Lourinha Beaches

Overview

Lourinhã, located in Portugal's Lisbon District, is an excellent destination for a beach holiday. The area boasts approximately 12 kilometers of coastline, featuring beautiful beaches that are often less crowded than other Portuguese coastal regions. Expect to find long sandy stretches, dramatic cliffs, and a generally wilder, more natural atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying coastal scenery.

Key highlights include Praia da Peralta, perfect for scenic walks along its expansive shore. Praia do Valmitão offers a unique experience with dinosaur fossils visible in its cliffs. The world-renowned surf spot Praia dos Supertubos is an iconic regional escape easily visited from Lourinhã. For families, Praia de Paimogo combines calm waters with its own fascinating prehistoric links. Many visitors also enjoy Praia da Areia Branca, the main beach town, known for its lively vibe and appeal to both surfers and families.

Lourinhã's coastline offers a variety of experiences, with its unique dinosaur heritage often evident near the beaches. While the Atlantic waters are consistently cool, they create superb conditions for surfing. Whether you seek energetic surf spots or tranquil coves for a peaceful day by the sea, Lourinhã delivers. Discover even more beautiful locations in our longer list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Lourinhã a good destination for a beach holiday?

Yes, Lourinhã is a great destination for a beach holiday, particularly for those who enjoy a mix of relaxation, water sports, and natural beauty. It offers about 12 kilometers of coastline with several beautiful beaches. The area is known for its stunning, less crowded beaches compared to other coastal regions in Portugal, making it ideal for a more laid-back vacation.

What are the beaches in Lourinhã like?

Lourinhã's beaches are characterized by long sandy stretches, dramatic cliffs, and a generally wilder, more natural feel. Popular beaches include Praia da Areia Branca, known for its fine sand and lively atmosphere with surf schools and bars, and Praia da Peralta, which is great for long walks and surfing. Other beaches like Praia de Paimogo and Praia do Caniçal offer more tranquility and are ideal for families or those seeking contact with nature.

Praia da Peralta

Can you swim in the sea at Lourinhã beaches? What is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Lourinhã's beaches, but the Atlantic water is generally cold, even in summer. Average summer water temperatures hover around 17-18°C (63-64°F), rarely exceeding 20°C (68°F). Some beaches are more sheltered, like Praia de Paimogo, making them calmer for swimming. However, conditions can be wavy, which is why the area is also popular for surfing.

When is the best time to visit Lourinhã for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Lourinhã is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is warmest and sunniest, ideal for beach activities. July and August offer the highest air and water temperatures. Spring and early autumn can also be pleasant with milder temperatures and fewer crowds, though the water will be cooler.

Where is it best to stay for a beach holiday in Lourinhã?

For a beach-focused holiday in Lourinhã, staying in or near Praia da Areia Branca is a popular choice as it's the main beach town with the most amenities, restaurants, and surf schools. There are various accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. Other coastal villages like Atalaia (near Praia de Porto das Barcas) or areas near Praia da Peralta also offer accommodation with good beach access if you prefer a quieter setting.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Praia da Peralta

Are Lourinhã beaches good for surfing?

Yes, Lourinhã's beaches are very popular for surfing and bodyboarding. Praia da Areia Branca is a well-known surf spot with surf schools, and Praia Areal Sul hosts national surfing events. The Atlantic coast provides consistent waves suitable for various skill levels. Other beaches like Peralta and Porto Dinheiro also offer good surfing conditions.

Praia Areal Sul

Are there family-friendly beaches in Lourinhã?

Yes, Lourinhã has several family-friendly beaches. Praia de Paimogo is often recommended for families due to its sheltered bay and calmer waters. Praia da Areia Branca, while popular with surfers, also has amenities like lifeguards during the bathing season, restaurants, and a playground, making it suitable for families. Praia do Caniçal is another tranquil option.

Can you see dinosaur footprints on any Lourinhã beaches?

Yes, Lourinhã is famous for its dinosaur discoveries, and it's possible to see fossilized dinosaur footprints and remains in the cliffs and on some beaches. Praia da Peralta and the cliffs near Porto das Barcas and Porto Dinheiro are known sites where fossils and footprints have been found. The Lourinhã Formation, rich in Jurassic fossils, is exposed along this coastline.

Praia da Peralta

People Also Ask

How do you get to Lourinhã beaches from Lisbon?

Lourinhã is about 65-70 km north of Lisbon. The easiest way to reach the beaches is by car, taking the A8 highway, which is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive. Regular bus services also run from Lisbon's Sete Rios (Rede Expressos) and Campo Grande (Rodoviária do Oeste/Rápida Azul) bus terminals to Lourinhã and Praia da Areia Branca. The bus journey takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.

What's the main beach town in Lourinhã, and what's it like?

Praia da Areia Branca is considered the main beach town and a reference point in the Lourinhã region. It has a long sandy beach, a promenade with restaurants, cafes, and bars that create a lively atmosphere, especially in the summer. It's popular with young people and surfers but also caters to families with various amenities.

Are there quieter, less crowded beaches in Lourinhã?

Yes, besides the main beaches, Lourinhã offers quieter and more secluded options. Praia do Caniçal is described as a tranquil beach ideal for those enjoying nature. Praia de Vale Frades is a somewhat isolated rocky beach good for tranquility. Praia Porto das Barcas is also favored by locals for being peaceful.

Is it windy on the beaches in Lourinhã?

Yes, beaches on Portugal's Silver Coast, including those in Lourinhã, can be windy, especially in the afternoons. The wind is often a factor for beachgoers and contributes to the good surfing conditions. Some coves or beaches with high cliffs might offer more shelter.

What are some popular activities on Lourinhã beaches besides swimming and surfing?

Besides swimming and surfing, popular activities include sunbathing, beach walks, sport fishing, diving, and beach volleyball. Some beaches like Praia da Areia Branca also offer mini-golf. The dramatic cliffs and coastline are great for scenic walks and exploring.

Are there facilities like restaurants and toilets at Lourinhã beaches?

Many of the main beaches in Lourinhã, such as Praia da Areia Branca and Praia da Peralta, have good facilities including restaurants, cafes, bars, toilets, and showers. Praia da Areia Branca also has lifeguard services during the bathing season and accessibility for reduced mobility. Smaller, more secluded beaches may have fewer or no facilities.

Praia da Peralta

Is Lourinhã or Peniche better for beaches?

Both Lourinhã and Peniche offer fantastic beaches, especially for surfing, but they have slightly different atmospheres. Peniche is a world-renowned surf mecca with famous spots like Supertubos and a larger town feel. Lourinhã's beaches, like Praia da Areia Branca, are also great for surfing and tend to be popular, while also offering some quieter, family-friendly coves and the unique attraction of dinosaur fossils. Peniche might have a more intense surf culture, while Lourinhã offers a bit more diversity in terms of beach experiences and a generally more laid-back vibe. The choice depends on your preference for atmosphere and specific interests.

Praia dos Supertubos

Local gems for everyone

Explore More Local Beaches

📍 8.7km - Lourinha

Praia de Santa Rita

Praia de Santa Rita is situated within the Lisbon District of Por...

📍 13.5km - Lourinha

Praia de Santa Cruz

Praia de Santa Cruz, situated in the parishes of Silveira and A-d...

The fastest way to find the best Lourinha Beaches