9 Best Best Beaches in Porto Covo

The closest beach to the centre of Porto Côvo, Praia dos Buizinhos is small but perfectly formed. Backed by a semi-circle of cliffs and with lots of rocks just offshore this is generally one of the most sheltered beaches in the town.

Despite being right by the village there isn't actually much in the way of amenities on the beach itself. There is also no lifeguard, although it is generally safe to stay in the shallows here.

Praia Grande (big beach) is the main beach of the little Alentejo resort of Porto Covo. In keeping with such a pretty village the beach is equally charming with a wide stretch of golden sand backed by high cliffs.

Here at Praia Grande the Atlantic Ocean appears particularly blue and clear. It also picks up all of the swells meaning the waves here are often good for surfing. To keep things safe there is a seasonal lifeguard service to watch over the bathing area.

The smallish cove of Praia da Cerca Nova is located just around the northern headland of Porto Covo's main beach. In fact on a low tide it is possible to walk around on the sand.

Despite its proximity to this popular holiday spot Praia da Cerca Nova never gets as busy as its bigger neighbour. This is not to say it is going to be empty in August - it isn't. But given the limited parking or extra 10 minutes walk to get here it is a pleasant escape with a more relaxing feel to it.

There are a number of lovely little coves along the coast between the industrial town of Sines and holiday resort of Porto Côvo. Praia do Serro da Águia is one such of these and perhaps the prettiest.

Like many of the beaches along this stretch of coast it is formed within a small rocky cove with sandstone cliffs to the back and sides. The sand is a pale golden colour while the sea is a crystal clear blue.

This beautiful and rugged Alentejan beach is located just a few kilometres north of Porto Covo. As well as a good stretch of golden sand it also has masses to explore. There are caves, rock formations, a huge low tide pool and even a waterfall.

Despite its wilderness feel Praia da Samoqueira is quite popular and relatively easily reached.

This sandy stretch is situated a few kilometres to the south of the popular resort of Porto Covo. With its backdrop of sand dunes and scrubland beyond it has a fairly wild feel to it. This is somewhat contradicted (or maybe reinforced) by the large, abandoned 16th fortress that overlooks the beach.

This wide, sandy beach is located just to the south of Sines, although if you came here out of season it might feel a long way from anywhere.

Praia do Morgavel has something of a wild feel to it; a generous strip of golden sand situated between the Atlantic rollers and wind-blown sand dunes. Despite this the beach is very popular in the summer with both locals from Sines and those holidaying in the campsite behind the beach. Despite this the beach never feels crowded as there is plenty of room.

The Praia do Malhão is wide open sandy beach just over 5km to the north of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Set within the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park development here is prohibited so this is as wild and unspoiled beach as you will find on this coast.

Located just on the outskirts of Sines, the Praia de São Torpes is a Blue Flag award winning beach. It is easy to understand why, or not, depending on which way you look.

Looking south, the sandy beach stretches off into the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park with a backdrop of grassy dunes and the rolling waves of the Atlantic. However, turn the other way and you will struggle not to be a little overwhelmed by the twin towering chimneys of an enormous power plant. And beyond that is the industrial landscape of the petrol refineries and port.