Lay Out the Towel! A Guide to the Beaches of Portugal

Everyone loves the sun - it's one of the main reasonslagoons and beach dunes with Pine Forests in the
why we travel from one side of the world to thebackground. But it is not ideal for early morning or night
another! One of the focal points of the vacation is theswims because the water drops temperature very
beach. It's the place where you can go for a swim, aquickly. Although the beaches there do have heavy
jog, play some sports and enjoy other leisure activities,waves the beach will be good for experienced surfers
or just lay back and soak up some rays; and would itwho want a challenge.
be fair to say that some of the best villas in PortugalIn Costa Verde just like the other northern region
are situated around the beach? Just imagine wakingbeaches the water gets very cold even in the peak of
up to the sound of the sea, going out onto the balcony,summer although on some days the temperature can
and having breakfast to the view of the rising sunbe normal even though if you going at the peak
casting its reflection against the ocean.summer season then that might not be such a bad
Portugal boasts some of the best beaches in thething. But it doesn't mean their beaches are bad as
world and is one country that can claim some of thethey have got beautiful sand, great water sports
best temperatures all year round thanks to it being theactivities and restaurants.
furthest west of Europe and also is the closestAlgarve is a popular destination for tourists as it is well
European country to the Atlantic Ocean.know for beaches. In Algarve the Albufeira Beaches
There are various places in Portugal that haveare the main ones that many people consider the best.
fantastic beaches, beyond just the big resorts on theThere are lot of beaches in areas that can't be
Algarve:accessed by foot and boats are needed to get to
Near Lisbon one of the popular destinations forthem. These are coves, grottos and caves that are
Beaches is Costa da Caparica. It is located south ofisolated but will be the perfect place to be on your
the capital city and is a place locals go to. Caparica isown or explore.
a fishing village that means fish are caught and sold onPraia da Marinha is one beach that is secluded from
the same day, there should be no surprise to see anopen eyes and is found in the middle of Algrave. Its
abundance of fish restaurants. Being close to the citylocation is key as it has calm waters which is ideal for
you would think the water would be polluted but it isn't,snorkelling, also it has a backdrop of cliffs and due to
and it doesn't get crowded like other beaches nearits calming nature is a perfect spot for photographers.
Lisbon.Its reputation proceeds it, as it was given the "Golden
To the west of Lisbon, two areas that have attractiveBeach"award. Pictures of the beach are usually used
beaches are Estoril and Cascais. Both are onthe Estorilwhen promoting Portugal and are often used by
coast and attract people from all over the world butadvertising agencies.
mainly from Northern Europe. The Regions areFor those wondering what to do on a Beach, most
considered to be wealthy areas and in fact are rankedhave various activities in which cater to all ages. For
one of the most expensive places in Portugal. In Estorilthe thrill seekers you can hire jet skis for a short term
are some of the nicest villas in Portugal, one ofrentals, you can also do some Water skiing, para sailing
Europe's biggest Casino and a motor sport circuitand wake boarding there also some beaches have
where race events such as Moto GP are held, and itpower boat tours which will take you along the
previously was the race circuit for the Portuguese F1coastline. A lot of the beaches have a beach store or
Gran Prix. Cascais has a large Yacht harbour and hasbar where you can get a bite to eat or buy some
world famous Guincho Beach which featured in aequipment and souvenirs but for those who don't care
James Bond movie.about activities can just take a book and lay back,
The Beiras to the north of Lisbon in central Portugalbask in the tranquil atmosphere around you, without a
has two beaches that are known for their enormousworry in the world.