Last updated: 08/13/2023
Check out our super selection of the 10 best beaches in the Algarve that cannot be left out of your itinerary in one of the most beautiful and photogenic places in Portugal!
THE BEST BEACHES IN THE ALGARVE
Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region is famous for its beautiful golden sand beaches, turquoise and greenish blue waters, reddish cliffs and many natural beauties. Choosing a selection of just 10 beaches in the Algarve is an almost impossible mission! But, here is a list of what we consider to be the best beaches in the Algarve and where we had excellent experiences! Below is an interactive map with the location of the chosen ones and then more information about each of the top 10 beaches in the Algarve!
>> LAKES
Read more: Portugal: What to do in Lagos, Algarve – Guide and Tips
1. CAMILO BEACH
This small sandy beach is located between cliffs with very peculiar sandstone rock formations. It is about 4 km from the historic center of Lagos, and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the city, between Praia de Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade with its lighthouse. The clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling and there are also very nice places for cliff jumping. The beach is divided into two parts by the rock formations, but it's easy to walk through a handcrafted tunnel between the rocks. Access to the beach is via a long wooden staircase with 224 steps.
2. DONA ANA BEACH
Considered one of the best beaches in the Algarve (and in the world!), Praia Dona Ana is surrounded by sandstone cliffs, which protect it from the winds, but allow the sun to be present practically all day. With transparent waters and spectacular cliffs, this stretch of beach is also called Costa Dorada due to its rock formations in yellowish and reddish tones, making a beautiful contrast with the blue waters of the sea. Access to this beach of about 160 meters is via a wooden staircase with 93 steps.
>> PORTIMÃO
Read more: Portugal: What to do in Portimão, in the Algarve – Guide and Tips
3. TRÊS IRMÃOS BEACH
Praia dos Três Irmãos is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portimão. It is famous for its impressive rock formations and the many hidden caves that can be explored, as well as stunning sunsets. The beach is marked by a series of small coves surrounded by ochre-coloured limestone cliffs. With soft sand and almost transparent waters (great for snorkeling), Praia dos Três Irmãos has an excellent infrastructure with parking, umbrella and sunbed rental, showers, bars/restaurants.
4. PRAIA DA ROCHA
This beach of almost 2 km of sand decorated by rock formations that rise from the bottom of the sea and limestone cliffs in yellowish and orange tones, is surrounded by tall buildings, bars, restaurants and even a famous casino, located in the Hotel Algarve Casino. The name is due to the presence of rocks between the sand and the sea. The beach is next to the Fortress of Santa Catarina, built in 1691, with the aim of protecting the mouth of the River Arade and which provides a panoramic view of the sea. Access to the beach is via approximately 30 steep steps from Avenida Tomas Cabreira.
>> POND
Read more: Portugal: What to do in Lagoa, Algarve – Guide and Tips
5. CARVOEIRO BEACH
This graceful beach is located in a pleasant bay with calm waters and also surrounded by beautiful cliffs, where the white houses of the fishermen are located. The trails and Miradouro da Senhora da Encarnação on top of the cliffs allow panoramic views of the surroundings of the clear waters of the beach and the charming village of Carvoeiro. Although not very big, the beach is very popular with tourists, as there are several boat trips along the coast to discover more hidden beaches and caves.
6. MARINHA BEACH
considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and one of the most beautiful in Europe, it is known for its beautiful cliffs and clear turquoise waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. In our humble opinion, it is the most beautiful beach in the Algarve! The view from the top of the cliffs is simply impressive! To get to the beach, go down a steep staircase on the left. It is also possible to access it via a boat trip, taking the opportunity to discover other beaches in the surroundings and sea caves.
>> ALBUFEIRA
Read more: Portugal: What to do in Albufeira, Algarve – Guide and Tips
7. SÃO RAFAEL BEACH
Praia de São Rafael is a charming beach known for the beauty of its rock formations, sculpted by water and wind, in orange and reddish tones, in addition to its fine and golden sand. Among the various rock formations with arches, caves, caves and cliffs on this beach, Ponte Pequena and Ninha das Andorinhas stand out. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Albufeira, the water at Praia de São Rafael is very clear and with a good temperature, making this beach a great place for diving and snorkeling.
8. ARRIFES BEACH
Praia dos Arrifes is a small cove surrounded by low rock formations that are home to natural arches, galleries, wells and even three leixões (islets), which make it also known as Praia dos Três Penecos (the local way of referring to these islands). natural formations). The waters are clear in turquoise blue, great for diving, and the sand is golden, perfect for sunbathing. Access is from a dirt parking lot that leads up to wooden stairs. The beach has a great infrastructure with bathrooms, showers, restaurant, bar and lifeguards during the summer.
9. FISHERMAN'S BEACH
Praia dos Pescadores is located in the historic center of Albufeira and is one of the main beaches in the city, surrounded by many resorts, shops and restaurants. There is even an escalator that takes you from the center of town to the golden sand level to admire its crystal clear waters in shades of blue. To see the beach from above, a tip is to go to the Miradouro Pau da Bandeira, a super well-structured lookout to admire an incredible view of the historic center of Albufeira, along with the beautiful colors of the sea and rock formations.
10. FALÉSIA BEACH
Praia da Falésia is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! With soft golden sands, clear turquoise waters and, of course, incredible red cliffs reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, this iconic beach looks like a movie scene. The beach is huge, about 6 km long. Along the top of the cliffs there is a walking path that leads along the length of the beach, providing some of the best views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is an excellent choice for those who like to take walks along the seashore and watch the sunset and it has an excellent infrastructure.
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