Blue Flag beach

Located a few kilometres south of Esposende, on the far side of the river Cavado is the long sandy beach of Apúlia. Backed by a low promenade and small village there are plenty of facilities at Apúlia - which is what you would expect of a Blue Flag beach. During the summer season the beach is patrolled by lifeguards making it a good family choice.

Apúlia's most iconic feature are a number of old windmills set in the dunes at the northern end of the beach. These no longer have their sails and have been converted into accommodation.

In a country that has been shaped by its coastline, from historic times through to the modern tourist industry Praia do Azibo is something of an oddity. A quick look at the map will confirm that Azibo is about as far from the coast as you can get in Portugal. In fact it is actually closer to the border with Spain.

Despite being located about halfway between Sagres and Lagos the sleepy little village of Salema has largely escaped the ravages of tourism. This is partly because this part of the coast falls just within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

Praia da Cordoama is one of several beaches that form a long sandy stretch along the coast just west of Vila do Bispo. Cordoama is by far the longest of these beaches but at low tide this doesn't matter as it joins together with neighbouring Castelejo and Barriga to form a huge sandy beach.

The beach of Praia do Monte Clérigo is set towards the north-western corner of the Algarve, which makes it a very different place to the well known spots on the south coast. The Algarve's west coast has a fairly wild feel about it characterised by wide sandy beaches facing into the full force of the Atlantic Ocean. Set in the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, this beach has been well protected from the slightest hint of over-development.

Tucked around the corner, but only around a kilometre, form Praia da Rocha and Portimão is yet another fantastic Algarve beach, Praia da Vau. Like its neighbours, the beach here is a swathe of golden sand backed by ocre coloured cliffs. Praia da Vau is a little more sheltered than Praia da Rocha with the cliffs to the west blocking most of the wind. Along the lengthy stretch of sand the cliffs form several distinct coves which almost have the feel of separate beaches at higher tides.

Situated at the bottom of a steep hill in front of the resort village of Oura, is one of Albufeira's best beaches. A long sweep of golden sand backed by a promenade lined with cafes, bars and some nice restaurants the beach here is a little more laid back than those closer to Albufeira town.

The beach itself stretches all the way to neighbouring Praia dos Olhos d’Agua, about 2km (1.3 miles) when the tide is out. So there's plenty of space.

Praia da Oura is an accessible Blue Flag beach making it a great,safe family beach.

Praia da Dona Ana is often cited as the best beach on the Algarve, in fact it was even described as the 'best beach in the World' by magazine Condé Nast Traveller. That's quite a lot to live up to! 

Dona Ana beach is the classic Algarve cove; nestled between the sandstone cliffs on the eastern side of Ponta da Piedade, it is sheltered from the breeze but catches all the day's sun. This section of coast is sometimes referred to as the Costa d'Ouro (Golden coast) on account of the yellow/red cliffs that line it.

Praia Formosa is probably the best (if not only) beach on the Azores island of Santa Maria. Given that there really aren't any other options in terms of beaches on this island it is fortunate Praia Formosa is such a gem.

The sand is fine and almost white and the backdrop of lush green hillsides and cliffs is stunning. Towards the middle of the beach are the ruins of the fort of São João Baptista. At the eastern end there is a campsite.

Given its location there is no shortage of surf at Praia Formosa.

Praia dos Ingleses is a largely sandy beach with rocky outcrops around the shore line. Located in the upmarket Foz do Douro district of Porto this is cafe and promenading central. The cafes here stay open until late and Praia dos Ingleses is often still buzzing long after dark.