The Independent took the difficult task of making the Top 10 of our lovely beaches and here are the three winners:
Vila Praia da Ancora, Costa Verde
Portugal's "green coast" in the northern, Minho region, extends from the Spanish border to the city of Porto and is characterised by wild beaches that are popular with surfers and windsurfers alike. The beaches north of Viana do Castelo are among the country's prettiest, in particular the stretch at the fishing town of Vila Praia de Ancora, which offers calm water for swimmers. Protected from harsh winds off the Atlantic by the Serra d'Arga hills to the north and the Monte de Santa Luzia to the south, it is particularly popular with bathers during the summer.
2 Adraga and Baleal, Costa de Prata
Further south between Porto and Lisbon there's a change of colour and we're on the "silver coast" with its white sandy beaches which are equally popular with watersports enthusiasts and sunbathers. The beach at Adraga, near Sintra, set between two hills and accessed via a steep, winding road, is popular with surfers. So is the fishing port of Peniche, a little further north. For calmer waters head for the stretch of unspoilt sand further east at Baleal.
3 Estoril and Cascais, Costa de Lisboa
Just below the Costa de Prata is the Costa de Lisboa, where residents of Lisbon flock to escape the city heat on summer weekends. The ritzy town of Estoril is the principle destination, with casinos, upmarket hotels and five beaches lined with bars and restaurants. The water is calmer than along Portugal's main stretches of coastline, because the beaches face south. Just to the west lies Cascais, about a 20-minute walk away, again popular with Lisbon escapees. There, Praia de Guincho is considered one of the country's best beaches for windsurfing, whereas Praia da Rainha and Praia de Ribeira are more popular with families.
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