Popular beach destinations in Portugal for a seaside escape

The lively Portuguese resort town of Albufeira is renowned for its year-round sunshine, delicious fresh seafood, prime golf courses and top beaches.

Situated in the southern Algarve region of Portugal, the former fishing village is a popular beach destination for UK and Irish visitors.

The tourist areas are divided into Areias de São João (The Strip) and the Old Town, where you can experience the buzzing nightlife and great restaurants.

Also located in the Algarve, Lagos is another one of Portugal’s most popular beach destination, offering some great hotel options for your stay.

The 16th-century walled town is made up of cobbled streets, vibrant bars and ancient churches, all within reach of sandy coves like Praia do Camilo.

Make sure you check out the stunning cliffs of Ponta de Piedade along the turquoise coast and the busy fish market to sample local seafood.

The capital of Portugal’s Algarve, Faro is a popular beach destination as it’s so easy to reach – the city boasts one of the country’s three main airports.

The beach in Faro – Praia de Faro – stretches for kilometres, perfect for catching some rays without having to fight for space on the sand.

Faro’s medieval quarter in the old town is home to pretty plazas, cobbled paths and Moorish architecture – perfect for a post-beach stroll.

There’s a reason the Algarve is one of the most visited beach destinations in Portugal – it boasts picturesque seaside fishing villages like Alvor.

The town is lined with lively bars and first-rate seafood restaurants that lead right down to the beautiful paved harbour.

Alvor’s most famous beach is Praia de Alvor, a long stretch of golden sand with rolling sand dunes and beachfront restaurants.

Monte Gordo is a popular resort town on the eastern side of the Algarve, known for its high-rise hotels lining the pretty beachfront promenade.

A quiet town, Monte Gordo’s main attraction is the 14km sandy beach, framed by the calm crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

There’s plenty of bars, night clubs and restaurants to keep you entertained, as well as golf courses and cycling routes.

A popular resort in the Algarve, Vilamoura is a must-see thanks to its luxury hotels, six golf courses, the country’s largest marina and great beaches.

Lovers of sun, sea and sand rejoice – Vilamoura has two beautiful beaches, Praia da Marina to the east and Praia da Falésia to the west.

For entertainment, there’s the large international casino with shows, boat trips, bars, restaurants, riding school and tennis club.

Get ready to soak in the sun in Quarteira, a picturesque coastal town that still retains its original, laidback fishing community vibe.

Here you’ll find golden sandy beaches and clean seawater, all just a short walk from the exclusive resort of Vilamoura.

Quarteira is perfect for families who want to lounge by the ocean, enjoy casual meals and leave their worries behind.

Ponta Delgada, located on the island of São Miguel, is the largest city in the archipelago of Azores.

The city is famous for its pineapples, so make sure you sample some from a local market, as well as the top-notch, freshly-caught seafood.

As well as visiting the island’s several beautiful beaches, you should also check out the natural hot springs, volcanic landscapes and golf courses.

The second biggest city in the Algarve, Portimão is famous for its fresh fish (especially grilled sardines), Praia da Rocha beach and pretty outdoor cafes.

Waters sports are a popular activity in Portimão, especially surfing, power boating and scuba diving. Games of beach football are also common.

Wander down to pretty riverfront and you’ll find the Manuel Bivar Gardens, the perfect spot for taking a break and watching fishing boats pass by.