9 of the Best Beaches in Sines

Praia Vasco da Gama is Sines' town beach. Given most people only think of the town here as something of an industrial port you may well be very pleasantly surprised by this crescent of golden sand.

Sitting within the shelter of Sines' many breakwaters the sea here is perfectly calm making it a great spot to take a dip. In addition there is a seasonal lifeguard service and a host of amenities on and around the beach. This only furthers Praia Vasco da Gama's family friendly credentials...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

The beach is just far enough away from anywhere to not get busy,...

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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...

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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.

Unsurprisingly...

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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.

As mentioned, Praia dos Buizinhos is small and this is...

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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.

The name, Ilha do Pessegueiro, refers to the island which lies a couple of hundred metres off the beach. Translated as "peach tree island" this is somewhat misleading - yes, it is an island...

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