Summer is here and it's time to start planning how to make the most of the sunny days. Portugal once again shines in international rankings, with four of its beaches named among the best in Europe by the prestigious website The World's 50 Best Beaches.
Portugal has everything you need for a dream vacation, with a diverse coastline that’s both accessible and naturally stunning. To explore these beaches at your own pace, there’s no better option than renting a car in Portugal with Hertz, your ideal mobility partner for the holidays.
Choose Portugal for your vacation
Portugal offers breathtaking landscapes, a mild climate and a one-of-a-kind food culture. When it comes to beaches, there are plenty that win the hearts of visitors for different reasons—golden sands, clear water or dramatic cliffs that frame the shore.
If you’re looking for:
- A city or beach vacation
- Destinations ideal for families, couples or friends
- Options for surfing, hiking, nature and wellness
... then Portugal is the right choice for you.
The best beaches in Portugal
According to the official 2025 list from The World's 50 Best Beaches, four Portuguese beaches earned a spot among the best in Europe:
Praia da Marinha (Lagoa, Algarve)
Praia da Marinha in Algarve ranks 20th on the list, making it the highest-ranked Portuguese beach. It’s famous for its golden cliffs and crystal-clear waters and is one of the most iconic beaches in Portugal.
It’s also where you’ll find a heart-shaped rock formation that can be seen from certain angles. Learn more here.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca (São Miguel, Azores)
Ranked 25th is Ilhéu de Vila Franca in Azores. This natural swimming pool with clear water lies just off the coast of a small town with the same name, Vila Franca. It’s only accessible by boat and perfect for swimming and diving.
Praia do Camilo (Lagos, Algarve)
Praia do Camilo takes 28th place and is the second beach from Algarve on the list. This picturesque spot is known for its long wooden staircase that offers a stunning view, clear waters and dramatic rock formations. With Hertz, you can visit all of the beaches featured on the list at your own pace.
Praia do Fogo (Ribeira Quente, São Miguel, Azores)
The fourth Portuguese beach featured is Praia do Fogo in Ribeira Quente, ranked 41st. This beach is known for its dark volcanic sand and especially for its warm water, heated by underwater hydrothermal springs.
Hertz Is Your Ideal Mobility Partner
To explore all these beaches freely and create your own route, renting a car with Hertz is the perfect choice. With your own car, you can:
- Stop wherever and whenever you want;
- Discover hidden beaches and breathtaking viewpoints;
- Travel at your own pace without depending on public transport;
- Carry your luggage and everything you need to make the most of your days exploring Portugal.
At Hertz, you’ll find a modern and diverse fleet (compact cars, family cars, SUVs, electric/hybrid vehicles, SUV equipped with a rooftop tent and more), a wide network of branches across Portugal for easy pick-up and drop-off and online check-in so you can skip the lines.
Whatever the reason for your journey, choose your destination, book the car that suits you best and start your adventure with Hertz.
Book your Hertz car in Portugal here.