Among the many beaches of Portugal, one in particular has just distinguished itself in the European scenario, integrating the restricted group of the ten most beautiful beaches in Europe. The distinction came from European Best Destinations (EBD), an organization that every year evaluates preferences for travelers from around the world. The news was widely released by Forbes magazine.
The beach in question is the beach of Galé-Fontaínhas, located in the municipality of Grândola, in Alentejo. It is a beach of well-preserved natural characteristics, which stands out for the surrounding landscape and the absence of large tourist clusters.
According to EBD, the selection of this European top was based on thousands of votes collected from travelers from various countries. The 2025 ranking seeks to give visibility to less known coastal destinations but with high landscape, environmental and bathing usufruct.
Beauty of a little touched coastal alentejo
Galé-Fontaínhas occupies an intermediate position in an extensive coast section that connects Trojan to Sines, one of the longest continuous Areals in Europe. The beach has a soft inclination, becoming particularly accessible to bathers and suitable for families. During the summer months, the water temperature ranges from 16 to 19 degrees.
According to the same source, the beach is described as wild, quiet and ideal for seaside walks. Access is done through the Galé campsite, and the parking lot available to the Areal is limited, which contributes to the maintenance of a more serene and preserved environment.
Discrete infrastructures and seasonal surveillance
During the bathing time the beach has surveillance, toilets and emergency communications system, although it has no commercial infrastructure or fixed establishments. According to EBD, the absence of intensive tourism development contributes to the appeal of a sustainable destination.
A GOLDEN GALLARDING IN THE LANDSCAPE
Galé-Fontaínhas Beach was also distinguished with the Gold Quality award, assigned by the Quercus Environmental Association, which evaluates parameters such as water quality and the environmental management of Areal. Write for Forbes magazine that this distinction reinforces the image of a destination that combines natural beauty with good ecological practices.
Between Mar and Alentejo Gastronomy
The scarce kilometers of the Areal is the village of Grândola, where the typical gastronomy of the region can be explored. Migas, sugars and pork dishes take a central place in local menus, in restaurants that maintain a narrow connection with the traditional flavors of the south of the country.
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A European Top of Hidden Areals
In addition to the Alentejo beach, the ranking released by EBD includes nine other beaches from countries, such as Greece, Italy, Croatia and Spain. The publication adds that the choice of these locations aimed to highlight less overloaded destinations, with more calm vacation potential, away from the crowds.
Among the selected includes Port Glarokavos Beach, Greece, elected the most beautiful in Europe, and Cala Brandinchi, in Sardinia, often nicknamed “Little Tahiti”. It refers to the same source as the list also includes Cala Pregonda, in Menorca, and the singular Gulpiyuri Interior Beach in Asturias.
Beyond the tourist postc
Based on the testimonies collected by EBD, this set of beaches represents a counterpoint to mass bathing resorts, offering more authentic experiences linked to nature and local heritage. Explains the site that the intention is to promote destinations where it is possible to turn off the daily lives and enjoy landscapes still little altered.
Portugal will be present again on the European map
According to the presence of a Portuguese beach in this list is another sign of the growing recognition of the national coast in the European context. In recent years, several coastal areas of the country have deserved international distinctions, either for environmental quality and alternative tourist potential.
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