Portugal is a fairly popular destination for gay holidays, and more particularly, for gay summer holidays. Its largest cities are known for their nicely developed gay scene, while the numerous beach resorts and towns are frequented by gay men during the hot summers. There are hundreds and hundreds of beaches in Portugal, however, there is only one with a gay section. There are many nudist beaches frequented mainly by gay travelers as well.
Let's discover the gay-popular beaches of Portugal!
Beach 19 (Google Map)
Natural beauty. How else could you describe nude, gay, Portuguese men? It's fitting that Beach 19, this big gay nude beach is part of a Nature Reserve. As an official nude beach by law, you can choose whether you want to wear a swimsuit or let it all out. It is located at Costa da Caparica, just under Lisbon and it can be easily accessed by car or public transportation.
Take the time at this white sanded paradise to sunbathe and relax in the sun, or make a stop to swim in the ocean. During this time, you have the perfect opportunity to go bare and show off your body. If you're interested, many gay men at this beach enjoy cruising. But aside from that, whether you want to wear clothes or be nude, you can enjoy the view of the ocean and the sunbathers. There is a bar nearby and vendors walking around if you want to buy drinks, snacks, or delicious pastries (bola de berlim)
Praia do Meco (Google Map)
An area that got popular during the 70s, as it is one of the first nudist beaches. It is a beautiful beach surrounded by a forest, creating a real 'mecca' for travelers, while the nudist tourism is growing fast here. The bay is quiet and relaxing, painting a serene landscape for those who visit. However, the beach can be hard to reach, approximately an hour away from downtown Lisbon by car. An ideal place for surfing, this beach is a popular gay friendly spot in Portugal.
Recommended Hotels near Beach 19 and Praia do Meco!
Praia da Manta Rota (Google Map)
An area that gay and lesbian travelers prefer, due to its well-developed amenities. Located in Algrave, a popular LGTB destination. Although it features many restaurants, beach-side stalls and plenty of kiosks, it is a beach that has maintained the natural beach and is unspoiled, maybe due to the large dune landscape. The natural topography of the beach keeps the water warmer, making for more pleasant swimming and paddling. The only kickback is that the beach is approximately 3 hours away from downtown Lisbon by car.
Praia Verde (Google Map)
Praia Verde in Algrave is a beach that in general is family-friendly, but at the extreme west end of this place, it's unofficially a hot spot for men looking to socialize. In the heart of Algrave's nature and offering high-quality restaurants it's an ideal location for a vacation getaway. Similarly to Praia da Manta Rota, Praia Verde's waters are warmer, making it another great place to swim. Unfortunately, this beach is also approximately 3 hours away from Lisbon by car.
Praia do Salto (Google Map)
A little paradise between Sines and Milfontes, near Porto Covo, Praia do Salto is the official naturist beach. It is not an easy reach, but it is totally worth it. Soft sanded and sheltered, it's a quiet nudist spot that many gay locals prefer to sunbathe in, just remember to find a safe path to climb down the beach. Praia do Salto is located approximately 2 hours away from downtown Lisbon by car.