Fine sandy beaches, wide seas and sociable beach bars right on the coast: the longing for time out from everyday life is greater than ever. Especially Portugal is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination.

We reveal what you can't miss on the Costa do Sol!

1. the most beautiful sandy beach of Portugal

The Costa da Caparica, south of Lisbon, shines with its fine, almost white sandy beach that stretches for 15 kilometres. It is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. To be more precise, there are several stretches of beach that flow into each other. Especially locals love the coast with its numerous beach bars and restaurants. Praia do Guincho is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and is now considered THE surfing beach, thanks to the strong wind and high waves.

2. a world record surf spot

It was only in February 2020 that the waves in the surfing hotspot Nazaré ensured that a new world record was created. Brazilian Maya Gabeira conquered a 22.40-metre wave - the highest ever surfed by a woman. But Portugal is not only considered the number one European surf destination by professionals. The coasts provide good surfing conditions all year round thanks to their wave safety: In summer on the west coast and in winter on the south coast. There is a wave for every level. For beginners, a surf trip in the summer is recommended, the real champions rely on the period from October to April.

3. hidden beach bars right by the sea

The Bohemian Beach Club is one of the favorite beach bars in Portugal. The location is unbeatable: Directly on the paradisiacal beach of Costa da Caparica, guests can expect a maritime flair like in the Caribbean. Highlights are the shady lounges, exotic cocktails and romantic sunsets. And also the Bar do Guincho at Praia do Guincho, where juicy burgers and fruity cocktails are served, is one of the highlights - sea view included. In the Furnas do Guincho on the other hand, attracts fish lovers. The first-class restaurant convinces with a modern ambience, direct sea view and freshly caught seafood.

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Bohemian Beach Club (@bohemian_beachclub).

4. colourful retreat in Malveira-Guincho

In the middle of the nature park Sintra-Cascais is the luxury holiday resort Victor's Portugal Malveira-Guincho located. With striking individual pieces and each with its own colour scheme, each villa in the holiday home complex tells its very own story. The result is 24 highly individual gems ranging from subtle white to elegant gold to bright pink. Guests can relax undisturbed in the 19 garden villas with three communal pools as well as in five detached pool villas with private pools.

5th Lisbon's best rooftop bar

Directly on the Portuguese Champs-Élysées, the Avenida da Liberdade, lies the exclusive Sky Bar by SEEN. The location offers cool drinks, fine snacks and a fantastic panoramic view of the São Jorge Castle and the Tejo River. The stars also appreciate the Sky Bar for its glamorous, but at the same time very relaxed ambience. The bar is located on the ninth floor of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel, spilling over from the trendy SEEN restaurant.

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sky Bar by SEEN (@skybarlisboa).

6. premium shopping in the very best location

In the heart of Cascais - about 30 kilometres from Lisbon - shopping lovers will find one of the most exclusive boutiques in Portugal. The Loja das Meias looks back on a company history of over 100 years. It was one of the first boutiques to carry international luxury fashion brands such as Dior and Ralph Lauren.

7. the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon

They belong to Portugal like the sand to the sea: the irresistibly delicious Pastéis de Nata. These are little puff pastry tarts with a heart of sweet custard. They are said to be absolutely delicious at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. There is a wait here, but it is worth it. It is recommended to order a Galão - a large coffee with milk - to go with it.

8 Portuguese attitude to life at the Fado evening

In 2011, UNESCO included the fado in the list of the intangible world cultural heritage. And rightly so! Because the music style native to Portugal is considered an expression of the Portuguese soul. A fado evening in one of the quaint bars or taverns is therefore an absolute must during a visit to the land of the sailors.