The beaches Of Central Portugal

Article by Living in Central Portugal Magazine

10 10 2023

Read the whole magazine here

Central Portugal has a generous and stunning coastline with long sands, secluded beaches, bays, lagoons and beaches surrounded by very iodinated rocks. The

excellence of its waters, recognized by the European Blue Flag, Golden Quality Beaches and Accessible Beaches awards, served by modern infrastructures and

perfectly integrated into the landscape, offer excellent conditions for sunbathers to spend an extremely pleasant summer.

Water sports, cycling and nature lovers will find plenty of reasons to spend a few days on the ocean beaches of Central Portugal.

Surfers can find their biggest challenge on the giant waves of Praia do Norte de Nazaré. The geological phenomenon Canão da Nazaré, which produces the

largest waves in the world have placed this beach in the centre of Portugal on the map of professional big wave riders and all lovers of big wave surfing.

From October to March come and watch the Nazaré giant wave show and watch the one leg of the WSL – World Surf League big wave surfing circuit. Praia do

Norte currently holds 3 World records for the largest surf waves.

Peniche is also a reference to surfing in Portugal, and a meeting point of the world elite of this sport, namely as a stage of the WSL. Rip Curl Pro Portugal has been held annually since 2009, in October. Enthusiasts from the four corners of the world come to appreciate the manoeuvres of the best professionals of the sport to dominate the

tubular waves, which give their name to the beach of Supertubos (Medão Grande). There are at least 8 beaches for surfing along the city's coast, as well as

Baleal beaches.

At Praia da Torreira, between Ria de Aveiro and the sea, you can choose between surfing the rough waves of the sea or cycling the bike path along the beach. In

Praia do São Martinho do Porto, which is a perfect shell shape, has plenty of reasons to get in the water. Here you can practice your favourite water sport such

as canoeing or sailing. Windsurfers can also look for the calm sea and strong winds of the north of Praia do Buarcos, where the conditions for this sport are

unbeatable. But if you are looking for relaxation in an idyllic setting, Costa Nova Beach is known for its rainbow of typical white, red, yellow and blue coloured houses on

the edge of a fine, welcoming beach.

Praia São Pedro de Moel, on the other hand, is one of the most charming beaches on the Portuguese coast,

while Praia da Vieira and Pedrógão are the liveliest. It deserves many visits to Praia de Mira, known for its typical wooden haystacks built by local fishermen in the

early twentieth century.

For a few days spent in the rhythm of nature, why not travel to the heart of the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve and feel the serenity of its seaside dunes?

Further south, Praia Osso da Baleia, near Pombal, hides among enchanted dunes that create an environment

of perfect communion with nature. Praia da Berlenga Grande, on the Berlengas Archipelago, is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway away from the

hustle and bustle of the city. What are you waiting for? In Central Portugal, the beaches are your best refuge from the hot summer days.

According to the criteria defined by the Blue Flag programme - Environmental Information and Education; Water quality; Environmental Management

and Equipment; Safety and Services - The following are the coastal bathing areas that are part of the Central

Portugal Tourism Region, which were awarded the Blue Flag in 2019.

Coastal Beaches:

Esmoriz, Cortegaça, Areinho, Furadouro, São Pedro de Maceda e Torrão do Lameiro/Mareta (Ovar);

Torreira, Monte Branco e Bico (Murtosa); São Jacinto (Aveiro); Barra e Costa Nova (Ílhavo); Vagueira e Areão (Vagos);

Poço da Cruz e Praia de Mira (Mira); Praia da Tocha

(Cantanhede); Quiaios, Buarcos, Figueira da FozRelógio, Cabo Mondego, Cova Gala, Cova Gala-Hospital,

Murtinheira, Tamargueira e Leirosa (Figueira da Foz); Osso da Baleia (Pombal); Pedrógão Centro (Leiria);

Paredes de Vitória e São Martinho do Porto (Alcobaça); Nazaré e Salgado (Nazaré); Praia do Mar e Foz de

Arelho-Lagoa (Caldas da Rainha); Baleal Norte, Baleal

Sul, Cova da Alfarroba, Gambôa, S. Bernardino, MedãoSupertubos e Consolação (Peniche); Areia Branca, Areal

Sul e Porto Dinheiro (Lourinhã); Santa Rita Norte, Santa Rita Sul, Navio, Mirante, Pisão, Física, Santa Helena,

Centro, Formosa, Azul e Porto Novo (Torres Vedras).