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Portugal's 2026 beach season kicks off with staggered regional openings

From Cascais' sunlit shores to the Azores' volcanic sands, Portugal's coasts awaken in waves. Will your favorite beach open in April—or July?

The image shows a beach filled with lots of people on top of a sandy beach, with umbrellas, chairs,...
The image shows a beach filled with lots of people on top of a sandy beach, with umbrellas, chairs, and other objects scattered around. In the background, there are rocks and a clear blue sky, making it one of the best beaches in Portugal.

Portugal's 2026 beach season kicks off with staggered regional openings

Portugal’s official beach season has begun, with the first sites opening on April 15, 2026. The dates, set by a government decree in the Diário da República, cover 673 designated bathing areas across the country. Different regions will welcome visitors at varying times over the coming months. The earliest openings took place in Cascais and Madeira. Thirteen beaches in Cascais and four in Madeira, including Porto Moniz Beach, started the season on April 15. This marked the official start of Portugal’s 2026 beach season.

The Alentejo coast will follow on May 30. Meanwhile, the Azores will open its beaches between June 1 and July 1. Most Algarve sites will begin operations on June 1, alongside those in the North, Central, and West Tejo regions. The season will continue until October 31, offering nearly six months of bathing opportunities nationwide.

With staggered openings across regions, visitors can plan trips based on local schedules. The extended season, running until late October, provides ample time for beachgoers. All dates align with the official decree, ensuring consistency across Portugal’s coastal areas.

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