Thinking of beaches near Chaves? It's important to know that Chaves is a historic spa town located inland in Northern Portugal, far from the Atlantic coast. While it's not a traditional seaside destination, the area offers refreshing river beaches ('praias fluviais') along the banks of local rivers, providing pleasant spots for swimming and relaxing in nature during warmer months. These offer a distinctly different experience compared to the coastal beaches Portugal is famous for.
For classic sandy beaches and ocean waves within the Lisbon District, you'll need to head towards the coast near Lisbon and Cascais, a significant distance from Chaves. This region boasts some of Portugal's most popular and scenic coastal spots. Our editor's picks highlight some of the best choices in that coastal area, catering to different tastes and needs.
Among the top coastal selections near Lisbon are the expansive and easily reached Praia de Carcavelos, perfect for convenience, and the stunningly beautiful Praia da Adraga, known for its dramatic cliffs and natural scenery. In the heart of Cascais town, you'll find the lively Praia da Conceição. For the adventurous, the wild and windy Praia do Guincho offers excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing, while the picturesque cove of Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, nestled in the Arrábida Natural Park, is considered well worth the journey for its exceptional beauty.
So, while Chaves itself provides unique river beach experiences, those seeking the quintessential Portuguese coastal beach holiday should look towards the Lisbon coastal area. Explore our full guide for more details on the diverse beach options available in the broader region, including these highlighted coastal favourites.
