In Portugal, you will find some of the most picturesque beaches in the world but did you know that Portugal is also home to some of the best beaches with high levels of iodine, a trace element essential to the normal functioning of the body, especially the thyroid.


Iodine is a mineral that regulates thyroid health, hormones as well as fetal development. There has long been talk of the powerful effect that iodine from the sea has on the body, which is unable to produce this trace element necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and is deficient in about 13% of the world's population.


It is found in some foods, such as fish, algae, and dairy products, iodine is also found in seawater, which leads to its connection to thalassotherapy.


Which is where marine elements are used to treat or prevent illnesses. Iodine is found in salt water and in the sea breeze which helps the immune system, so visiting the beach is known for its healing properties. So why not visit some beaches that are the most beneficial for your health and combine leisure with health?


Beaches that are beneficial for your health

Starting in the north, Moledo Beach in Viana do Castelo, is often regarded as the best beach in the North of Portugal, due to its natural beauty and its therapeutic qualities, which derive from the presence of iodine.


Moledo Beach located in Caminha, boasts beautiful views of the Santa Tecla hill and fortress but moreover, it is one of the Portuguese beaches with the most iodine. It is also famous for being a popular beach for water sports, especially kitesurfing. The Kitesurfing season runs from May to October with classes for beginners to experienced kitesurfers. It is also a great beach for leisure and soaking up that all-important iodine.


Another beach rich in iodine is Praia da Apúlia in Esposende. On the camara’s website, it states that Apúlia’s beach was elected as one of the best family destinations in 2020. Classified as a Family Friendly Destination, in the Bathing category, Apúlia Beach stood out among national bathing destinations, ideal for family holidays, having obtained 68% of the votes.


According to Vrbo, cited by the camara, the presence of the old mills that beautify the dunes and surround the extensive sand, protecting it from the strongest winds, is highlighted. “An ideal place to relax in the company of the family, Apúlia beach is characterized by the abundance of algae, which is one of the most striking features of the beach, having given rise to the emblematic figure of the Sargaceiro da Apúlia. The richness of iodine, present in the salt and algae on this beach, provides numerous health benefits, which is why it is highly recommended.”


The climate of Ericeira means the air is extremely rich in iodine, which originated from the huge large amount of marine algae on its shores, making Pescadores Beach, another excellent option for its healing properties. Not far away is Parede Beach in Cascais which is known for its high concentration of iodine having once been prescribed by doctors. Multiple research sources share that it is highly sought after during the bathing season because of its orientation and solar exposure. It is a small beach with a small area of sand and a lot of rocks because in the 1940s the seaside road connecting Lisbon to Cascais was built.


In the south, there is an Algarve beach that is rich in this nutrient. Fuseta Beach, on Armona Island in Olhão, is rich in iodine and is among the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. To get to this beach you will have to cross a section of the Ria Formosa by boat. From May until October, you can take the boat that departs from the Fuseta pier and connects you to the beach. It is about 10 kilometers from the city of Olhão, moreover, it is perfect for enjoying some much-needed tranquility.

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes