São Torpes, Sines

If someone talks about Sines, they usually mean São Torpes. It's not hard to find thanks to the dramatic power station towers looming over the spot. Despite the industrial mood, the sandy beach is very popular with locals as the cross-shore Nortada is pretty reliable – even if it isn't quite as strong as 'Guincho' or 'Sagres'. It does need a big swell for decent waves though. To the north the beach is split by breakwaters, between which the power station's coolant flows into the sea, making the water a few degrees warmer! Depending on tide there's a few rocks to avoid when launching, although in summer the numerous swimmers are more of an issue.