10 Wild and Underrated Beaches in Portugal (That Most Tourists Miss)
Explore the wildest beaches in Europe
Caught the sunset at Praia da Ponta Ruiva!
Last update: October 29, 2025
Everyone’s heard of Algarve’s golden sands and dramatic cliffs. But here’s the secret: Portugal’s wildest, quietest, most soul-restoring beaches aren’t in the brochures.
From the windy wilds of the Alentejo to the moody cliffs north of Lisbon, here are 10 spots where the Atlantic still roars and the Wi-Fi still sucks (in a good way). Swim in their icy Atlantic waters (check local advice for currents), get lost on dusty trails, and eat delicious fish along the way.
These aren’t polished. They’re not trendy. They’re not all swimmable — head to Algarve for calmer waters. They’re wild, raw, and totally worth the detour. And you’ll definitely need a rental car.
Here are 10 of our favorite underrated beaches in Portugal — the ones we almost didn’t want to share. These are the “praias” we tell our closest friends about — and now, you!
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🐄 Alentejo
🏝️ Praia da Amália
Named after the legendary Fado queen who kept a secret hideaway here, Praia da Amália is a cove framed by jagged cliffs, forest trails, and the Atlantic doing what the Atlantic does — crash and churn.
Getting there is half the adventure: a short dirt track, a shady eucalyptus path, and a wobbly wooden staircase that feels one storm away from disappearing.
Why we love it: It feels like a secret whispered down through the generations. We were the only ones there, and it felt like the beach was humming her songs back to the sea.
Did you know?
Amália Rodrigues (1920–1999) was Portugal’s most beloved Fado singer — known as the Queen of Fado. With her deep, emotional voice, she brought the soul of saudade to the world stage, performing internationally and modernizing Fado with poetic lyrics. She often escaped to the Alentejo coast, where she kept a hidden seaside home near what is now Praia da Amália. Her legacy still echoes across Portugal — in music, memory, and in waves crashing on remote beaches.
🏖️ Praia da Samouqueira
We almost skipped this one — just another unnamed turnoff on a dusty road near Rogil. But Praia da Samouqueira stopped us in our tracks. Tiny, dramatic, and perfectly wild, it’s a natural amphitheater of dark rocks and golden sand.
We shared it with three people, a dog, and a colony of brave seagulls.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Crashing waves, rocky trails, zero phone signal — that’s the wild coast dream, right? But if you twist an ankle hiking down to Praia da Ursa or wipe out surfing Ponta Ruiva, that dream can get pricey fast. That’s why we always travel with solid insurance. Our partner Heymondo covers all the adventurous stuff (yep, even surfing and hiking), and you get 5% off through our link — sometimes up to 15% during promos. Peace of mind never looked so beachy. 🏄♀️
Why it’s underrated: No signs, no bars, no crowds. It’s a place that wants to stay hidden — and that’s why it’s unforgettable.
🦀 Praia da Furnas (Vila Nova de Milfontes)
This is your go-to if you want something calm but not boring. Furnas is right across the river from Milfontes — where you’ll find lots of accommodation options — and yet it’s blissfully quiet. There’s space to spread out, a view of town across the water, and sometimes a shack selling grilled fish and cold beer.
Great for: Families, lazy picnics, and introverts who still want to swim.
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🏄 Costa Vicentina
🌊 Praia da Ponta Ruiva
Ponta Ruiva is a place you only find if you're looking for it — or if your GPS glitches and decides to show off. You can reach it via a (very) bumpy dirt road near Vila do Bispo that opens up to a dark red beach battered by the Atlantic winds and adored by hardcore surfers.
We were trying to get there for sunset, and Jake did an amazing job at navigating through these crazy dirt roads with our rental car (luckily without damage). We ran down to the beach like crazy people and had the most amazing sunset!!
Highlight: The rusty-red cliffs and the fact that the road back feels like an escape from another planet.
Eli is so happy we caught the sunset!
🌿 Praia da Bordeira
Bordeira is pure dreamscape. It features miles of rippling dunes, a shallow river to cross barefoot, and a beach so big you can wander for hours without retracing your steps.
We climbed up the wooden lookout, got sandblasted in the wind, then descended like two desert explorers to picnic in a dune crater. We actually did a full-day hike mostly along the coast, but you’ll find plenty of shorter options.
What to bring: Patience for the wind. And maybe a kite.
Praia da Bordeira is sooo grammable!
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🧭 Central Coast (Nazaré, Sintra & Ericeira)
🌅 Praia de Vale Furado (near Nazaré)
Nazaré gets all the attention (understandably — the waves are insane), but just up the coast, Vale Furado is a dreamy alternative: ochre cliffs, pine-scented air, and almost no one around. We got here on a foggy morning and it felt like we were walking into a fairytale.
Nazaré is actually an amazing base to explore the region, with lots of cool, locally managed accommodations and things to do.
Extra tip: There's a small waterfall on the beach if the tide’s right — and a tiny café up top with ocean views for your post-swim espresso.
Big wave surfing in Nazaré
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🏔️ Praia da Ursa (Sintra)
Yes, it’s technically famous, since it’s close to world-famous Sintra and picturesque Azenha do Mar — but hardly anyone makes it down. Why? Because the path is brutal. But if you’re stubborn (like us), you’ll be rewarded with one of Portugal’s most cinematic beaches: two jagged rock stacks rising out of a turquoise Atlantic like something out of Game of Thrones.
We hiked down, slid most of the way back up, and don’t regret a single scratch.
If you visit, check out the amazing Casal Santa Virginia for an accommodation you won’t forget.
Don’t attempt the hike in flip-flops. Just… don’t.
Azenha do Mar, near Praia de Ursa
🏖️ Praia da Aguda (Sintra Coast)
Just south of Magoito and far less talked about, Aguda is a quiet, pebbly beach with stunning geological textures and a winding staircase that feels like a mini pilgrimage. The Atlantic here is loud — not dangerous, just vocal.
We went in October and had the entire place to ourselves, minus a fisherman tying knots in a sweater older than we are.
Mood: Peaceful, slightly melancholic, and beautifully empty.
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🏄 Praia da Foz do Lizandro (Ericeira)
A short hop from Ericeira’s center, Foz do Lizandro blends wild beauty with laid-back surf culture. The beach is long and sandy, with dunes on one end and a mellow river mouth on the other — great for families, beginner surfers, and barefoot wanderers. It’s popular — our friends who live in Portugal brought us there — but never too crowded thanks to its size.
We came for the waves and stayed for the vibe. There are a couple of restaurants/bars with cold drinks, live music, and maybe the best people-watching on the whole coast.
Best time to go: Late afternoon surf session + sunset cocktail. That’s the life.
Enjoying a cocktail overlooking Praia da Foz do Lizandro — Pure bliss
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🐟 Near Lisbon
🐚 Praia das Bicas (Sesimbra region)
Just outside Lisbon — which is a must visit, of course — but it feels a world away. Bicas is the kind of place locals don’t talk about because they want to keep it to themselves. It has tall cliffs, a steep footpath, soft sand, and absolutely nothing else.
We ran into one fisherman and three nudists. Nobody spoke. Everyone just nodded like we were all in on the same secret.
You can book accommodation in Lisbon or Sesimbra.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, and the playlist below the picture.
“Happiness is here” — We won’t argue with this sign at Praia das Bicas!
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🏖️ FAQ: Off-the-beaten-patch beaches in Portugal
What are the most underrated beaches in Portugal?
Some of our favorites include Praia da Amália, Praia do Carvalho, and Praia do Malhão — wild, uncrowded, and full of character. Most travelers stick to the Algarve’s famous spots, but the real gems are often hidden down dirt roads or behind cliffs.
Where are the quietest beaches in Portugal?
Head south to Alentejo or west of Lisbon. The Alentejo coast between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar is especially peaceful, with beaches like Furnas and Odeceixe where you can still hear only waves and gulls.
Can you swim at these wild beaches?
Yes, but be cautious — Atlantic waves can be strong, and lifeguards aren’t always present. Always check local signs and avoid swimming alone in remote areas.
What’s the best time to visit Portugal’s beaches?
June to September for warm weather and swimming, but locals love May and October when it’s still sunny and calm. The water’s cooler, but the beaches are nearly empty.
Are dogs allowed on Portuguese beaches?
Many wild or non-urban beaches allow dogs outside the main summer months (June–September). Always bring a leash and respect signs — it varies by municipality.
Do you need a car to reach these beaches?
Usually yes. Portugal’s wildest beaches are often hidden at the end of gravel roads or coastal trails. Rent a car and take your time — that’s half the adventure.
Are these beaches family-friendly?
Some are, like Praia das Furnas or Odeceixe, which have calmer areas. But others, like Praia da Amália, are better for confident swimmers and adventurous souls.
Is wild camping allowed?
Officially, no. Portugal has banned wild camping along most of the coast. However, some motorhome parks and eco-campsites near Alentejo and Costa Vicentina offer similar vibes, legally.
Can you surf on these beaches?
Absolutely. The Atlantic coast has world-class surf breaks — from mellow waves near Aljezur to wilder swells around Sines and Arrifana. Bring a wetsuit; the water’s brisk even in summer.
What’s the best way to explore them all?
Road trip! Start in Lisbon, rent a car, and drive south through Alentejo to Sagres. Stop whenever a dirt road or handmade beach sign calls your name — that’s how we found half our favorites.
Here’s a little playlist to get you into the beach mood:
None of these beaches are "easy." Some involve hikes. Others involve faith in your rental car’s suspension. But that’s exactly why they’ve stayed wild.rental car
Bring snacks. Bring layers when the sun goes down. Bring someone who doesn’t mind getting sand in their shoes (and car, and ears, and soul) and salt on their skin.
And bring time. Because once you’re there… you won’t want to leave.
Craving more hidden gems in Portugal?
🗺️ 5 destinations in Portugal off the beaten path
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🏄 Where to Stay in Nazaré & Ericeira
