Discover Portugal Beaches: A Coastline Made for Filmmakers
In a view from above the Parque Natural da Arrábida south of Lisbon, we see miles of pristine beaches stretching into the distance.
Get to know Portugal and you’ll discover mountains, desert-type landscapes, rivers, lagoons, savannahs and more. But from the north to the south there’s one landscape feature that is synonymous with this Iberian Penisula country – miles and miles of beaches and coastline. In fact, continental Portugal boasts 943 kilometres of beautiful beaches. When we add the archipelagos of the Azores Islands (667 km) and the island of Madeira (250 km) we find a staggering 1,860 km (1,155 miles) of beaches.
What does this mean for filmmakers?
Productions looking for beach locations – whether as the primary location or as one location mixed with others - need look no further than Portugal. Good location scouting can identify primitive beaches, modern beaches, populated beaches and remote beaches, flat beaches and beaches with overhanging cliffs. There really is no shortage of options. Add the fact that Portugal offers so many other landscape types and it’s clear to see that this is a land of possibilities for the camera eye.
What are the rules for filming on Portugal beaches?
The Silver Coast of Portugal offers miles and miles of possibilities.
In general, filming on Portuguese beaches is allowed. However, the permits needed for filmmaking fall to local maritime police in many, if not all, instances. There are wait periods and communications that need to take place to ensure safety and that production companies adhere to the local regulations. Information that is needed to request permission includes things like an exact location where filming will take place along with photographs of the site, information about whether the production will require people to be in the water, the type of equipment to be used and more.
Things to keep in mind
Beaches in the south of the country in the Algarve region are very busy during the summer months. Requesting permits should be done as far as possible prior to filming. These beaches see tons of sunlight throughout the year.
On the other hand, the Silver Coast area – that area between Sintra (near Lisbon) and almost as far north as Porto – are not so popular in the summer due to the colder waters. However, resort towns dot the coastline here and they can be hotspots in the summer. And while the Algarve beaches are sun soaked year round, the Silver Coast can be sunny and hot one day, foggy and warm the next. This is great for productions seeking location value and atmosphere.
And then there are the Azores Island and the island of Madeira. Both options offer striking cliffs, isolated beaches, primitive areas and azure waters.
Looking for help with your next production? Atmosphera Productions is your on-the-ground partner. We provide services ranging from location scouting, permit fulfillment, logistics, rentals, cinematography and more. We cover the entire country of Portugal including its islands, and parts of Spain.
