These 12 Beautiful Beaches in the Algarve, Portugal, Will Steal Your Heart
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The most beautiful beaches in the Algarve offer sun-seeking travelers warm weather, sparkling emerald waters, soft sand, and unique geological wonders. The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best summer vacation destinations.
Besides postcard-perfect beaches and rocky coastal paths, the Algarve is home to whitewashed fishing villages, charming seaside cities, and lively vacation resorts. Therefore, deciding where to visit and what to do first is challenging. However, we are here to help.
Here is a list of 12 beautiful beaches in the Algarve to show you what you’re missing. I have personally visited most of the Algarve coast, and these are the most Instagram-worthy beaches.
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Praia da Falésia, Albufeira
Praia da Falésia, between Albufeira and Vilamoura, is one of Portugal’s most beautiful Blue Flag-designated beaches. This stunning golden sand beach offers travelers a long stretch of soft sand backed by tall red cliffs. Meanwhile, the azure waters that lap the sandy shoreline are dazzling.
Praia da Falésia is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and walking. Walking along the beach is a joy, but the best beach views can be seen atop the red cliffs. Thrill seekers should also note that Praia da Falésia is a big hit with bodyboarders and surfers.
Regarding amenities, this beach features sun loungers and umbrellas. Various food establishments are also near the beach and nearby towns.
Read also: Beach Destinations in Portugal
Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
Praia da Marinha, in the municipality of Lagoa, near Porches, is one of the Algarve’s top-rated beaches. Surrounded by crystal-clear emerald waters and rugged cliffs, this golden-sand beach is accessed via stairs. However, we strongly recommend admiring the beach from the cliffs before stepping on the sand.
To put it simply, the views are magical. This picture-perfect beach attracts thousands of visitors yearly with the promise of warm weather and clear skies. You’ll likely spend most of your time on the beach sunbathing, playing games, and swimming in the sea.
Adventurous travelers can also walk towards Benagil. The iconic Benagil Cave is less than a 30-minute walk away. However, you can only see the Benagil cave from above on foot. To enter the cave, rent a kayak; it will take 10 minutes to reach the cave from the beach. Alternatively, you can book a boat cruise to see the Algarve coast and enter the cave.
Read also: Portugal’s Surreal Landscapes
Praia da Cova Redonda, Porches
Praia da Cova Redonda in Porches consistently ranks highly among the best European beaches, never mind the Algarve. More secret than Praia da Marinha, Praia da Cova Redonda is known for its dazzling waters, scenic cliffs, and powdery golden sand. Like Praia da Marinha, you have to walk down a set of steps to set foot on the beach.
Once you’ve walked down the steps, you’ll be rewarded with a slice of paradise. Find a tranquil spot to lay your beach towel, grab a drink from the small beach bar, and relax. When you get too hot, simply jump in the emerald waters to cool off.
We don’t know about you, but that sounds like the perfect beach day.
Read also: Hidden Gems of Portugal
Praia Dona Ana, Lagos
Praia Dona Ana in Lagos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve because it offers breathtaking natural scenery, sandy shores, and sparkling waters. This sheltered cove is backed by rugged cliffs on one side and beautiful azure waters on the other. Meanwhile, picturesque rocky peaks stand tall in the water.
Before walking down to Praia Dona Ana to enjoy the spacious stretch of sand, admire Lagoa’s coastal views from the cliffs. After that, step down onto the beach, find your slice of paradise, and relax. Alternatively, race straight into the water for a swim.
After heaps of sun, sand, and sea, return to the clifftop and tuck into freshly caught seafood at Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant overlooking Praia Dona Ana, or have a reasonably priced light lunch right on the beach at Martins & Lopo restaurant.
Read also: Portugal’s Famous Attractions
Praia de São Roque, Lagos
Praia de São Roque is one of the closest beaches to Lagos town center. It’s also one of the Algarve’s most prominent beaches. Therefore, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to relax.
Unlike many beaches in the Algarve, Praia de São Roque isn’t a small and secluded beach surrounded by tall cliffs. Instead, it’s a long and wide stretch of sandy coastline, perfect for walking, relaxing, and having fun. Compared to other beaches in the Algarve, it also offers more amenities and facilities.
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With Lagos town center so nearby, you can quickly access shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Praia de São Roque allows beachgoers to enjoy stunning views of Lagos Bay. A romantic walk along the beach is a must.
Read also: Underrated Destinations in Portugal
Praia do Monte Clérigo, Aljezur
Praia do Monte Clérigo in Aljezur is one of the Algarve’s most unspoiled beaches. Located in the northwest of the Algarve, this relatively big beach offers approximately 1,640 feet (500 meters) of pristine golden sand, verdant hills, and deep blue waters. While it looks beautiful at any time of day, Praia do Monte Clérigo looks particularly special at sunset.
Fiery red and orange colors light up the beach as the sun sets on the horizon. Popular things to do at Praia do Monte Clérigo include walking, sunbathing, and surfing. Walking around the coast, you’ll find other untouched beaches like Praia da Fateixa, Praia da Amoreira, and Praia da Pipa.
Read also: Portuguese Weekend Getaways
Praia do Barril, Tavira
Praia do Barril in Tavira is one of the Algarve’s more unique beaches. Not only does it offer breathtaking natural beauty in the form of pristine white sand and emerald waters. It also provides a fascinating insight into the Algarve’s fishing heritage.
Praia do Barril was once the location of a tuna fishing community. Remnants of this fishing community can be seen across the beach, primarily through Cemitério das Âncoras, an anchor cemetery. Located on the sandbanks, this anchor cemetery was where hundreds of fishing boats were once moored.
Today, the hundreds of anchors that line the sandbanks offer an intriguing sight. Make sure you visit the anchor cemetery during your visit.
Read also: Portugal’s Most Expensive Destinations
Praia da Galé, Albufeira
Praia da Galé in Albufeira is one of Portugal’s most picturesque beaches. An excellent place to spend a beach day, this beach offers an enormous stretch of golden sand, emerald waters, and fascinating rock formations. Aside from the impressive natural beauty, Praia da Galé provides convenient access to essential amenities and facilities.
Therefore, you won’t struggle to find somewhere to grab something to eat and drink. The beach also features rental sun loungers and umbrellas. You’ll likely need an umbrella in the summer because the daily high temperature can reach 84°F (29°C).
Praia da Galé is also a much-loved spot to watch the sunset in the Algarve, so head here in the evening, too, if you can.
Read also: Inexpensive Beach Towns in Portugal
Praia dos Três Irmãos, Alvor
Praia dos Três Irmãos, Alvor, is one of the Algarve’s most scenic beaches. Called the Beach of the Three Brothers in English, this secluded beach features towering rock formations, soft sand, caves, and emerald waters. Like many of the Algarve’s best beaches, Praia dos Três Irmãos is a popular photography spot, so don’t forget your camera.
When you’re not snapping photographs of the impressive natural scenery from above the beach, follow the steps down to the sand. Most people who spend the day at Praia dos Três Irmãos spend their time walking, sunbathing, and swimming.
Regarding amenities, there are car parks, bars, and restaurants near Praia dos Três Irmãos. One of the top-rated beach restaurants is Restaurante Atlantide for fresh fish.
Read also: Budget-Friendly Getaways to Portugal
Praia da Prainha, Alvor
Praia da Prainha in Alvor is one of the Algarve’s most secluded beaches. Located east of Praia dos Três Irmãos, this small beach is entirely surrounded by magnificent rock formations. A beautiful stretch of golden sand is tucked between the high cliffs and the sparkling ocean.
You’ll also find many natural arches and caves on the beach, so be prepared to explore. Admittedly, there isn’t much to do at Praia da Prainha, but that’s part of the appeal. Praia da Prainha is an excellent place to relax and unwind.
Spend your beach day soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea. Alternatively, head to the beach at night to watch the fiery sunset.
Read also: Traditional Dishes from Portugal
Praia do Camilo, Lagos
Praia do Camilo in Lagos is one of the most naturally stunning beaches in the Algarve. This sheltered cove features a small yet beautiful sandy beach with golden sand, unique rock formations, and calm waters. While the beach’s soft sand and clear waters are a big draw, the beach’s rock formations often steal the show.
On Praia do Camilo, you’ll find many fascinating sea caves, natural archways, and tall, jagged cliffs. As such, the beach is a popular place to explore.
Perhaps the only downside to the beach is that you have to walk down 200 wooden steps to reach it. However, like many beaches in the Algarve, the rewards well outweigh the disadvantages.
Read also: Instagram-Worthy Spots in Portugal
Praia de São Rafael, Albufeira
Praia de São Rafael, near Albufeira, is one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. It offers powdery golden sand, emerald waters, and fascinating rock formations. Red and orange cliffs surround this beach, adding to its breathtaking appearance. Better yet, the coastal views at sunset are super dramatic.
If you visit Praia de São Rafael, you will likely spend most of your time sunbathing and swimming. However, the sea is very clear here, so you could also go snorkeling. Make sure you watch out for the rocks in the water, though.
As far as facilities are concerned, Praia de São Rafael features a restaurant, Restaurante da Praia de São Rafael, a bar, restrooms, showers, and sun loungers.
Read also: Fairytale Villages of Portugal
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