Portugal is home to some of Europe's prettiest beaches.

You can see sandy islands by the cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs and dunes facing some of the world's most dramatic surfing spots. The challenge is figuring out where to start.

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There is a list of the country's best beaches that could easily run into triple digits.

A green hillside over cliffs that loom over swimmers in the water at Praia dos Galapinhos, Portugal, Europe
At Praia dos Galapinhos, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline, which is dotted with hidden coves and sparkling beaches © Cavan-Images / Shutterstock

Seek out a hidden slice of paradise at Praia dos Galapinhos 

The Parque Natural da Arrbida is less than an hour away from Lisbon. The shoreline is dotted with coves and sparkling beaches. White sand and clear waters can be found at the Praia dos Galapinhos. It's a great place to swim in the calm seas.

Relax with the family or ride the waves off Praia de Odeceixe

The Praia de Odeceixe is a scenic headland-backed beach with both families and surfers in attendance. It has a unique location that makes it versatile. Lying at the mouth of the Rio Odeceixe, the beach has a sandy riverside section that is perfect for splashing about.

It is possible to find waves if you walk over to the ocean, where rideable breaks arrive year-round. The Odeceixe Surf School can help you hone your skills.

Young man standing on a cliff and looking at the sunset by the ocean on Praia Baleal, Portugal, Europe
Praia Baleal connects the scenic namesake island-village to Portugal’s west coast © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Go surfing or just sit at a beachfront cafe at Praia Baleal

The Praia Baleal is located northeast of Peniche on Portugal's west coast. The village of Baleal is located on a headland jutting from the Atlantic Ocean and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Swimming can be done both to the north and south on the sandy beach. There are a number of bars and surf schools on the beach.

A woman walks on the sand in front of a high cliff at Praia da Falésia beach, the Algarve, southern Portugal, Europe
Praia da Falésia is popular for good reason © Daniel Harwardt / Shutterstock

Swim under the red cliffs of Praia da Falésia

One of the most impressive beaches in the Algarve is a 6 km-long strip of sand backed by stunning cliffs. The strand is very crowded in the summer when the tide is in. It will be yours in low season.

The trek to Praia de São Jacinto is worth the effort

The western flank of the So Jacinto nature reserve can be found on this magnificent beach. The toil will be worth it for those who like their beaches sandy and rugged. Aveiro is a great day trip from Porto because it is only 50 minutes by train.

Athletic man kiteboarding on sea waves in Cabedelo Beach, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
With grassy dunes and powdery sand, Praia do Cabedelo is one of the most beautiful beaches in Viana do Castelo © Bruno Ismael Silva Alves / Shutterstock

Praia do Cabedelo is the best of Viana do Castelo’s many beaches

Viana do Castelo is located near the country's northern border with Spain and is home to an attractive medieval center, attractive riverside and lovely beaches. Praia do Cabedelo is a 1 km-long expanse of blond sand that folds into grassy dunes behind a grove of wind-blown pines. You can reach it on a five-minute ferry trip from the south of the Praa da Liberdade.

Discover an island getaway in the eastern Algarve at Isla de Tavira 

There are beach bars, a windsurf school, and a campground on this huge beach at the eastern end of the island. It feels remote and empty outside of July and August. One of the Algarve's most charming towns can be reached by ferry from Quatro guas.

Savor family fun on Praia das Furnas

Praia das Furnas is a stretch of sand on the left bank of the Rio Mira. Families can enjoy the sandbars in the area and play in the waves. You can either arrive by car or take the small ferry from the small resort town of Vila Nova demilfontes.

People wade into the water at scenic Camilo Beach (Praia do Camilo) in the Algarve, Portugal, Europe
The popular Praia do Camilo near Lagos is a tiny stretch of sand surrounded by dramatic cliffs © Mirjam Claus / Shutterstock

Descend the steps to tiny, delightful Praia do Camilo

The small sandy coves that dot the coastline of the Algarve region are known as Praia do camilo. The beach is located on the outskirts of Lagos, a pretty resort town with cobbled lanes and picturesque squares. The golden strip of sand that is encased by wind-gnarled cliffs is reached by some 200 wooden steps. Arrive early if you want to get towel space.

Aerial view of waves breaking on the long, beautiful beach of Costa da Caparica. A number of small shacks stand on the otherwise empty sand.
Join Lisbon's locals kicking back on the Copa de Caparica coast © Michele Rinaldi / Getty Images

Lounge with lisboêtas on the Costa de Caparica

The Costa da Caparica is located on the Setbal Peninsula and is one of the easiest beaches to escape from Lisbon. A short distance to the south high-rises gives way to pine forests and mellow beach-shack cafes.

Watch some of the biggest waves on the planet crash ashore near Nazaré

There is an underwater canyon off the coast of northern Portugal. There is a wild beach with dunes north of the seaside town of Nazare. There is a small museum about the big waves and some of the surfers who have ridden them, as well as a roof terrace where you can take in the ocean drama.

The article was published about 17 hours ago.