More than 850 km of mainland coast
This is not a race through dozens of beaches. Choose six to eight bases, drive in daylight and adapt every swim to the bathing season, lifeguard coverage, flags and sea state.
Days 1 to 4 — Minho and Central Portugal
Begin at Moledo or Afife, follow the coast south and allow time for Costa Nova and Nazaré. Nazaré's town beach is not Praia do Norte; giant waves are a phenomenon to watch from a safe distance when the right conditions occur.
Days 5 to 8 — West coast, Lisbon and Alentejo
Connect Baleal or Peniche with Guincho and Costa da Caparica. Continue to Comporta and the Alentejo coast, using boardwalks and official access to protect dunes. Never remain below cliffs or cross barriers.
Days 9 to 12 — Algarve
Choose Arrifana or Castelejo, continue to Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, then visit Praia da Marinha and Praia da Falésia before taking an authorised connection to a Ria Formosa barrier island. Check tides, seasonal transport and last return times.
Azores and Madeira
São Miguel, Praia Formosa on Santa Maria and Porto Santo should be separate journeys rather than rushed detours from mainland Portugal.
Essential safety
Prefer lifeguarded beaches, obey flags and lifeguards, supervise children continuously and avoid the strongest hours of sun. A red flag means entering the water is prohibited.
