by Portugal has many strengths, but its beaches have to be a particular attraction. Not only because of the choice and the harmful variety along its long coast but also for their exceptional quality and cleanliness. Is it any wonder that most Portuguese spend every minute of their free time at the beachhappy to lunch on the hot bola de Berlim donuts brought by boys, in boxes, weaving gracefully through the crowds.
If you’d rather hit the beach than stay all day, here’s a selection of Portugal’s best beach hotels, which allow you to swim in and out of the sand as well as the sea. And although these are in the Algarve, so blessed by its golden beaches, those who want to combine the coast with culture should choose somewhere near Silves, the Moorish capital, which was Al-Gharb (the west) from 8th to 13th century. .
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
Nestled among flower-filled gardens on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Vila Joya is the kind of place people don’t want to leave after checking in. A private villa, with each of its individually styled rooms, and at the heart of the property, a living room and dining room spilling out onto terraces. The gardens, with a heated swimming pool, lead down to the beach, and the facilities here are excellent. Listen to the sounds of the sea in the on-site spa and choose between dining at the two Michelin star restaurant by chef Dieter Koschina or the casual beach hut.
A turn-of-the-century villa provides the setting for this stylish boutique hotel, located right on Portimao’s main beach, Praia de Rocha. The hotel dates back to 1934 and retains many of its original decorative features to this day. This ornate interior, featuring heritage design details such as the bar’s painted ceiling and the main staircase surrounded by blue and white wall tiles, has been updated in recent years to infuse inspiration and references to the sea. Highlights of this distinctive hotel by the sea include the L’Occitane Spa, outdoor pool and Vista Restaurant focusing on the flavors of the sea.
Vila Vita Parc is a resort with something for everyone with many lifestyle facilities that include gastronomy, fitness and a range of sports. There are up to 12 restaurants and seven bars across the resort, with culinary options ranging from local dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients to modern Japanese cuisine. On-site activities include the excellent Sisley Spa, tennis courts, golf courses and various water sports. To top it off, it has pools and the resort provides direct access to Tremocos beach, with many more golden stretches of cliff coast in the surrounding area.
Epic Sana is located within a pine forest that provides direct access to the golden-sand beach of Falésia, which is heavily framed by red cliffs. Despite being in this peaceful location, the surrounding area is quite built up, so the retreat is suitable for those who want to get to know the local nightlife. The hotel itself is a low-rise contemporary structure set in gardens with five outdoor pools. Two more pools are found inside, as well as a spa and fitness center for everything from yoga to bootcamp. The hotel has six restaurants and bars including the adults-only restaurant Al Quimia for tasting menus and Open Deck for Portuguese dishes.
The chic Tivoli Marina has become a benchmark of excellence in this popular part of the Algarve, nestled between the yacht-filled harbor of Vilamouri and a golden beach, and with many facilities. Within its light-bright contemporary interior, enhanced by Portuguese art, rooms provide sweeping views of the marina and ocean. The extensive leisure facilities here include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the Tivoli Spa and the first Purobeach club to open in Portugal. Follow a breakfast spread at the Voyage restaurant with lunch at the beach club or a Parisian-style café and an evening meal at Pepper’s Steakhouse or the casual osteria Oregano.
Set in its own extensive grounds on the edge of a lake, Domes Lake Algarve provides a beachside retreat between the lively marina of Vilamoura and the golden sandy beach of Falésia. From here there is also a regular shuttle to one of the nearby golf courses. In addition to the 192 rooms in this beautifully designed hotel there are extensive facilities that include places to eat and drink, a spa, multiple pools and everything you need for a range of sports including kayaking and tennis. Highlights of the restaurant offering include Nikkei-and-wine-focused lakeside restaurant Blend, and Topos for new Greek seafood plates.
This boutique hotel accommodates guests in two pool villas and nine rooms attractively set on a traditional 50 hectare estate near the picturesque town of Tavira and many of the Algarve’s most loved beaches. This property occupies a collection of restored farmhouses, their interiors emanating from vintage. Time at the hotel can be spent lounging by the outdoor swimming pool, riding a horse across the land or along the beach, and starting to explore the trails by bike, and boat trips among other experiences is available. Farm-to-table breakfasts and other light meals highlight the estate’s own produce and there’s a 24-hour honesty bar.
One of the best beach resorts in Portugal, this scenic Retreat is perched on the cliff side above the golden sands, amidst the landscape of the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve. Known for being family friendly, the resort has activities for all ages, from surfing, cycling and yoga to dolphin watching, tennis and horse riding, among many other options. Within this coastal enclave, Finisterra’s five swimming pools and Spa are accompanied by a range of sporting facilities, including mini golf and a cycle station with a riding range, and there are three restaurants and two bars offering a variety of food options. You will want to spend most of your time on the golden sand beach that this resort overlooks.
From its cliff-side location overlooking the hidden cove of Albandeira, the family-friendly Suites Alba Resort & Spa boasts some of the best views in the region. Cobblestone paths lead from the main terracotta-roofed resort buildings to each of the villas with balconies and private flower-filled gardens. The main restaurant Morgadhino serves Portuguese dishes with a view of the sea and there is a Cathedral of Wine for private dinners and wine tasting. The resort has just three outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, Turkish bath and sauna, with restorative treatments available at Spa Alba.
Big House sees the revival of a large dam built in 1926 on the main street facing the Guadiana River that separates Portugal and Spain. The town’s main square is directly behind the hotel and its beach club sits above the sandy shore at the point where this river meets the sea. Belle Époque in style, the characteristic hotel was designed to feel like a luxury residence with lavish decorative details throughout the 26 rooms and suites and common areas including a library, the Grand Café, found at the historic customs house, and to provide the Grand Salon restaurant. a culinary journey through Portuguese culture.
