Portugal’s famous Algarve is renowned for being one of the best vacation destinations in Europe. Rich coastlines of golden sand, cascading cliffs and turquoise water are some of the reasons that visitors flock to the region annually. Further north along the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon shimmers in the Mediterranean sun.

Beach Hotels in Portugal: From Lisbon to the Algarve and Beyond.

Lisbon & Cascais: Romantic Cities by the Sea

No vacation would be complete without opting for a beach hotel near Lisbon. Portugal’s capital has the benefit of a beautiful seafront location and a wealth of sites and activities to enjoy alongside days at the beach. The city’s historic and cultural heart is the Bairro Alto. Crossed with sloping streets hiding a multitude of cafes, art galleries and wine bars, the colorful facades of the Bairro Alto is the perfect place to enjoy a traditionally Portuguese evening. It’s easy to access and explore thanks to the famous tram system that runs throughout the city. Admire Lisbon’s wealth of sites such as the Belém Tower and São Jorge Castle, two bastions of the city’s medieval past as a gateway to Europe. Many of Portugal’s most beautiful beach hotels can be found 30km west in Cascais. The small fishing town is the perfect spot to escape to when you’ve had enough of the capital. A sleepy harbor lies alongside sandy beaches with rugged charm. Surfers will find plenty to love about Guincho beach, while families with kids will be able to build sandcastles and swim in front of the promenade. The center of town is equally attractive. Palm trees and 19th century architecture are characteristic of the town which is full of cozy cafes and family-run restaurants. With Lisbon only a short train ride away, beach hotels around Portugal’s capital offer a diverse getaway.

The Algarve: Picture-Perfect Beaches

The true beach destination in Portugal is without a doubt the Algarve. A coastal region of unprecedented beauty and charming towns, the Algarve is truly exceptional. Discover Faro, the Algarve’s gorgeous capital, famous for its buzzing student population and various medieval sites. You can find beach hotels along Portugal’s southern coast, in pretty towns such as Albufeira and Lagos. Lagos’ beaches are particularly notable, characterized by stunning cliffs, golden sand and rich marine life. A maritime city for over two thousand years, part of Lagos’ old town is still encircled by its former city walls. Take a stroll along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos (Avenue of the Discoveries) which leads to a modern marina packed with stores, bars and restaurants. From here you can charter a yacht for the day to enjoy the dramatic coastline from the water. Beach hotels on Portugal’s most south western point places you near the stunning town of Sagres – the windswept peninsula where Portugal clashes against the Atlantic Ocean. A popular surf spot, Sagres is a laid-back resort town with access to some of the country’s most dramatic coastline. The best place to admire the area’s scenery is from the imposing Sagres Fortress. The beautiful golden sand of nearby Tonel Beach is also a great place to unwind under the Mediterranean sun. Cape St. Vincent, the site of many naval battles, is the south-westernmost point in Portugal and is home to plenty of flora, fauna and birdlife.