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Hidden Gem Beaches in Portugal

We rank the 13 hidden gem beaches in Portugal. Benagil Cove (Portugal) comes first with 4.7 / 5, followed by Praia da Bordeira, Praia da Ursa.

The sea reaches about 21 degrees C in season, and most of these beaches are at their best from June to September. 5 of the 13 have easy access, and 13 are hidden gems.

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1Benagil Cove

Algarve, Portugal · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 22 °C

A small cove leading to a sea cave with a skylight in its roof — best seen by kayak or paddleboard.

Praia da Bordeira, Carrapateira, Algarve

2Praia da Bordeira

Carrapateira, Algarve · 4.7 / 5 · Easy access · about 21 °C

A wide, wild Atlantic beach on the west Algarve coast with dunes, cliffs and a shallow lagoon that forms behind the sand.

Praia da Ursa, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal

3Praia da Ursa

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal · 4.7 / 5 · Challenging access · about 17 °C

A small, wild sand cove below steep cliffs near Cabo da Roca, known for its tall rock stacks and rough Atlantic surf.

Praia do Carvalho, Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal

4Praia do Carvalho

Carvoeiro, Algarve, Portugal · 4.7 / 5 · Moderate access · about 19 °C

A small golden cove enclosed by tall Algarve cliffs, reached through a short tunnel cut into the rock and down a flight of steps.

5Ilha de Tavira

Tavira, Algarve · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 23 °C

A long barrier island off the eastern Algarve with wide sandy beaches, calm lagoon water on one side and the open Atlantic on the other.

6Praia da Albandeira

Lagoa, Algarve · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 22 °C

A small, sheltered cove at the foot of golden limestone cliffs in the Algarve, with a natural rock arch and clear water.

Praia do Beliche, Sagres, Vila do Bispo, Algarve

7Praia do Beliche

Sagres, Vila do Bispo, Algarve · 4.6 / 5 · Moderate access · about 20 °C

A sheltered sandy cove near Sagres on the far south-west tip of Portugal, backed by tall cliffs and facing the open Atlantic with golden sand and clear water.

Praia do Vale Figueiras, Vila do Bispo, Algarve

8Praia do Vale Figueiras

Vila do Bispo, Algarve · 4.5 / 5 · Moderate access · about 21 °C

A quiet Atlantic beach on the west Algarve coast with golden sand, low cliffs and room to spread out away from the busier south-coast resorts.

Praia do Zavial, Raposeira, Vila do Bispo, Algarve

9Praia do Zavial

Raposeira, Vila do Bispo, Algarve · 4.5 / 5 · Easy access · about 21 °C

A broad sandy bay on the western Algarve, backed by low cliffs and a beachfront restaurant.

Praia da Ingrina, Raposeira, Vila do Bispo, Algarve

10Praia da Ingrina

Raposeira, Vila do Bispo, Algarve · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 21 °C

A small sandy cove on the western Algarve near Raposeira, sheltered by rocks.

Praia de Santa Barbara, Ribeira Grande, Azores

11Praia de Santa Barbara

Ribeira Grande, Azores · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 20 °C

A long, dark volcanic sand beach on the north coast of Sao Miguel, popular with surfers.

Praia do Castelejo, Vila do Bispo, Algarve

12Praia do Castelejo

Vila do Bispo, Algarve · 4.4 / 5 · Moderate access · about 19 °C

A wide Atlantic beach on the wild western Algarve, set below tilted dark schist cliffs and rolling hills.

13Praia do Seixal

Seixal, Madeira · 4.4 / 5 · Easy access · about 21 °C

A small beach of dark volcanic sand on the north coast of Madeira, framed by steep green cliffs.

Quick comparison

#	Beach	Country	Score	Water	Best season	Access
1	Benagil Cove	Portugal	4.7	22 °C	May–October	Moderate
2	Praia da Bordeira	Portugal	4.7	21 °C	May–September	Easy
3	Praia da Ursa	Portugal	4.7	17 °C	June–September	Challenging
4	Praia do Carvalho	Portugal	4.7	19 °C	June–September	Moderate
5	Ilha de Tavira	Portugal	4.6	23 °C	June–September	Moderate
6	Praia da Albandeira	Portugal	4.6	22 °C	May–October	Moderate
7	Praia do Beliche	Portugal	4.6	20 °C	June–September	Moderate
8	Praia do Vale Figueiras	Portugal	4.5	21 °C	May–September	Moderate
9	Praia do Zavial	Portugal	4.5	21 °C	May–September	Easy
10	Praia da Ingrina	Portugal	4.4	21 °C	May–September	Easy
11	Praia de Santa Barbara	Portugal	4.4	20 °C	June–September	Easy
12	Praia do Castelejo	Portugal	4.4	19 °C	June–September	Moderate
13	Praia do Seixal	Portugal	4.4	21 °C	June–September	Easy

How we picked these beaches

Included when we flag the beach as a hidden gem, meaning it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, then ranked by editorial score. See how we rate beaches for the full method.

Frequently asked questions

Which are the top-rated hidden gem beaches in Portugal?

Our top three are Benagil Cove (4.7 out of 5), Praia da Bordeira (4.7 out of 5), Praia da Ursa (4.7 out of 5). Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team.

When is the best time to visit these beaches?

Most are at their best from June to September. Water temperatures average about 21 degrees C in season. Each beach page lists its exact season.

Which of these beaches are easiest to reach?

Praia da Bordeira, Praia do Zavial, Praia da Ingrina, Praia de Santa Barbara, Praia do Seixal have easy access. The others need a walk, stairs or a rougher road, so check the access note on each page.

More lists

All beaches in Portugal · Beach finder · Map of all beaches · All lists