MAIN Beaches International

Spain | Portugal

From the Costa Brava in northern Spain, heading down and around to the famous Costa del Sol - and then northwest to Portugal's beautiful Argave coast and around its sunny Atlantic coast - the whole of the Iberian peninsula is a sun worshipper's dream.

Think of beaches in Spain and the Costa del Sol (The Sun Coast) comes immediately to mind, with its warm, balmy weather virtually a year-round attraction. Its worldwide popularity however, has cost it in terms of overdevelopment, but the nightlife and luxury amenities are some of the best in Spain.

Right next door lies the Costa de la Luz (The Coast of Light) running from Gibraltar to the border of Portugal, featuring miles of white sandy beaches, stands of forest pine, and ideal surfing in Tarifa.

Island beaches off the Spanish coast offer their own unique charm, although the most popular such as Mallorca and the Canary Islands can also become overcrowded during the peak summer season, at times populated by more tourists than locals!

TOP RESOURCE

Beachesin Spain & Portugal - One-stop browsing for the whole of the Iberian peninsula including expert tips on where to swim, surf, sail or party, with an interactive beach map, pictures,list of clothing-optional beaches plus facts & information on inland attractions, hotels & restaurants.

Barcelona Spain Beaches - The quick guide to the top beaches with pictures, directions and Metro stops, travel tips and hotel suggestions.

Beaches in Spain - Spanish Beaches - Maps, pictures & information from the official tourism center for fun in the sun on Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Ibiza and Minorca, the beaches of Huelva, and more...

Information about the beaches of Andalucia, Southern Spain - Good insider descriptions, pictures and facts on family-friendly resort beaches, seaside towns, surfing spots, clothing-optional beaches, and a separate Andalucía & Costa del Sol Beach Bar Guide.

Portugal

In Portugal, the scenic southern tip of the Algarve region is by far the most popular with beach-goers.

With glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches and gorgeous coves warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Algarve offers something for everyone from world-class golf courses to family fun and spectacular natural beauty.

Heading along Portugal's Atlantic side north of Lisbon, the central coast features more miles-long stretches of beachfront filled with dunes, cliffs and seashells - including the most famous (and most crowded!) Figueira da Foz - along with more sun-drenched beaches in Buarcos, Murtinheira, Quiaios, Tocha and Mira.

Portugal Beaches - Information and pictures focusing on the Algarve and the country's south coast including Tavira, Faro, Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos with more on west coast surfing in Guincho and Ericeira.

Portugal Travel Guide - Beaches - Brief overview followed by pictures & mini-guides to the Costa Azul, Costa da Caparisa, Costa do Estoril, the Sintra coastline and the Troia Peninsula.

Algarve Beaches - Excellent intro with pictures, guides and directions to major and off-the-beaten-track beaches, coves and islands with best picks for amenities, scenery and family fun.

HIP Algarve Channel - Interactive maps, videos, reviews and information on the region's beaches, restaurants, tourist attractions and more.

also see in Travel -> Spain Tourism | Portugal Tourism

Azores Tourist Attractions