Portimão boasts a magnificent coastline dotted with beaches of spectacular cliffs and turquoise waters. We explored each of these natural wonders, discovering family-friendly and wild spots that are sure to delight all sea lovers.
Here’s our selection of the 14 most beautiful beaches in Portimão, with our own photos, tips and a map to help you plan!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Portimão’s best beaches – map
Portimão’s magnificent beaches are well worth a visit. They are definitely among the of the resort’s top attractions! The coastline is criss-crossed by panoramic hiking trails, from Praia dos Três Castelos to Praia de Boião, and from Praia do Molhe to Praia dos Caneiros in Ferragudo.
Our map of the beaches listed in this article will help you find your way around:
Where to go in Portimão for the best beaches?
Portimão’s beaches are divided into 2 distinct zones. In the city itself, you’ll find the famous beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia dos Três Castelos, perfect for those looking for entertainment and facilities. For more authentic experiences, head for Ferragudo, where magnificent coves are hidden between golden cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
1. Praia da Rocha
Why do we love it?
Praia da Rocha is one of Portimão’s most emblematic beaches, with spectacular cliffs and golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see. We loved admiring the panorama from the promenade overlooking the sea, and watching the amateur surfers trying to tame the waves. It’s a popular surf spot for beginners. You’ll be won over by this dynamic atmosphere where seaside relaxation and water sports activities come together.
>> Looking for a thrill? Book your surf session at Praia da Rocha <<
Access and useful information
- Several direct entrances from the Praia da Rocha district
- Pay parking lots nearby
- Wooden pontoons for easy travel
- Fine blond sand
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and showers
- Restaurants and bars
- Playground for children
- Rental of deckchairs, parasols, pedalos with integrated slide
- Sports equipment
- Massage services
- Sand access ramp
WHERE TO STAY IN Portimao
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Our selection coming soon
Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection coming soon
Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection coming soon
Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Portimao (coming soon)
2. Praia dos Três Castelos
Why do we love it?
Praia dos Três Castelos, one of our favorite Algarve beaches, offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than its livelier neighbor. We were fascinated by the rock formations sculpted by wind and waves over the centuries. It’s the ideal place to combine a refreshing swim, relaxing on the fine sand and exploring the little coves hidden between the rocks. This natural wonder is included in our article on must-see sites in the region.
Access and useful information
- Praia da Rocha extension
- Access by wooden stairs from the top of the cliff
- Pay parking lots at the top of the cliff
- Golden fine sand and rock formations
- Monitored in season
- We didn’t see any toilets or showers
- Restaurants and bars on the beach
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
3. Praia dos Careanos
Why do we love it?
The Praia dos Careanos seduced us with its spectacular ochre cliffs that create a striking contrast with the blue of the ocean. We appreciated the presence of the beach bar, where you can refresh yourself without leaving this heavenly setting. You can also take advantage of the deckchairs and umbrellas available for hire to make your vacation as comfortable as possible!
Access and useful information
- Between Praia dos Três Castelos and Praia do Amado
- Access via a concrete staircase from the top of the cliffs
- Pay parking lots at the top of the cliffs
- Golden sand and ochre cliffs
- Supervised beach in season
- Beach bar
- Bar toilet, no visible shower
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
4. Praia do Amado
Why do we love it?
Praia do Amado charmed us with its wild, unspoilt character, offering a striking contrast to the region’s busier beaches. This stretch of sand is a true haven of peace for visitors in search of tranquillity. Here you’ll discover an exceptional natural environment where you can recharge your batteries far from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas.
Access and useful information
- Between Praia dos Careanos and Praia dos Três Castelos
- Access via a staircase from the top of the cliffs
- Pay parking lots at the top of the cliffs
- Golden sand and ochre cliffs
- Unsupervised beach
- No equipment on site
- No catering options on the beach
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
5. Praia do Vau
Why do we love it?
Praia do Vau is a perfect choice for families thanks to its excellent facilities and seasonal surveillance. We were won over by its large area of fine sand, offering ample space for all visitors. The region’s characteristic ochre cliffs frame this well-appointed beach. You’ll appreciate the peace of mind provided by this secure beach, ideal for a successful family vacation.
Access and useful information
- Between Praia dos Careanos and Praia do Alemão
- Pay parking on site with spaces reserved for the disabled
- Direct access from the parking lot
- Blond fine sand
- Supervised beach in season
- First-aid station
- Toilets and showers
- On-site dining options, including the friendly Restaurante O Rebelo
- Rental of deckchairs and parasols
- Beach indicated as accessible to the disabled
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
6. Praia do Alemão
Why do we love it?
The Praia do Alemão forms a natural continuity with the Praia do Vau, creating a long stretch of sand that’s perfect for strolling. We were impressed by the rock formations that punctuate this beach and create varied landscapes according to the tides. These rocks, sculpted by erosion, offer perfect natural hiding places from the sun. Here you’ll discover a more unspoilt atmosphere, while benefiting from the proximity of the nearby beach facilities.
Access and useful information
- Praia do Vau extension
- Access from nearby beach at low tide
- Pay parking lot at Praia do Vau
- Blond fine sand and rock formations
- Unsupervised beach
- Toilets on site
- No on-site catering option
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
A LITTLE MORE patience
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7. Praia de Boião
Why do we love it?
The Praia de Boião is a harmonious extension of the Praia do Alemão, forming a succession of beaches linked by fascinating rock formations. We were charmed by this natural continuity, which allows you to move from one beach to the next, exploring the rocks sculpted by the waves. These geological formations create unique landscapes and perfect spots for photography. You’ll appreciate this beach for its wilder character and varied outlook depending on the time of day.
Access and useful information
- Continuity of the Praia do Alemão
- Access from nearby beach at low tide
- Pay parking lot at Praia do Vau
- Blond fine sand and rock formations
- Unsupervised beach
- Toilets on site
- No on-site catering option
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
8. Praia dos Caneiros (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
This well-equipped beach won us over with its magnificent rocky outcrop emerging from the turquoise water, creating a picture-postcard setting. We watched the tourist boats pass by at the foot of this iconic rock, adding a picturesque dimension to the landscape. It’s best to arrive early in the morning to park close to the beach and take full advantage of this exceptional setting. You’ll be dazzled by the beauty of the crystal-clear water that makes this beach one of the most photographed in the region.
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo
- Narrow access road
- Access to the sand via a wooden staircase
- Parking spaces reserved for the disabled
- Golden fine sand and rocky outcrop
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets (including PRM) and showers
- Sun loungers, parasols and Balinese beds for hire
- Massage service
- Restaurants and beach bars
- Book box
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
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9. Praia Molhe (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
This unique beach surprised us with its jetty that juts far out into the ocean, creating an ideal walking spot. Even in the heat, it’s pleasant to walk along this jetty thanks to the refreshing sea air. To get there, you have to descend a steep staircase, which may discourage some visitors, but the effort is quickly rewarded. During our trip, we observed experienced surfers lying on their boards waiting for a good wave!
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo – entrance to the Port of Portimão
- Access to the sand via a concrete staircase from the top of the cliffs
- Parking at the top of the cliffs
- Golden fine sand and rock formations
- Unsupervised beach
- No on-site equipment
- No on-site dining options, but Restaurant O Molhe at the top of the cliffs
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
10. Praia do Pintadinho (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
We loved this little beach for its absolutely splendid setting, nestled between ochre cliffs hiding mysterious caves. Directly on the sand, Restaurant Pintadinho offers deckchairs, parasols and pedal boats for hire. Between relaxation and entertainment, you’re sure to have a great time with family and friends! The explorers among you will explore the rock formations between 2 swimming sessions.
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo
- Access via a fairly narrow road
- On-site parking
- Golden fine sand and ochre cliffs
- Supervised beach in season
- We didn’t see any showers or toilets
- Restaurant on site
- Rental of deckchairs, parasols and pedalos
- Beach mats for access to sand for people with reduced mobility
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
11. Praia Grande (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
Praia Grande is Ferragudo’s best-equipped beach for families, offering a host of services and activities (sunbeds, umbrellas, massages). We were delighted to discover a children’s park with a slide and swing. Pedal boats with integrated slides add a playful dimension that will delight young and old alike. If you stroll north along the water’s edge, you’ll discover a quieter stretch of beach that reveals Ferragudo Castle.
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo
- Narrow access road
- Access to the sand via a concrete staircase
- Parking spaces reserved for the disabled
- Golden fine sand and ochre cliffs
- Supervised beach in season
- First-aid station
- Toilets and showers
- Playground for children
- Pedal boats with integrated slide and kayaks for hire
- Beach volleyball courts
- Massage service
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
12. Praia da Angrinha (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
This large beach, at the foot of Ferragudo Castle, offers a pleasant setting for a relaxing afternoon. Facing the Portimão Marina, it offers a very different urban landscape from its neighbors. The considerable advantage of this beach lies in its calm waters with few waves, ideal for family bathing. You’ll also benefit from ample free parking, a considerable asset in this busy region.
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo
- Direct access from the parking lot
- Ample free on-site parking
- Fine blond sand
- Toilets
- Sports equipment
- No on-site catering option
13. Praia do Torrado (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
This magnificent beach, accessible only at low tide from the Praia dos Caneiros, totally seduced us. During our visit, we could only contemplate it from the top of the cliffs, as the tide was high and the ocean rough, preventing access to this isolated beach. The turquoise waters and magnificent views more than make up for the effort required to get there.
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo
- Access on foot from Praia dos Caneiros only at low tide
- No dedicated parking
- Golden fine sand and ochre cliffs
- Unsupervised beach
- No equipment on site
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
14. Praia da Infanta (Ferragudo)
Why do we love it?
This small beach, more difficult to access via an irregular path, charmed us with its wild, unspoilt character. We appreciated the absolute tranquility of this place, far from the busier areas. The effort required to reach this natural wonder is amply rewarded by the serenity it brings. Here you’ll find the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade for a moment of pure relaxation overlooking the ocean.
Access and useful information
- From Ferragudo
- Access via an uneven, steep path from Restaurant O Molhe
- Praia do Molhe parking lot
- Blond fine sand and cliffs
- Unsupervised beach
- No equipment on site
- Signposting dangerous areas: risk of falling rocks
DISCOVER Portimao
- Things to do in Portimao (coming soon)
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
Other best beaches around Portimão
Beyond Portimão, the Algarve reveals other sublime beaches to explore. Let yourself be tempted by our 2 favorite nearby destinations:
- Alvor beaches: this nearby seaside resort is home to several beautiful beaches, including the famous Praia dos Três Irmãos, renowned for its spectacular rock formations and crystal-clear waters.
- Lagos beaches: a few kilometers to the west, Lagos offers some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, including Praia do Camilo and Praia da Dona Ana, famous for their golden cliffs and intimate coves.
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Portimão
The water temperature is particularly pleasant from May to the end of September. This period also benefits from increased surveillance by lifeguards, present daily on most beaches to ensure your safety. We particularly recommend the months of June and September for warmer water, while avoiding the crowds of July and August. Even in winter, the Algarve’s mild climate makes for great walks along the beaches, although swimming is reserved for the more adventurous.
What are the best beaches for families in Portimão?
For a successful family vacation, we recommend the Praia Grande in Ferragudo, with its children’s park featuring a slide and swing, and pedal boats with integrated slides that guarantee hours of fun. Praia da Rocha is also an excellent choice, with its many facilities. Last but not least, Praia do Vau attracts families with its large sandy area where children can play in complete safety.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages (coming soon)
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in the Algarve (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha (coming soon)
Things to do in Lagos (coming soon)
Things to do in Portimao (coming soon)
Things to do in Albufeira (coming soon)
Things to do in Faro (coming soon)
