The atlantic coast of Portugal

Visit the Atlantic coast of Portugal

The Portuguese coast is impressively diverse and long (943 km in total). It offers a mixture of white and dark sand beaches, steep coastal cliffs, extensive estuaries, marshlands, coastal lagoons, sheltered bays, headlands and small islands. With its exceptional scenic beauty, the Portuguese Atlantic coast is an ideal travel destination.

It is worth taking a closer look at the different sections of the Portuguese Atlantic coast , as there are significant differences from north to south. Typically, Portugal's Atlantic coast is divided into five sections .

In general, the climate in the north is cooler and rainier than in the south. This is also a reason why many Portuguese from the north go to the Algarve for their summer holidays, where the temperatures are warmest and the surf is less

The water temperatures in Portugal surprise many visitors, as they rarely rise above 20 degrees in summer. This is because it is a coast on the Atlantic Ocean , which does not have a warm Gulf Stream and is therefore rougher and cooler than the Mediterranean, for example. On the other hand, the Atlantic coast offers wonderful natural beauty, a fresh breeze and wide beaches for walking. Water sports enthusiasts will also get their money's worth here.

In the summer months, the entire Portuguese Atlantic coast is a recommended travel destination , while in winter the Algarve is the best place to go , as the temperatures are mildest here and it rains less often.

However, a holiday on the Portuguese Atlantic coast offers much more than just a beach holiday. In the immediate vicinity of the beaches you will find unique landscapes, historical sites and untouched nature.

Discover Portugal's Atlantic coast and see for yourself - you will surely be amazed.

The Costa Verde in northern Portugal

Northern Atlantic coast (Costa Verde):

The Costa Verde, or Green Coast, is located in the northwest of Portugal and stretches from the city of Porto to the Spanish border (Galicia). It belongs to the Minho region and is known for its lush vegetation, hence the name "Green Coast".

Description of the region

The Costa Verde is a region worth visiting, full of historic towns, beautiful beaches and a vibrant culture. It is characterized by rolling hills, lush vineyards and fishing villages. The beaches here are wide and sandy, often framed by rocky cliffs and pine forests. The main cities in this region are Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, and Viana do Castelo.

activities and attractions

From relaxing beach days to historical exploration and culinary delights, the Costa Verde has a lot to offer. You can visit the beaches of or explore nature in the Peneda-Gerês and Montesinho National Parks. History buffs will love the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, the latter being the birthplace of Portugal. The region is also known for excellent gastronomy and Vinho Verde, a young, fresh white wine.

climate and travel time

The Costa Verde has a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. Summers are mostly dry, with temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, with the Atlantic Ocean providing a pleasant breeze. The best months to visit are April to October, outside the rainy season, which starts from mid-October and ends in February. The summer months are ideal for beach holidays, while spring and early autumn are perfect times to explore the historical sites and enjoy the scenery, thanks to mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

Costa de Prata - the Atlantic coast of central Portugal

The Costa de Prata, translated as the Silver Coast, is a stretch of the Portuguese coast that stretches from the capital Lisbon to the city of Porto. It is a region of natural beauty, rich in historical heritage and culture, characterized by long sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and charming fishing villages.

Description of the region

The Costa de Prata area is known for its pine and eucalyptus forests, vast vineyards and fruit orchards. The coast itself is a mix of long sandy beaches and rocky coastline with many hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. There are also a number of interesting towns and villages such as Óbidos, Nazaré, Figueira da Foz and Aveiro.

activities and attractions

The Costa de Prata has something for everyone. There are a variety of water sports available, including surfing, windsurfing and diving. There are also many walking and cycling routes in the region. For culture lovers, there are many historical sites and museums. These include the medieval town of Óbidos, the world-famous monastery at Alcobaça and the maritime heritage of Nazaré and the city of Coimbra.

climate and travel time

The climate of the Costa de Prata is temperate, with warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The best months to visit are between May and September, when the weather is usually warm and sunny. The heat is often tempered thanks to breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, making this region a more pleasant destination than the interior or southern part of the country, even in the peak summer months. Winters are mild, but can be rainy. Nevertheless, the mild temperatures make the Costa de Prata a pleasant destination even out of season, especially for those who want to avoid the crowds. Visitors here tend to be Portuguese, unlike the Algarve, which is particularly heavily visited by an international crowd. Prices are also lower.

The coast of Lisbon and surroundings

Many travelers visiting Portugal are unaware that the Lisbon region also has some excellent beaches. Within 30 minutes of the city, you can reach several very good beaches on the way to Estoril and Cascais, where you can spend relaxing days. In the more northern areas of Sintra and Ericeira, the coast is rougher and windier, making this region particularly popular with water sports enthusiasts.

Just a few kilometers south of Lisbon, on the other side of the Tejo River, there are more extensive beaches called Costa da Caparica. The region is ideal for miles-long beach walks and surfing.

Also worth mentioning is the nearby Serra da Arrábida nature reserve, just 40 km from Lisbon. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, which, due to their location, have fewer waves and the clearest water.

A little further south lies the Tróia peninsula, known for its uniquely clean and often deserted beaches.

Lisbon itself is therefore an excellent starting point for combining a city break with a beach holiday.

The Costa Vicentina in the Alentejo

The Costa Vicentina is part of the "Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina" nature reserve and stretches from the town of Sines in the Alentejo to just before the southern tip of the Algarve. It is one of the best preserved coastal regions in Europe and offers a unique mix of pristine beaches, steep cliffs and impressive flora and fauna.

Description of the region:

The Costa Vicentina is known for its wild landscapes and natural beauty. The coastline, lined with high cliffs and isolated sandy beaches, creates an impressive backdrop. The region is also a paradise for bird lovers, as many protected species can be found there. The region is home to charming villages and small towns such as Aljezur and Odeceixe, which have preserved their traditional Portuguese culture. There you can sample fresh, local produce and admire traditional architecture.

Activities and attractions: The most popular activities on the Costa Vicentina include hiking, surfing and bird watching. The "Rota Vicentina" is a network of hiking trails that runs along the coast and inland. Surfers also get their money's worth in the region thanks to the favorable wind and wave conditions.

Climate and when to go: The Costa Vicentina has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit is from April to October, when temperatures are pleasantly warm and days are sunny. The summer months of July and August can be hot, while spring and autumn offer milder temperatures. The winter months can be relatively rainy and are ideal for those who want to avoid mass tourism and enjoy the tranquility of the region. It should be noted that many tourist services may be limited during this time, however.

The Algarve coast

The Algarve is the southernmost part of the Portuguese Atlantic coast and is considered one of the most famous and popular holiday destinations in Europe.

This region offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, with golden sand, crystal clear waters and hidden coves. The Algarve is known for its distinctive rock formations and cliffs that create an impressive landscape. Cities such as Lagos, Faro and Albufeira attract many visitors and offer a combination of historical sights, bustling markets and plenty of restaurants.

The weather and climate in the Algarve is warm and sunny, with less rain than in the north of Portugal. Winters are generally mild and still pleasant at 10-15 degrees Celsius. The Algarve is therefore a year-round travel destination. However, if you are looking for the highest temperatures and the best beach weather, the months of June to September are recommended. However, it does get quite busy in high season and booking early is therefore recommended. Spring and autumn are ideal for golfers and hikers, while the colder but still mild winter months are perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.