are open, lifeguards are on duty. The underwater world pleases divers with a rich diversity. The calm expanse of water warms up to + 20-22 ° in summer, swimming is comfortable, there are practically no winds. There are many interesting objects for research here. At the western end of the strip, a cave is exposed at low tide, and a little further, another huge arched cave. It is located on a wild beach nestled among the cliffs. The eastern edge is interesting with a rock with amazing views and an old quadrangular lighthouse (beginning of the 20th century)

Conceiving

One of the most crowded beaches of Cascais, named after the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is very popular with vacationers due to its location near the railway station. The attitude of the Portuguese towards the Church of the Immaculate Conception is reverent. On All Saints' Day in 1755, when the Lisbon earthquake occurred, the temple of the early 17th century. survived and became a symbol of faith. The church, located on the western side of the beach strip, is an object of pilgrimage for locals and tourists. Next to it, on a rock, there is a crucifix carved in stone, reminiscent of the tragic shipwreck of 1609.

The other, more modern name of Palm Beach was given to the beach because of the avenue of palm trees framing it. From the palm alley begins a walking trail along the coast. The excellent landscaping of the beach, rows of umbrellas, convenient infrastructure with ramps, with catering establishments make your stay on Conceaysu safe and comfortable. Clean, without stones, sand, fine and soft, the water is rather cool, you won't stay in it for a long time. In the east, Conceição is separated from the neighboring area by a beautiful mansion, in the west it is bounded by a massive cliff.