With over 900 km of Atlantic coastline, Portugal offers some of the most beautiful seaside towns in Europe. From surfing hubs and fishing villages to romantic cliffside destinations, here are the best coastal towns to stay in Portugal for 2025 — including what makes each place special, what kind of traveler it suits, and where to stay for the best experience.
- Cascais — elegant, safe and perfect for families
- Ericeira — surfing paradise and charming streets
- Nazaré — dramatic cliffs and unique ocean energy
- Peniche — surf town with incredible day trips
- Lagos — golden cliffs and clear turquoise water
- Albufeira — lively, sunny and full of options
- Tavira — quiet, authentic and perfect for slow travel
The charm of Portugal’s coast lies in its diversity. You can drive just one hour and feel like you’ve changed countries. The north is cooler and greener, the center has dramatic cliffs and golden beaches, and the south (the Algarve) offers sun-soaked coastlines and Mediterranean energy. This guide helps you decide where to stay depending on your style, budget, and the kind of trip you want.
Cascais — elegant, safe and perfect for families
Once a royal summer retreat, Cascais remains one of Portugal’s most refined coastal towns. Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon, it offers sandy beaches, a charming historic center, safe neighborhoods, and a relaxed yet upscale vibe. It’s ideal for families, couples, and travelers who want a seaside base close to the capital.
Where to stay in Cascais
- Cascais Bay Hotel — central, comfortable, and steps from the marina.
- The Albatroz Hotel — luxury stay with cliffside views.
- Kasa 23 Guesthouse — budget-friendly and modern.
Who Cascais is best for
- Families seeking safety and comfort
- Beach lovers who want calm, swimmable waters
- Travelers exploring Lisbon without staying in the city
Ericeira — surfing paradise and charming streets
Ericeira is the only World Surfing Reserve in Europe and has become one of Portugal’s coolest coastal destinations. It offers cobblestone streets, fishing heritage, boutique guesthouses, and a strong digital nomad scene. Waves are consistent year-round, and sunsets from the cliffs are unforgettable.
Where to stay in Ericeira
- You and the Sea — modern apartments with ocean views.
- Selina Ericeira — for digital nomads and community events.
- Reserva FLH Hotels — boutique and stylish.
Who Ericeira is best for
- Surfers of all skill levels
- Couples looking for cozy cafés and viewpoints
- Remote workers or long-stay travelers
Nazaré — dramatic cliffs and unique ocean energy
Nazaré is world-famous for its giant winter waves, but it’s also a beautiful beach town with a strong cultural identity. Its sandy shore, traditional fishing boats, and iconic lighthouse make it one of Portugal’s most photographed coastal destinations. Even outside big-wave season, it’s lively and full of charm.
Where to stay in Nazaré
- Hotel Magic — central and family-friendly.
- Miramar Hotel & Spa — panoramic views of the coast.
- Zulla Nazaré’s Surf Village — boutique surf lodge.
Who Nazaré is best for
- Sea lovers fascinated by the power of the Atlantic
- Families seeking a lively beach town
- Surf fans visiting during big-wave season (Oct–Feb)
Peniche — surf town with incredible day trips
Peniche is rugged, energetic, and full of surf schools, seafood restaurants, and dramatic rock formations. It’s also the departure point for Berlengas, Portugal’s stunning nature reserve island. Accommodation is affordable, and the town attracts adventurous travelers.
Where to stay in Peniche
- MH Peniche — modern hotel near the dunes.
- Sea Garden Residência — cozy and central.
- Silver Coast Beach Apartments — great for longer stays.
Who Peniche is best for
- Surfers and adventure travelers
- Day-trippers wanting to visit Berlengas
- Budget travelers looking for great value
Lagos — golden cliffs and clear turquoise water
Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most iconic towns, known for its dramatic Ponta da Piedade cliffs, crystal-clear water, and lively marina. Its mix of beaches, nightlife, boutique hotels, and coastal walking paths makes it one of Portugal’s most versatile seaside destinations.
Where to stay in Lagos
- Cascade Wellness Resort — spa, pools, and stunning scenery.
- Casa Mãe — trendy boutique hotel mixing tradition and design.
- Aqualuz Lagos — great for families.
Who Lagos is best for
- Beach lovers wanting multiple options nearby
- Couples seeking romantic cliff walks
- Travelers who want nature + nightlife
Albufeira — lively, sunny and full of options
Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s most visited towns — and for good reason. It has accessible beaches, countless restaurants, affordable hotels, and a huge range of accommodation types. It’s perfect for travelers who want convenience and energy rather than solitude.
Where to stay in Albufeira
- EPIC Sana Algarve — luxury meets beachfront beauty.
- Cerro Mar Atlantico — great value with strong amenities.
- Velamar Boutique Hotel — modern and reasonably priced.
Who Albufeira is best for
- Groups of friends and young travelers
- Families seeking resort-style stays
- Beach lovers wanting many options in one area
Tavira — quiet, authentic and perfect for slow travel
Tavira is one of the Algarve’s most unique coastal towns — elegant, peaceful, and deeply authentic. The town’s island beach (Ilha de Tavira) is reachable by boat and stretches for kilometers. Tavira is ideal for travelers who want Portuguese charm without the crowds.
Where to stay in Tavira
- Vila Galé Tavira — comfortable and family-friendly.
- Tavira House — boutique and romantic.
- Formosa Guesthouse — affordable with river views.
Who Tavira is best for
- Couples wanting romance and tranquility
- Families avoiding the busy Algarve west coast
- Travelers who love traditional architecture
Portugal’s coastal towns offer something for every type of traveler — whether you want surf energy, peaceful old towns, dramatic cliffs, or family-friendly beaches. Choosing the right place depends on the experience you’re seeking: Cascais for elegance, Ericeira for surf culture, Nazaré for Atlantic power, Lagos for golden cliffs, and Tavira for pure tranquility.
Wherever you stay in 2025, expect warm hospitality, delicious seafood, and sunsets you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
Last updated: November 2025.
