If you’re dreaming of a small beach wedding: you’re not alone. Beaches are a classic for a reason. From the gorgeous backgrounds, to the proximity to the sea, people have always been drawn to the natural beauty of beaches, and Portugal has so many different options for you to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a chill beach-day-like experience, a classic ceremony followed by a meal, or an adventurous day, there are numerous beaches to pick from, each with their own natural charm
No matter if you’re looking for an elopement for two or a gathering of a handful of your favourite people, if sandy feet and salty air is your vibe, here are five beach destinations we love:
Why Choose a Beach Wedding in Portugal?
1) Cascais
Looking for quaint and charming? Look no further. This small fishing town just outside of Lisbon is a lovely picturesque option. Cascais has numerous beaches to choose from on its coast, it’s easily accessible by car or public transport and it’s full of gorgeous restaurants and bars for you and your guests to enjoy.
The town itself is definitely worth a visit, and while some of its bigger beaches on the east side are big summer spots for the locals, the small beach on the bay right in the heart of town, or even the western beaches with their moodier rock formations and impressive waves can make the perfect backdrop to say “I do.”
2) Sintra
Sintra is only a step away from Cascais, but the difference couldn’t be more stark. If you’re looking for an adventurous wedding, for dramatic rocky cliffs that are veritable works of natural art, you’ve found the one for you.
The most notable beaches within the Sintra Natural Park are the ones around Cabo da Roca (the most western point in Continental Europe — what an incredible place to get married), such as Praia da Adraga and Praia da Ursa, and the ones further down the coast, where the rocks give way to stretches of sand easier to get to, like Praia Grande or Praia das Maçãs (which you can get to by tram, a charming option for your wedding pictures!)
3) Comporta
For a less well known slice of paradise, there is always Comporta. Just over an hour south of the capital, Comporta offers white sand, stunning dunes and most of all — tranquility. Still surrounded by heavily agricultural and fishing rural areas, the mood in Comporta is that of peace and quiet.
With multiple iconic beaches reachable only by ferry, it will feel like you’re traveling out of the hustle and bustle of real life and stepping into another world, and what a perfect feeling to start the journey to a magical wedding day.
4) Algarve
The Algarve is the southernmost area of continental Portugal, well known for its beaches. But not every beach in Algarve is the same. The choices are endless from west coast to the east border with Spain. With soft white sand and calm seas throughout, you can find yourself the perfect corner.
These beaches have long stretches of unmarred sand, gorgeous dunes and walkways, and rocky alcoves for the perfect, romantic ceremony. Whether the mood after is for a cosy meal of incredible local gastronomy and wine, or for partying well into the night — Algarve has it all.
5) Madeira
For a truly outside of the box beach wedding, we’re taking you off the continent and just a little into the Atlantic. Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago, famous for its microclimate, its breathtaking scenary and its black sand beaches.
This is a great option for a cinematic, dramatic vibe to your intimate wedding. A flight from Lisbon to Madeira takes less than two hours and just like that you have a beautiful, unique background to your ceremony — from the black sand and rocky beaches to the lush greens that surround the islands, if you want a beach with a twist, this is the one for you.