An epic journey to find best beach of 2018. In Portugal, of course!

Business Insider India came to Portugal looking for the best beach in 2018. We think it was a wise choice!

The journey started in Serra da Estrela

From there, they headed south. Although it was a longer journey, they got to appreciate Alentejo's plains, with its wheat plantations and cork trees (we call it sobreiros), for which they fell in love with.

Serra da Estrela

First stop - Alvor, Algarve

Looking for a quieter place, they followed the advise of a shop owner and went to this small and picturesque village. However, in the summer, it is hard to have a quiet place in the Algarve, so they kept looking.

Alvor, Algarve

They then followed west, hoping for less crowded beaches. The area around Sagres is known as the best spots for surfing and other ocean sports. It is a beautiful sight, with the high cliffs falling onto the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches are less crowded here, as the water temperature is lower and the wind is stronger. But, still, the best beach was not there yet.

Praia do Camilo, Algarve

Algar do Benagil, Algarve

Moving up the coast, they explored the Alentejo beaches, much more deserted and wild. This means sandy roads, not always accessible to every car. But if one gets to arrive there, it will find spectacular beaches! Downside: cold cold water.

Last stop was Arrábida

This protected area is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. A portuguese shop owner had told them to go to a secluded beach and tell noone its name. We just love secrets, so we will just keep this one, as well. And they found their idyllic beach, just then and there.

Arrábida, secret name beach

Travel along the portuguese coast

To travel along the portuguese coast is a magical experience, made of cliffs, golden sand beaches and good people.

Portugal has been known for years for the Algarve and its beaches. Actually, for many years, all which travelers knew in Portugal was the Algarve. Fortunately, our beautiful country is being discovered, from north to south, showing the World its potential. However, there are still many places which travelers are missing out. One of these examples sits, ironically, on the Algarve but on a less known area. Together with the Vicentina coast, on its neighbour region Alentejo, it offers idyllic and desert beaches, wonderful cuisine and nature reserves. Check this wonderful piece by Lonely Planet and discover more of our beautiful coast. The Algarve's wild western coast by Lonely Planet

Cape St. Vincent. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Praia do Martinhal beach. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Vicentina Coast Natural Park. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Seaside cafes in Sagres. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet

Local seafood is highlight of a visit to the region. Image by Lola Akinmade Åkerström / Lonely Planet