Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, where you can walk for miles along the golden sand without ever feeling pressed for space. I’ve been lucky enough to spend plenty of time in this incredible country, checking out some of the sandy shores, rocky cliffs, calm waters, and surfing waves the coastline has to offer. You’ll find beaches to suit all kinds of holidaymakers in Portugal, from those who want to get up at the crack of dawn for a surf session as well as those who’d like nothing more than a day spent tanning on the sand. Not sure where to stay while exploring the country’s charming coastal towns? Read on for all of the best beach resorts in Portugal!
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa - Porches
One of the best beach hotels in the Algarve (and Europe), Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa isn’t just a five-star resort: it’s also a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World.” This means if you’re looking for the best of the best on your next trip to Portugal, this is the place to stay. This beautiful hotel is located on a cliff-top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Alporchinhos, Porches, in the Algarve region. With direct access to the beach and a private yacht for guests who are really looking to splash out, this is a hotel that never disappoints. While you’re here, make sure to check out the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ocean, as well as nine other restaurants and six bars.
Key Amenities:
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Ocean-facing rooms, suites, and villas
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Multiple dining options, including oceanfront venues
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State-of-the-art spa offering Phyto-Aromatic facials
R. Anneliese Pohl, 8400-450 Porches, Portugal— +351 282 310 100
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort & Hotel - Sagres
One of the top resorts in Portugal, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort & Hotel is located in Sagres, the westernmost point of the Algarve region, and overlooks the beautiful Martinhal Beach. If your dream vacation includes plenty of beach days, this is the place to check-in. Designed with families in mind, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort offers high-class family-friendly accommodations as well as a range of restaurants, bars, kids clubs, and leisure activities to keep everyone entertained. It also goes above and beyond with the fun stuff, featuring five swimming pools as well as a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and a surf school.
Key Amenities:
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5-star beachfront property
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Multiple on-site restaurants
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Oceanfront pool with sun loungers
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Villas with sea views
R. Baiona la Real Apartado 54, 8650-908 Sagres, Portugal— +351 282 240 200
The Conrad Hotel - Loulé
You’ll find Conrad Hotels dotted all over the world, but the Quinta do Lago resort might just be the best yet. This hotel sits near the Ria Formosa Nature Park with views of the Atlantic Ocean, ensuring a picturesque backdrop no matter which room you stay in. The decor here is inspired by the local culture and landscape, with artworks and sculptures throughout the hotel. As you’d expect from the Conrad name, this is a hotel that doesn’t hold back with the good stuff, like its multiple on-site restaurants serving up innovative and delicious dishes prepared by award-winning chefs, as well as multiple bars.
Key Amenities:
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Indoor and outdoor pools, shuttle bus to the beach
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Multiple restaurants on-site, including a Michelin-starred restaurant
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Near Ria Formosa Nature Park and Atlantic coastline
Estr. da Quinta do Lago, 8135-106 Almancil, Portugal— +351 289 350 700
Hotel Riu Madeira - Santa Cruz, Madeira
Head to Caniço de Baixo, on the south coast of Madeira to find the one and only Hotel Riu Madeira. This all-inclusive hotel takes the stress out of your next vacation, ensuring a constant flow of delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks without any extra charges. A place designed to make life easy, it’s home to one indoor and one outdoor swimming pool as well as a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a gym. Looking to keep busy? You’ll also find activities like water polo, table tennis, and darts.
Key Amenities:
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All-inclusive property
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Multiple restaurants
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Rooms with private jacuzzis
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Direct beach access
Praia dos Reis Magos, 9125-024 Caniço de Baixo, Portugal— +351 291 939 300
AP Adriana Beach Resort - Albufeira
It doesn’t matter what sort of vacation you’re looking for: you’ll find it here at AP Adriana Beach Resort. This four-star hotel excels in every way possible, from its beautiful location to its all-inclusive dining to its range of swimming pools, activities, and restaurants. Check-in here to spend your mornings chilling in the jacuzzi and your afternoons in one of the two pools. You’ll also find soccer, basketball, archery, beach volleyball, tennis, and mini-golf to ensure you’re never bored!
Key Amenities:
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Set directly on the beach, 200 meters from Praia da Falesia
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Multiple restaurants
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Two outdoor pools and pool bar
Estrada da Rocha Baixinha Apartado 6115, 8200-379 Albufeira, Portugal— +351 289 540 100
Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa - Lisbon
Hotel Cascais Miragem Health & Spa is the place to go if you’re looking for a wellness escape perched right on the seafront. This gorgeous five-star hotel sits in the ever-famous Cascais on the Lisbon coast. The best part? Maybe it’s the outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. But you’ll also find an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room and a gym to keep you feeling your best. When it’s time to step the relaxation up a notch, head over to Holmes Place Spa for an aromatherapy massage or other treatment.
Key Amenities:
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An outdoor infinity pool overlooking the ocean
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Indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
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30 minutes from Lisbon International Airport
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Most rooms and suites have terraces
Av. Marginal 8554, 2754-536 Cascais, Portugal— +351 21 006 0600
Memmo Baleeira Hotel - Sagres
You’ll find Memmo Baleeira Hotel on the westernmost point of the Algarve region overlooking the beautiful Baleeira Bay. With its relaxing and contemporary design, featuring natural materials inspired by the surrounding landscapes, you’ll never feel anything less than seriously relaxed while staying here. When you’re hungry, head to Fornaria Memmo, the on-site restaurant that serves creative and delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the region. When you’re in the mood for a nice glass of wine, you’ll also find an elegant on-site bar.
Key Amenities:
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Family-friendly suites with sea views
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Situated in Costa Vicentina Natural Park
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Surfing and hiking opportunities
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel - Albufeira
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel is just as epic as its name suggests: a luxurious hotel in Albufeira, on the south coast of the Algarve region. With direct access to the beach, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time here swimming or tanning. The hotel itself sits in a natural environment with pine trees and gardens all around, just adding to that tranquility. Here, you’ll find a range of swimming pools for adults and children as well as a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court and a kids club. Make sure to try out the Pilates class while you’re here.
Key Amenities:
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Multiple restaurants and bars
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Ocean View Suites, Family Rooms
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On-site spa with Turkish bath, heated indoor pool, and sauna
Pinhal do Concelho, Praia da Falésia, 8200-593 Albufeira, Portugal— +351 289 104 300
Urban Hotel Santa Eulália - Albufeira
If you’re looking for the perfect Portuguese beach vacation, you’re probably already familiar with Albufeira. And that’s exactly where you’ll find the Urban Hotel Santa Eulália. This is a 5-star hotel perched near the Santa Eulália beach, which means effortless access to surf days and sunset beach walks. Urban Hotel Santa Eulália is home to an outdoor pool, a bar, and a self-vending breakfast solution that offers snacks and drinks if you’re heading out early for an excursion. Ideal for those looking for a stress-free day, it also has a beach transfer service that takes you straight to Santa Eulália beach for relaxing beach days with your family or friends.
Key Amenities:
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Close proximity to Albufeira Old Town
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An outdoor pool
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Beach transfer service
Estr. de Santa Eulália 215, 8200-381 Albufeira, Portugal— +351 289 241 095
Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel - Funchal, Madeira
You’ll feel like a celebrity as soon as you check into Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel. Based in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, this hotel sits on a cliff top overlooking the ocean, with direct access to a private beach club and stunning views of Funchal Bay. Another historical spot, this hotel features three swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and a children’s club, as well as activities like yoga, pilates, hiking, and botanical tours. Rooms go above and beyond with private jacuzzis and great views.
Key Amenities:
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Cliff-top location with panoramic sea views
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Multiple restaurants and on-site spa
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Family rooms with sofa beds and patios
Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Portugal— +351 291 717 171
Saccharum - Estreito da Calheta, Madeira
Sure, you’ll have to leave mainland Portugal to find this beach resort. But Saccharum is well worth the effort of hopping on a ferry or quick flight. This five-star resort is located on the south coast of Madeira, an island in the Atlantic Ocean, and offers a stunning seafront location with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains and direct access to Calheta Beach. A place you’ll love for its decor and on-site amenities such as a spa, multiple restaurants, and an inviting outdoor pool, the hotel was inspired by the local sugar cane industry, with natural materials and artworks throughout the resort.
Key Amenities:
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5-star oceanfront property
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Rooms with private balconies and ocean views
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Multiple restaurants and a spa on-site
Rua da Serra D'Água, nº1, 9370-087 Arco da Calheta, Madeira, Portugal— +351 291 820 800
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa - Porto
Porto will always be one of the most beautiful parts of Portugal, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and gorgeous river views. And that’s exactly where you’ll find the five-star Vila Foz Hotel & Spa. Facing the infinite blue of the Atlantic Ocean, this is a resort you’ll long to return to before you’ve even checked out. Vila Foz Hotel is housed in a historic building that’s been restored with contemporary design, featuring natural materials and artworks inspired by the local culture. The coolest part? The fine dining restaurant serves creative and refined dishes prepared by Chef Arnaldo.
Key Amenities:
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Multiple dining options
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Spa with personalized treatments
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Rooms with Jacuzzis
Av. de Montevideu 236, 4150-516 Porto, Portugal— +351 22 244 9700
Quinta Jardins do Lago - Funchal, Madeira
Head to Quinta Jardins do Lago if you like to infuse your beach vacations with a dash of history and culture. This hotel’s building dates back to the 18th century and was once the residence of General Beresford, the commander of the British forces. Over the years, it’s played host to many famous guests and offers insight into Portugal of the past as you wander its grounds. Surrounded by a botanical garden with more than 500 different species of plants, as well as a pond, a fountain, and a swimming pool, this beautiful spot will have you falling in love with Portugal all over again.
Key Amenities:
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On-site pet Galapagos tortoise
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Multiple restaurants
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Complimentary shuttle to Funchal
Rua Dr. João Lemos Gomes 29, 9000-208 Funchal, Portugal— +351 291 750 100
