Marinha Beach in the Algarve is one of Portugal’s most remarkable beaches. Its spectacular cliffs and unique rock formations sculpted by erosion on the southern coast of Portugal’s Algarve region are an immediate attraction. We were amazed by this natural site, which richly deserves its international reputation.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Marinha Beach.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Praia da Marinha
Is Praia da Marinha worth a visit? Our opinion:
Absolutely! In our opinion, Praia da Marinha is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. We were fascinated by its spectacular cliffs and unique rock formations such as sea stacks and natural arches. The work of erosion has created a breathtaking coastal landscape.
It’s one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches and a must-see in the Algarve.
Our favorite moments
This beach offers a multitude of activities that delighted us. We particularly appreciated it:
- Cliff-top walks with spectacular views
- Exploration of the various coves and rock formations
- Discover the famous “heart of the Algarve”, formed by a natural double arch
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How to get to Praia da Marinha: access and map
Where is Praia da Marinha?
- On the south coast of the Algarve, Portugal
- Between Portimão and Albufeira
- Driving time from Portimão: 25min
- Driving time from Albufeira: 30min
- Driving time from Lagos: 40min
- Driving time from Faro: 50min
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- 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)
How to get there? Access road
By car / bus / excursion from towns in the region:
- By car: The best option is to take the N125 and then the M1154. The last two kilometers are on a single-lane road with several passing areas.
- By bus: A bus service runs from Lagoa to the beach, but with limited frequency – find out more
- By excursion: Several tours are organized from Portimão, Faro and Albufeira – see options (first are the boat options that don’t stop at the beach, but after that you have the vehicle options).
- On foot: You can reach the beach via the coastal path from Benagil or Carvoeiro (30-45min).
Parking
Two large dirt and gravel parking lots are available at the top of the cliffs. In high season, we recommend arriving early, as access may be closed once the parking lots are full. Parking is free. Avoid parking along the single-lane road.
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)
Useful tips: duration, schedules, difficulties…
Best time to visit, opening hours and prices
Access is free and possible all year round. In summer, we recommend early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the crowds.
Low tide is the ideal time to take full advantage of the site. We advise you to check the tide times before your visit. Waves can reach the foot of the cliffs at high tide, limiting access to the beach.
To admire it from the top of the cliffs, on the other hand, it’s possible at any time of day. You may even see people who haven’t thought it through down below, hurrying off as the tide rises.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow half a day to fully enjoy the site. Access to the beach is via a sloping path and stairs, and takes 5 to 10 minutes. We found the path well laid out, but some of the steps are steep towards the end.
If you walk along the cliffs at the top, be careful of the cliff edges, which are not stable.
Advice on how to visit
Depending on the tide, start at the beach before the cliff edge or vice versa. Don’t forget that at high tide, the water rises to the foot of the cliffs in some places.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The floor of Marinha Beach is made up of fine golden sand. We particularly appreciated its soft texture, inviting you to walk barefoot along the shore. The beach stretches for several hundred meters, offering plenty of space for comfortable lounging.
Conditions for swimming
It’s best to plan your swim at low tide. Indeed, at high tide, waves can reach the foot of the cliffs. The exceptional clarity of the water, whose temperature fluctuates between 20 and 22°C in summer, makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling.
Is the beach supervised?
The presence of lifeguards varies according to the season. It’s advisable to get local information and exercise caution, especially near cliffs where rockfalls can occur.
Installations
The beach has basic facilities including a snack bar and toilets. We couldn’t find any showers on site. We don’t offer deckchair hire, so we recommend you bring your own beach equipment.
Reduced mobility access
Access is not suitable for people with reduced mobility due to the many steps and steep path leading to the beach.
Catering, Toilets and Facilities
There’s a snack bar on the beach at the bottom of the stairs.
Picnic tables are available near the parking lot.
Sanitary facilities are available near the beach.
Please note that there are no showers or deckchair rentals.
In summer, you can rent kayaks and paddles near the restaurant.
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
Spectacular cliffs and their geology
The cliffs
The sandstone cliffs of Praia da Marinha, 16 to 24 million years old, impressed us with their natural beauty. We discovered that erosion causes the cliff to recede by 2mm to 2cm per year, mainly in winter. Explanatory panels in English explain the formation of the various geological structures.
Coastal path
We recommend you take part of the walk along the cliffs. This offers spectacular views of the arches and sea stacks. But be careful not to get too close to the edge, as the cliffs are crumbling.
The heart of Praia da Marinha
Walking westwards, we discovered the famous double arch, also known as “the heart of the Algarve”. This unique natural formation creates the silhouette of a heart when viewed from the right angle.
You can also admire the cathedral, a majestic rock ensemble also known as “M Rock”. These formations bear witness to the work of marine erosion on the Portuguese coast.
More hikes – Percuso dos Sete Vales Suspensos
Marinha is located on the 7 km seaside path known as Percuso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, or “the walk of the seven suspended valleys”. This includes other well-known sites such as the Alfanzina lighthouse, the Benagil cave, the Algar Seco…
And if you like walking and the magnificent views of the sea and cliffs, you can keep on walking:
- eastwards towards Senhora da Rocha,
- west towards Benagil.
Rock formations
If you walk to the other end of the beach, this is where you can explore the most rock formations: sea stacks, arches…
To get there, you have to walk on the sand and sometimes on the rocks to get from one cove to another.
Look at the size of the people in relation to the column in this photo:
And on this one, you can see the arches of the heart.
Technically, if you go all the way to the west, the beach is Praia da Mesquita, but we’re not going to get too hung up on names…
Adults and children have a great time exploring:
Praia da Marinha by boat
If you don’t want to walk down (and back up), another way to admire Marinha beach is from the sea.
Numerous boat tours run along the cliffs. Some enter the Benagil cave, while others simply walk along the cliffs.
See options. Don’t forget to book – these activities are very popular!
You’ll be able to see the arches in the heart of the Algarve, as well as the numerous rock formations in front of the beach.
The prospect is well worth the effort. It’s one of our favourite activities in the Algarve!
Tunnel to a “secret” beach: Praia do Buraco
And if you’ve got the time (and the tide is still very low), you can explore one more beach.
At the eastern end of Marinha beach is a tunnel surrounded by rock.
On the other side of the tunnel is Buraco beach, a small sandy cove.
It’s fairly well protected from the wind, but it’s very small.
Here’s a photo of it from our boat tour:
Other nearby attractions
If there’s anything noteworthy:
You can combine your visit to Praia da Marinha with these nearby attractions:
- Benagil cave, to the west (accessible by boat)
- Albandeira beach, to the east (10-minute drive)
- Chapelle Nossa Senhora da Rocha, on a promontory between two beaches
- …
Frequently asked questions
What does Praia da Marinha mean?
In Portuguese, “marinha” means “sea”. The beach is sometimes referred to as Navy Beach.
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)
