The Algarve is an ideal destination for seaside vacations. In this beautiful region in the very south of Portugal, we discovered some magnificent beaches. Whether you prefer small coves or large beaches with lots of activities, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for! Follow our guide for gentle lounging, swimming and breathtaking panoramas.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, with a map and our useful tips in pictures!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The best beaches in the Algarve – map
Map
Here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you find your way around:
Where to go in the Algarve for the best beaches
In the Algarve, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, you’ll find beautiful beaches of fine blond sand, large or small, wild or lively, lined with cliffs and rock formations or bordering seaside towns! From Aljezur to Vilamoura, the whole coast is alive with them. We enjoyed strolling, sunbathing and swimming. Near Portimao, there is a large concentration of them, including some of the more popular beaches. For those who prefer “wilder” beaches, we recommend Albufeira or Lagos.
We remind you that in fine weather, some beaches can be covered in algae. Watch out for jellyfish and check the tide tables.
Why not enjoy the region’s iconic sights after a swim? To help you plan your stay, read our article on the best things to do in the Algarve.
1. Praia Da Falesia
Why we love it
With its colorful cliffs and golden sand, Praia da Falesia is one of our favorite beaches. It’s not the ideal beach to lie on. The strip of sand isn’t very wide, but in our opinion it’s one of the most beautiful in the Algarve. Stretching over 6km in length, it blossoms at the foot of high, white-orange cliffs that contrast with the bright green of the pine trees at their summit. From the Miradouro da Falesia, we also found the view exceptional and enjoyed the short hike overlooking the stretch of sand. Surfing and snorkeling enthusiasts will also find plenty to do here!
Access and useful information
- In the middle of the south coast, east of Albufeira
- 20min drive from Albufeira
- 45min drive from Portimao and Faro
- Several parking lots at different locations along the beach
- Fine white sand
- Part of the beach is supervised in high season
- Toilets, showers
- Access to the beach via stairs
- Several restaurants on the beach and at the top of the cliffs
2. Praia Dos Tres Irmaos
Why we love it
Praia dos Tres Irmaos is one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches. We loved walking around. Very large, it is located at the eastern end of the long Praia do Alvor. “Tres Irmaos” means “Three Brothers”. This can be explained by the presence of 3 sea stacks. A long stretch of sand, astonishing pinnacles and several small coves punctuate the beach. The “secret” Prainha (“little beach” in Portuguese) captivated us with its magnificent double-arched rock!
Access and useful information
- West of Portimao near the fishing village of Alvor, at the eastern end of Praia do Alvor
- 15min drive from Portimao
- 30min drive from Lagos
- 40min drive from Albufeira
- Several parking lots along Praia do Alvor, including one at the eastern end
- Fine white sand
- Unsupervised visit of the double arch, subject to tides
- Toilets
- Easy access to the beach
- Several catering outlets
3. Praia Da Marinha
Why we love it
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Praia da Marinha is, in our opinion, unique! Over the centuries, erosion has shaped the coastline, turning the site into a splendid maze of rock formations. We were impressed by the number of sea stacks and arches. From the top of spectacular cliffs, the views are equally breathtaking. The beach is idyllic for long explorations of the coves, snorkeling, kayaking or a boat trip.
Access and useful information
- Between Portimao and Albufeira, in the municipality of Lagoa
- 25min drive from Portimao
- 30min drive from Albufeira
- 40min drive from Lagos
- 50min drive from Faro
- 2 large parking lots
- Rocks and fine white sand
- Unsupervised beach, risk of falling rocks
- No public toilets or showers
- Easy access to the cliffs, access to the sloping beach via a path and stairs
- A restaurant on the beach
4. Praia De Odeceixe
Why we love it
On the edge of the Algarve, at the mouth of a river, Praia de Odeceixe is a beach that, for us, has something different! Nestling in an inland bay, it stands out from the other beaches in the region, with its tongue of sand washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the river. The blue lagoon that surrounds it makes it a unique place. A surfer’s paradise, the site is also ideal for sunbathing. We loved the charm of the decor! The white sand, turquoise or navy blue water and dark cliffs make up a magnificent landscape.
Access and useful information
- In the municipality of Aljezur, in the far northwest of the Algarve
- 1 hour’s drive from Sagres, Lagos and Portimao
- 1h30 drive from Faro and Albufeira
- Parking along the road
- Fine white sand
- Monitored in season
- Toilets, showers
- 1 restaurant
5. Praia Dos Tres Castelos
Why we love it
Praia Dos Tres Castelos is well worth a visit! Connected by a passageway cut into the rocks to the east of the popular Praia Da Rocha beach, this beach lets you escape the crowds and enjoy the superb scenery. We found it awe-inspiring, with its sheer cliffs and numerous pinnacles in the middle of the sand. Named after three large rock formations reminiscent of castles(castelos in Portuguese), this is a great place for swimming and lounging! We enjoyed it.
Access and useful information
- In Portimao, in the extension of Praia Da Rocha
- 30min drive from Lagos
- 45min from Albufeira
- 1 hour’s drive from Faro
- Parking nearby
- Fine golden sand
- Monitored in season
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers
- Several restaurants on the beach
6. Praia Da Albendeira
Why we love it
A small cove separated by rock formations creating 2 distinct beaches at low tide, Praia de Albandeira is, in our opinion, well worth a visit. At high tide, we strolled along the cliffs to admire the waves crashing on the rocks and swirling in the coves. The show continues with the Arco de Albandeira, the beach arch. We were dazzled by the show! If you want to sunbathe, check the tide tables. The sandy zone is covered by the sea when it is high.
Access and useful information
- Between Portimao and Albufeira
- 30min drive from Portimao and Albufeira
- 45min drive from Lagos
- 1 hour’s drive from Faro
- Ample parking nearby
- Sand and rocks
- No sunbathing possible at high tide
- Unsupervised beach, beware of swirling waves
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers
- Easy access to the beach
- Beach bar but no restaurant
7. Praia Do Camilo
Why we love it
Located between Praia Dona Ana and Ponta Da Piedade near Lagos, the little beach of Camilo charmed us! We were won over by the scenery, but also by the intimate, almost wild feel of this little cove. Magnificent cliffs and wave-like rock formations sculpted by the sea stand side by side with picturesque arches. We think it’s a great place to relax and swim! At high tide, the stretch of sand shrinks and there’s less room for sunbathing.
Access and useful information
- South of the city of Lagos
- 8 minutes from downtown Lagos
- 40min from Portimao
- 50min from Albufeira
- 1 hour’s drive from Faro
- Parking nearby
- Fine white sand, rocks
- Sun and sea bathing more pleasant at low tide
- Unsupervised beach
- Stairway access
- Restaurant and toilets at the top of the stairs
8. Praia Dona Ana
Why we love it
Like us, you’ll love Praia Dona Ana! With its large area of golden sand, impressive cliffs and foaming waves, the beach has it all. This is one of the must-see places near Lagos. We were seduced by the huge pinnacle that stands in the middle of the beach, with its feet in the water. A photographer’s delight! The name of the beach comes from a nun called Ana who lived in a convent in Lagos.
Thanks to a tunnel leading to the beach, she was the only survivor of an attack during the First World War!
Access and useful information
- South of the city of Lagos
- 7min from downtown Lagos
- 40min from Portimao
- 50min from Albufeira
- 1 hour’s drive from Faro
- Parking
- Fine white sand, rocks
- Unsupervised beach
- More impressive exploration at low tide
- Toilets and showers
- Access via a long staircase
- Restaurant
9. Praia Dos Arrifes
Why we love it
We really liked Praia Dos Arrifes, famous for its 3 large rock formations! It’s a stunning little cove to explore, recognizable by the 3 rock formations that surround it. The beach is also known as Praia Dos Tres Penecos, Portuguese for “three rocks”, because of its three imposing pinnacles. Enjoy the scenery, but also the comfort of deckchairs and relax under a straw parasol with your feet almost in the water!
Access and useful information
- Near the town of Albufeira
- 15min from downtown Albufeira
- 40min from Portimao
- 50min from Lagos
- 45min drive from Faro
- Parking
- Mixture of sand and pebbles
- Unsupervised beach
- We recommend exploring at low tide to gain access to all the rocks.
- Toilets and showers
- Access via a small staircase
- Restaurants
10. Praia Do Benagil
Why we love it
We enjoyed Praia Do Benagil, a pleasant little beach for sunbathing and swimming. It’s also the starting point for aquatic excursions to an extraordinary sea cave, Grotte de Benagil. Caressed by the waves, two cliff entrances lead to a small inner beach crowned by a dome open to the sky. We were amazed! Try a boat tour or a guided kayak trip (if the sea is calm). Maybe you’ll spot some dolphins along the way. A nautical activity not to be missed! More choices of water tours here.
Access and useful information
- Between Portimao and Albufeira
- 30min drive from Portimao and Albufeira
- 40min drive from Lagos
- 50min drive from Faro
- Parking nearby
- Fine white sand
- Unsupervised beach
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers
- 1 bar near the parking lot
Other best beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve has other beaches to offer! Here are the ones we recommend.
Praia da Rocha
Located to the south of Portimao, Praia da Rocha is very popular. We liked it for its tourist services. Here you’ll find restaurants, deckchairs and parasols for hire and activities. But it can get crowded in summer.
Praia De Sao Rafael
The pretty little beach of Sao Rafael is just outside the town of Albufeira.
Praia Vale do Lobo
In the town of Vale do Lobo, Portugal’s oldest seaside resort, lies this immense beach. You’ll have access to all kinds of tourist services. There’s even golf and numerous resort hotels nearby.
Praia Da Gale
We found a very different style at this beach. Erosion has rounded the rocks over time. Fun for young and old!
Praia Do Evaristo
A little less well known, this beach fascinated us! At high tide, the waves explode on the rocks. The show is magical and whirling!
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in the Algarve?
Sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Algarve borders both the sea and the ocean. In the Mediterranean, water temperatures never fall below 13°, even in the depths of winter. However, swimming is recommended between June and October. In summer, the sea heats up to 26°. So you can swim all year round on the Algarve’s southern coast.
The water will be cooler on the Atlantic side, between 20 and 23° Celsius in summer. In winter, it cools down considerably and the temperature hovers around 11°. For the daring, we recommend a wetsuit!
What are the best beaches in town in the Algarve?
In the Algarve you can find beaches close to towns and their centers. Here’s a list of our most beautiful city beaches. Read more about these beaches above.
- Praia Dona Ana in Lagos, a 7-minute drive from downtown
- Praia Do Camilo 8min drive from Lagos center
- Praia Dos Tres Castelos 7min from Portimao center
Are there any recommended family beaches in the Algarve?
The Algarve’s many beaches are ideal for family outings. We recommend Praia Da Rocha, for example. It’s a popular, supervised beach with amenities, restaurants and entertainment. We saw many families there in summer! Meia Praia is also an ideal beach for young and old alike. The sea is gentle and the beach ideal for sunbathing and building sandcastles!
Where are the best places to dive and snorkel in the Algarve?
The Algarve will appeal to snorkeling enthusiasts. We’re convinced! Praia Da Marinha, Praia Do Camilo or Praia Do Carvoeiro reveal all the charm of coves and rocky seabeds full of life. The lagoons, islands and canals of the Ria Formosa Natural Park will seduce you too! The turquoise waters of Ponta Da Piedade are also teeming with marine life. Expect to come across octopus, conger eels and rays between the rock formations!
Here are some ideas for snorkeling tours:
- Discover the caves along the seashore. Hiking, jumping and snorkeling on the agenda!
- Let yourself be guided by a marine biologist who will reveal the location of secret caves and tell you all about Algare’s seabed!
