SANTO ANDRÉ LAGOON & BEACH SANTO ANDRÉ | Melides (15min)

The unique element of this Alentejo beach comes from its situation, between the ocean on one side and the lagoon of Santo André on the other. The beach itself has sand dunes and great waves for surfing, whilst the lagoon offers calm waters to families. Birdwatching is reportedly very good at the beach in Costa de Santo André.

Although it’s a very natural beach with lots of biodiversity, the beach is still well equipped in terms of facilities, parking, and beach bars and cafes. Possible to rent canoes in the lagoon at Bar Fragateira.

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ABERTA NOVA BEACH | Melides (20min)

Considered one of the best beaches in the region, from this beach you have magnificent views from the top of the dunes which overlook the ocean, beach and surrounding indigenous flora, at its best, along the 3.5km. Although there are several visitors to this beach throughout the summer months, it is never crowded, and you can always find a relatively private spot in which to pitch your umbrella. You may drive to the parking area and then access the beach via a set of steep wooden steps. Parking is located 200m from the shoreline which overflows on to on-street parking during the summer months, and can be really confused to drive.

 

GALÉ BEACH | Melides (25min)

With its fossil laden cliff featuring formations that date back around five million years, Galé-Fontaínhas Beach provides a stunning landscape with a different kind of beauty to the other beaches in the north of Grândola council, generally flatter and with dunes. Access to the beach is down ramps located near the campsite.

 

MELIDES BEACH | Melides (20min)

Melides Beach is composed of the long stretch of sand that separates the sea and Melides Lagoon. The beaches in Melides Portugal are stunningly beautiful with an expansive more public beach to the left of the lagoon whilst the beach to the right is narrower and backdropped by sandstone cliffs. If you are with children make sure that you only swim whilst a lifeguard is on duty.

 

SÃO TORPES BEACH | Sines (25min)

Surfers elected São Torpes beach as the best beach to surf in Alentejo region. Its strong and regular waves ensure São Torpes Beach is one of the best for surfing to be found along the entire extent of the Portuguese coastline with a number of schools available for those wishing to learn this sport.
Located right in the extreme north of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, São Torpes Beach covers a long stretch of sand occasionally punctuated by rocks.

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SAMOQUEIRA BEACH | Porto Covo (30min)

Samoqueira beach is formed by a small stretch of sand and rocks, creating an almost intimate atmosphere.

 

Not many people go to this beach but it deserves a place in the top 10 of the best Alentejo beaches because of its secluded and natural scenery.

 

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COMPORTA BEACH | Comporta (1h)

Praia da Comporta is the busiest beach in the area, attracting many visitors from Spain, Portugal, and the Capitals of Europe. This beach in Comporta is a great beach for families, couples or individuals. The dark blue ocean sometimes looks an emerald green and embraces the golden shoreline for 5.km until it reaches the almost private beach in Comporta, Brejos da Carregueira. If you are lucky enough, you may get to witness the Bottlenose dolphin pod as they travel down the coast from Troia and back again. The beach is located at the extremes of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean. It is enhanced by the wildness of the dunes and the rustling pine forest behind. The beach is suitable for swimming and body boarding.

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CARVALHAL BEACH | Comporta (30min)

Carvalhal beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag and Gold Quality Standard award successively since 2002. Secure, shaded parking is located 200m from the shoreline with on-street parking during the summer months. Perfect temperature on hot sunny days when you are desperate to cool down. The beach has security surveillance with both marine police patrols and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. Sun beds and parasols are available for rent throughout the summer but due to the high demand and limited availability we suggest that you book in advance. Showers and toilets are also available.

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PEGO BEACH | Comporta (30min)

Praia do Pego Beach extends for 4km and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Travel magazine Conde Nast voted Praia do Pego and the unique restaurant Sal Comporta one of the top ten places in the world. This stretch of beach is utterly amazing with small grains of pure golden sand and an expansive beach on either side of the restaurant. The view from the beach is on to the vast expansion of the Atlantic Ocean with the odd fishing vessel passing by.  The beach is made up of small grains of golden sand that shines in the sun whilst behind, you are engulfed by the indigenous seeded dunes and immense pine forest backdrop. For most of the year with exception of the winter season, the Atlantic Ocean that swells on to Pego Beach is relatively calm and contrasts between deep ocean blue and beautiful emerald green. The beach is suitable for swimming, surf, and bodyboarding.

 

AIVADOS BEACH | Vila Nova de Mil Fontes (40 min)

The beach Praia dos Aviados is also known as Buzinheiro beach. Dunes back this long, thin stretch of sand. It’s mostly home to fishermen and surfers and is a very pretty place to while away the day.

Praia dos Aivados is large and doesn’t get crowded. It’s also often known to host surfing events. Natural vegetation surrounds the beach and there are lots of species of animals, unique to the area itself.

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FURNAS BEACH | Vila Nova de Mil Fontes (50 min)

To be found on the left bank of the River Mira near Vila Nova de Milfontes, Furnas Beach is a river beach with a strong sea influence. Throughout low tide, the beach extends beyond the mouth of the Mira with small sandy coves forming among the rocks. Great for water sports enthusiasts, the Beach is a favourite for windsurfing, sailing or canoeing up river where the waters are significantly calmer.

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FAROL BEACH | Vila Nova de Milfontes (50 min)

With the River Mira on one side and the ocean on the other, Farol Beach is in Vila Nova de Milfontes, right beside Franquia Beach, from which it is separated by a rocky formation. Like at Furnas Beach, pools are formed at low tide that are sure to delight the children.

Due to its location near the bar, care must be taken with the currents that can form, so be aware of the warnings and information provided.

 

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