The cities along the coast of Portugal are known for their wonderful landscapes, magnificent beaches and their hospitality. The whole country is rich in history, culture, natural beauty and gastronomy. There are also castles, beaches and charming landscapes and medieval buildings typical of each town.
The coast of Portugal is made up of dozens of cities, all with their own characteristics and singularities. Let’s get to know some of these cities on the coast of Portugal.
Getting to know Viana do Castelo
We start in Viana do Castelo, the northernmost coastal city in the country, 30 minutes from the Spanish border and less than an hour’s drive to Porto or Braga.
On one side the sea, on the other the mountains. Viana do Castelo is a calm and relaxed city to live in, but with many tourist attractions to discover, from the Historical Centre itself to the famous Santa Luzia Sanctuary, or even the Eiffel Bridge, built by the same author on the Eiffel Tower. Viana do Castelo is an excellent city to live in.
Matosinhos
We continue on to Matosinhos, one of the best-known cities on the North Coast. Its proximity to Porto, about nine kilometres, gives it great visibility. It is here that the population takes the opportunity to relax, go for a walk or go to the beach. Matosinhos has the best beaches in the Porto region, besides the fresh fish and seafood that comes directly from the sea to many restaurants in the area. But for just the beaches, visit also the Bom Jesus de Matosinhos church or the Leça do Balio Monastery, monuments that portray history and culture and are worth a visit. From Matosinhos to Gaia it is approximately 16 km.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the cities on the coast that you’ll have the most trouble making an itinerary, because there are so many beaches, activities and natural beauties you’ll want to visit that you certainly won’t want to miss any of them. When visiting Vila Nova de Gaia you can’t miss the famous Port Wine and a visit to one of the restaurants. Even if you’re not a wine lover, how are you getting to know its history and culture. If you are in Cais de Gaia, enjoy the wonderful postcard that the region allows us, and of course cross the Dom Luis I Bridge and take a walk through the fantastic city of Porto.
On the way to the next town stop at Miramar beach and visit the Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a chapel built on a rock over the sea.
Coming to the Portuguese Venice, as it is so often called, Aveiro is a beautiful and exquisite city. Situated approximately between Porto and Coimbra, 60 to 70 km away, Aveiro is known for its moliceiros, ovos moles and its beaches with striped houses.
It is a calm and tranquil town where you cross the city. It is possible to take a moliceiro boat trip and get to know the four channels of the Aveiro River, a 45 minute trip that promises to be quite fun. Here you can also visit the Praça do Peixe, with many restaurants and bars with a privileged view of the river, take a walk through the monuments and architectural constructions of the city, and finish the day by the salt pans to watch the most beautiful sunset.
Don’t forget to visit the beaches of Vagueira, Costa Nova and Praia da Costinha. Aveiro has some of the best beaches in this region of Portugal.
Nazaré
Nazaré is a very reputable fishing village, so we decided to include it in this selection, here you can enjoy fishing in its entirety until the drying of the fish. Along the Marginal road right in front of the beach there are many little shops with products and articles from the region, but also a great diversity of Restaurants and Bars. You can climb up to the Fort São Miguel Arcanjo and enjoy the viewpoint Suberco all the beach of Nazaré.
The Nazaré Canyon
The Canyon of Nazaré gives rise to giant waves, making Nazaré a must-see spot on the world surfing wheel. In 2011, surfer Garrett McNamara managed to surf a 23-metre wave at the North beach in Nazaré, that year breaking the Guinness World Record.
Ericeira
Ericeira another fishing village, very peaceful and relaxed and where surfing reigns. Here there are several undiscovered beaches, all you need is the will to walk a little and discover incredible natural wonders. You can also visit the historical centre of Ericeira and fall in love with the little blue houses or stroll through the small cobbled streets.
Sintra
Sintra an enchanting romantic town with all its surrounding culture and nature. Sintra is approximately 30 km from the capital, Lisbon, but nothing compares to the fame and bustle of everyday life.
What to visit in Sintra?
In Sintra, a visit to Quinta da Regaleira, to Pena Palace, one of the seven wonders of Portugal and, of course, to Sintra National Palace, the oldest in Portugal, is a must. Delight yourself with so much history of the ancestors charm and Fascination of this town.
Cascais
Cascais is an excellent combination and reference for when we think of a refuge in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the capital. It has sea, wonderful beaches that make reference postcards, but still combines with all the culture that Cascais offers, you can visit the Historical Centre and the Cidadela de Cascais, a fortress that houses structures such as the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Luz de Cascais, the Palace of the Cidadela de Cascais and also the Torre de Santo António de Cascais.
It is a very attractive tourist spot for all the history it involves, paradisiacal beaches, culture, history and leisure in Cascais makes it a very sought after place by tourists and Portuguese to live to visit.
Costa da Caparica
From Lisbon to Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away. Costa da Caparica is known for its variety of stunning beaches, such as Praia de São João, Praia Nova, Praia da Fonte da Telha, Praia da Princesa or Praia da Bela Vista, so many in fact that it is unfair to list them all.
But Costa da Caparica is not only about beaches. You can also visit the Fort of São Sebastião da Caparica or the Convent in Miradouro dos Capuchos.
Aljezur
Continuing down the coast of Portugal, we find Aljezur, considered the heart of the Vicentine Coast, it arouses the emotions of those who visit and is distinguished by its stunning landscapes, geological wealth and the best beaches in Portugal.
The beaches are the main attraction of the town, but if you want to have a more cultural option you can visit the Castle of Aljezur. Among all the fantastic beaches we highlight Praia da Arrifana, Praia do Vale dos Homens, Praia de Vale Figueira or even Praia de Odeceixe. Aljezur is an excellent option for those who want to rest and make the most of the beach.
Faro
Arriving on the Algarve Coast, Faro is the first stop, the capital of the Algarve. This city on the coast of Portugal manages to embrace the best of both worlds, the paradisiacal beaches and the historical centre, from the Old Town, the narrow streets, the Marina, the museums, churches and historical monuments, Faro offers a great diversity of activities.
Visit also the Arco do Repouso and the Arco da Vila, both very well known and holders of much history. There are many beaches you can visit when you go to this region in the Algarve, such as Praia de Faro, Praia da Barrinha, Praia da Barreta, Praia do Farol, Praia dos Hangares or even Praia da Culatra.
Portimão
Orange rock formations and cliffs, crystal blue sea and white sands, that’s what Portimão’s beaches are like, making this town on the Portuguese coast a major attraction, especially in the summer. Praia da Rocha, Praia dos Três Castelos, Praia do Amado and Praia do Alemão are the best known, but you can explore find many other equally wonderful ones.
The Miradouro dos Três Castelos and the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina are two very popular and visited places in the summer.
Lagos
Lagos has the merit of having in its town some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and even in the country, for example, Praia de Dona Ana is one of the many tourist attractions in the summer and has already been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In Lagos you can visit the Avenida dos Descobrimentos with a street full of stalls with handicrafts, beach items and regional products. Moreover, the fort of ponta da bandeira is one of the main tourist attractions, it is considered one of the best examples of maritime fortifications in the Algarve.
Albufeira
Albufeira is perhaps the most famous region of the Algarve, but it is certainly the busiest at night in the bars and discos. Who visits Albufeira is looking for beaches and fun and that is exactly what this city offers, however, be sure to visit the Marina of albufeira and the Historical Center. The simplicity of the historic centre of albufeira is in the narrow streets, the picturesque central square and the dozens of restaurants, terraces and bars, which are to be found throughout the city.
