When you go on holiday, you want to have a wide range of beaches to choose from. You want to have quiet and tranquil beaches for the days when you want to sit back, relax and read a book. You want to have lively and busy beaches for the days when you want to embrace the local atmosphere, make friends and enjoy watersports. There are very few destinations that offer all of this, but the Algarve is certainly one of them. The Algarve is a region located in the southernmost part of Portugal and it boasts a diverse range of beaches scattered along its coast, so it’s easy to find your new favourite beach. Regardless of what you are looking for, we know that the Algarve will have a beach that ticks every box.
In this blog, we have taken a look at some of the Algarve’s best beaches, for you to consider all of the options. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and secluded cove, a bustling beach with a lively atmosphere, or a picturesque location to enjoy the sunset, the Algarve has something for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches in the Algarve to explore:
The Algarve’s Best Beaches
Praia da Rocha – One of the most popular beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is a long, wide beach located in Portimão. The beach is backed by towering cliffs, and the crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and water sports. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the promenade, making it an ideal spot for a day trip.
Praia do Vau – Just a short walk from Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau is a quieter and more secluded beach, nestled between cliffs and rocky outcrops. The beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and there are a few bars and restaurants nearby if you’re feeling peckish.
Praia do Camilo – Located near the town of Lagos, Praia do Camilo is a small but beautiful beach with golden sands and crystal clear waters. To access the beach, you’ll need to descend a steep set of steps, but the effort is worth it. The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs, and there are plenty of caves and rock formations to explore.
Praia da Marinha – Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, Praia da Marinha is a small cove with gorgeous clear waters and golden sands. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the rock pools.
Praia de Benagil – Located near the town of Carvoeiro, Praia de Benagil is a small but picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and golden sands. The beach is backed by towering cliffs, and there are plenty of caves and grottoes to explore. One of the highlights of the beach is the Benagil Sea Cave, which can only be accessed by boat or by swimming.
Praia do Barril – Located on the eastern side of the Algarve, Praia do Barril is a long and wide beach with golden sands and refreshing waters. The beach is backed by dunes and pine trees, and there are plenty of facilities available, including restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals.
Ilha de Tavira – Located just off the coast of Tavira, Ilha de Tavira is a long and narrow sandbank that stretches for miles. The beach is accessible by ferry, and there are plenty of facilities available, including restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals. The beach is popular with families and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the sand dunes.
Praia do Amado – Located on the western side of the Algarve, Praia do Amado is a popular beach with surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The beach is backed by cliffs and dunes, and the waves are perfect for surfing and bodyboarding. There are plenty of facilities available, including restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals.
Praia do Tonel – Another popular beach for surfers, Praia do Tonel is located near the town of Sagres. The beach is backed by cliffs and is known for its strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding. There are plenty of facilities available, including restaurants and bathrooms, and local shops are not too far away.
How to Choose Your Favourite Beach in the Algarve
There are a lot of beaches to choose from in the Algarve, and finding your favourite might feel a little bit overwhelming at first. Of course, this is easy to overcome, and you simply need to consider all of your options. Think about the type of beach that you are looking for – do you want a relaxing and peaceful beach day, or do you want to swim and enjoy watersports? – and ignore any that don’t fit this brief. Then consider where you are located in relation to each beach, as you probably don’t want to travel too far afield. One of the great things about the Algarve is that you are always close to a beautiful beach, and you won’t have to go too far to find exactly what you are looking for.
You should also think about the amenities and facilities that you need, especially if you are travelling as a family. You might need bathrooms or restaurants, shops or showers, or parking that’s close to the beach itself. Once you have singled out the beaches that tick every box, you can begin to explore your favourites.