The 3 most beautiful beaches in Portugal's Alentejo region

With half of its borders bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is one of Europe's top destinations for surfers, water sports enthusiasts and those who simply want to soak up the sun and relax by the water.

The Alentejo region offers a harmonious blend of beaches, culinary specialities and the authentic charm of Portuguese culture.

The region is full of charming little fishing villages with the charm of yesteryear, while the local beachside restaurants serve up delicious dishes based on fresh fish and seafood, and the wine cellars are on a par with the country's biggest cities.

The sunsets on the Alentejo beaches are breathtaking, creating a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.

Located around 10 km north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, this fine sandy beach stretches for around 2 km along the Alentejo coast. Within this wild stretch of sand, surrounded by capricious cliffs and rock formations, there are several small coves where you can relax by the Atlantic.

There are several tarmac car parks along the seafront where you can park your car. Then take the stairs down to the beach.

Praia do Malhão attracts mainly surfers and families, and offers clear, calm waters or rough, stormy waters, depending on the section of the beach.

For lovers of naturism, there is an area where you can sunbathe in the simplest of garments to the north of Malhão beach.

This white sandy beach is one of the most famous in the region, known for its spectacular sand dunes and upmarket restaurants.

Located on the Troìa peninsula, a natural wonder, the beach is around an hour's drive south of Lisbon. In fact, it is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

Sun umbrellas, crystal-clear turquoise water and fine sand are on the menu for your day on the beach at Comporta. One Spanish newspaper even described the Praia de Comporta as the chicest beach of the moment, attracting celebrities from all over the world to its bohemian hotels and waterfront design atmosphere.

This golden sandy beach, around 7km north of Sines, is popular with watersports enthusiasts, offering excellent surfing and kite-surfing conditions.

For beginner surfers, the beach is teeming with surf schools where you can take lessons à la carte or take part in intensive learning weeks. The beach attracts young and old alike in a relaxed atmosphere, and its proximity to a power station means that the water is a few degrees warmer than the rest of the beaches in the Alentejo.

There is a small tarmac car park at the northern entrance to the beach. Not far from the sea, the town of Sines is quiet and pleasant to visit after spending the morning on the beach.