The 16+ Most Beautiful Beaches in Algarve, Portugal

Finding the best beaches in Algarve, Portugal, can feel overwhelming. So how do you choose when there are so many gorgeous options? 

Well, we have you covered. Check out the 16 most breathtaking beaches to soak up some sun, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Eastern Algarve

Town: Tavira Island

Praia de Tavira

Best beach for sunbathing in your birthday suit 

Naturist beaches are all the rage these days, especially in Europe. So if you’re looking for a spot to sunbathe and tan all your bits, head to Praia de Tavira. It is definitely up there as the best Algarve beach in Portugal, and not just because you can get naked. 

The honey-colored sand is washed with cool cerulean waters, making this little beach a stunning place to visit. 

There are some great bars and restaurants, as well as a campsite for anyone looking to sleep under the stars and enjoy a night on the beach. 

It is also home to chameleons and lots of other wildlife, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

To get here, catch the ferry just outside of Tavira. The nudist section is about a fifteen-minute walk towards the ocean side of the island.

Cabanas Island

Best beach for nature lovers.

If you don’t mind putting in a little work to reach a beautiful beach, Ilha de Cabanas, or Cabanas Island, is the place for you! 

Located across the river from Cabanas Village near Tavira, this slice of paradise boasts the Gilão River to one side and the sea to the other. You’ll be treated to a unique blend of salty and fresh water in addition to an abundance of plants and wildlife. This makes it the perfect beach for nature lovers.

The water is a bit warmer than the rest of the Algarve, which is great when you’re ready for a dip. The golden sand beach is expansive; there are even a few lively beach bars for drinks and snacks. 

Other facilities you can enjoy are sunbeds for hire, bathrooms, and lifeguards on duty. 

To get to Cabanas Island, you’ll have to grab a water taxi from Tavira. You’ll find that many regularly leave from the jetties in town and are reasonably priced for a return journey. As an added bonus, the boat ride across the river is a lot of fun!

Praia do Barril

Best beach for families and people who enjoy long walks on the beach.

Another famous Portugal beach in the Algarve is Praia do Barril. The kilometer-long (0.6 mile) stretch of sand here is a gorgeous, shimmery silver-white, and the water is crystal clear. 

The beach is on the island of Tavira, and you can easily reach the beach by walking from the ferry port. If you have limited mobility or would rather enjoy the views, take the mini train and snap some photos of this stunning island. 

Praia do Barril has plenty of space for kids to play in the sand, making it an excellent place for families. It is also a great place to relax and soak up some sun for an enjoyable afternoon.

How to Get to Tavira

If you’re coming from Lisbon, getting to Tavira is cheap and convenient. You can easily take a bus from the capital or book a seat on a train. 

Buses are the more affordable option—the trip takes about four hours. 

Taking the train will cost you a little more, but the seats are very comfortable, and you’ll save about 15 minutes of travel time if you choose this option. 

Town: Fuseta

Praia da Fuseta

Best beach for surfers.

Another great island near Tavira is Ilha Fuseta. This little island separates Ria Formosa Natural Reserve from the Atlantic Ocean. 

You can walk here from the mainland during low tide. Or take a short boat journey if the water is too high.

The azure waters can be quite choppy, making it an ideal spot to surf or skim. The island has sunbeds for hire and a bar and restaurant, so you can enjoy a full day relaxing here. 

How to Get to Fuseta

A train runs from Lisbon to Fuseta with several departures per day. The trip takes about four hours, but this is the most convenient way to travel from the capital if you do not rent your own car. 

Other Great Beaches in Eastern Algarve

If you have the time, you should also check out the following beaches:

• Praia da Ilha de Armona: Best for a family day at the beach.
• Praia de Manta Rota: Best for people who love beach soccer and volleyball.
• Praia do Farol: Best for families looking to relax.
• Praia Naturista: Best for couples looking to spend time on the beach au naturel. 
• Praia de Cacela: Best for sunset lovers and photographers.

Central Algarve

Town: Albufeira

Praia da Marinha

Best for snorkelers or people who like to hike near the beach.

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Praia da Marinha.

Marinha Beach has gotten a lot of accolades for being the best beach in Algarve, Portugal. In fact, it is ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in all of Europe and one of the top 100 beaches in the world. Yes–the entire world!

After spending five minutes on the champagne-hued sand, offset by crystalline azure waters, awe-inspiring cliffs, and unique rock formations, it isn’t hard to understand how it received these accolades. 

There is great snorkeling right off the shore and a lovely cliff path you can walk along while enjoying some impressive sea views.

Because the beach is relatively small and can get very crowded, it is a good idea to get there early and set up your spot for the day.

Pro tip: To access this beautiful beach, you must descend a large set of steep stairs. Consider this if you have limited mobility or might find the walk back up too challenging. 

Praia da Falésia

Best for people who love to party on the beach.

Praia da Falesia is another fantastic option along the Algarve coast in Portugal. It is one of the most popular beaches in the region, hosting thousands of sun-worshippers every year.

Known for its epic sunset parties, Falésia Beach is the place to be every Thursday afternoon during the summer. Who doesn’t love partying on the warm sandy shores while the music pumps and the drinks are flowing? 

It is the perfect place to celebrate summer.

How to Get to Albufeira

Albufeira is stunning and an absolute must on your Portugal beach bucket list. Of course, there are several Algarve beach towns, but Albufeira is a fan fave. 

You can easily get from Faro to Albufeira via train or car. The ride will take approximately 45 minutes. The beaches are close to the town center, and plenty of taxis will take you the rest of the way. 

It is also possible to book a seat on a bus or a train from Lisbon to Albufeira. Both options take about two hours and 40 minutes. 

Town: Portimão

Praia da Rocha

Best for families traveling together and looking to entertain everyone. 

Praia da Rocha, or Beach of the Rock, is the main beach in Portimão in Central Algarve. It is one of the most established beaches in the area, and beach bums have been passing through since tourism first took off in the region. 

The beach itself is a wide expanse of golden sand that stretches from the Praia da Rocha resort all the way up to the marina in Portimão. You’ll find some majestic rock formations along the beach and plenty of room for soccer or volleyball as well.

Praia da Rocha is also a fabulous spot for surfing or a day trip on a small boat. There is a ton to do here, including bars, cafés, and nightclubs—truly providing something for people of all ages. 

Praia de São Rafael

Best beach for easy access and watersports.

Praia de São Rafael is a stunning beach in Portimão. The champagne-colored sand is nestled between shockingly clear, turquoise waters, fascinating rock formations and ochre and red cliffs. 

This picture-perfect beach is one of the most easily accessible spots, too! You won’t find any steep stairs here. Instead, to get to the beach, you can walk down a gentle slope from the massive parking lot directly onto the golden sand. 

During the summer months, little huts offer kayak and paddleboard rentals. Definitely take advantage of this! You can even take a kayak tour along the coast and into some interesting sea caves nearby. 

If you’d rather stay on land, you can also enjoy a lovely walking path at the top of the cliffs. Head up here for some magnificent views, especially at sunset. 

The beach is relatively small, but they have one of the best beach restaurants in the Algarve. It is only open during peak season and is absolutely worth visiting. It is also a short walk from Praia dos Paradinha, an even smaller, more secluded beach. 

Praia de São Rafael is located just west of Albufeira, about 48 km (~30 miles) from Faro. 

How to Get to Portimao

Portimão is about 280 km (175 miles) south of Lisbon. You can easily book a bus, train, or private transport to get you to this charming town before heading off to the beach. Expect the journey to take about three to three and a half hours, regardless of which mode of transport works best for you.

From Faro to Portimao, it’ll only take about an hour.

Other Great Beaches in Central Algarve

• Praia Vale do Lobo: Best beach for celebrity spotting. 
• Praia da Galé: Best for campers and theme park lovers. (Zoomarine Park is right there!)
• Praia do Vale de Centeanes: Best for those obsessed with clear water and a stunning cliff backdrop. 
• Praia dos Alemães: Best for families and groups of friends who need a bit of space to spread out. 
• Praia da Coelha: Best for families and sandcastle builders.
• Praia do Barranco das Belharucas: Best for people who want all the facilities.

Town: Carvoeiro

Praia de Carvoeiro

Best for families and travelers looking for a lively spot in the summer. 

Praia de Carvoeiro is the main beach of Carvoeiro and where people spend the majority of their time during the summer months. The beach is set against stunning limestone cliffs, and the cerulean waters are clear and refreshing.

Carvoeiro is a great spot to bring your family. The town has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep everyone occupied once they have had their fill of the sun.

You can spend your day lounging on the beach and your evenings enjoying some of the Algarve’s best cuisine. 

What more could you ask for?

Praia de Benagil 

Best for cave explorers and Instagram photographers.

Praia de Benagil is located in a deep valley a few kilometers east of Carvoeiro. This busy little fishing village is similar to its neighbor because they, too, are surrounded by towering ochre cliffs that frame the beach.

The golden sand is a little more plentiful here than in Carvoeiro, allowing you to spread out and enjoy the sun. 

People venture out to Praia de Benagil to experience nearby Algar de Benagil—a cathedral-like cave complete with arched entrances and a small, sheltered beach. Regular trips from the shore will bring you out on a boat or kayak so you can explore the cave.

While on your way, snap some photos of the strange cliff formations. They have eroded over many years, leaving beautiful arches, pinnacles, and caves in wonderful shades of yellow and orange. 

Have your camera ready! You’ll want bragging rights!

How to Get to Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is about 275 km (170 miles) south of Lisbon. Buses run daily between the two cities and take about four hours and fifteen minutes. 

However, if you’ve already reached Faro, you can hire a car to drive you 45 minutes west to this fantastic beach town. 

 More Amazing Beaches Near Carvoeiro:

• Praia de Albandeira: Best for Instagram shots.
• Praia do Carvalho: Best for cliff jumping. 
• Praia da Malhada do Braco: Best for gorgeous waters. 

Western Algarve

Town: Lagos

Praia de Dona Ana

Best beach for taking in the stunning views.

Without a doubt, Praia de Dona Ana is one of the most picturesque Algarve, Portugal, playas. The beach is surrounded by jaw-dropping cliffs, and the warm, honey-hued sand and crystal-clear azure waters are incredibly inviting. 

An added bonus is that the cliffs protect the beach from the wind, making this beach a fantastic place to swim. The water is calm, so kids will love to splash around too.

You can search for seashells, walk along the shore, and explore the jagged coastline. 

Just note that Dona Ana Beach, like many beaches in the area, can only be accessed by a very steep wooden staircase. If you have limited mobility or are traveling with small children in strollers, you may want to rethink visiting this beach. 

Praia do Camilo

Best beach if you’re traveling with kids.

Just a short walk from Praia de Dona Ana, you’ll find Praia do Camilo. This tiny beach should definitely be visited during your time in Portugal. 

Because of its size, Camilo Beach is much quieter and far less crowded than its neighbors. As a result, the beach looks similar to Praia de Dona Ana. But it’s divided into two sections connected by a short tunnel in the rocks the kids love to crawl through. Additionally, there is plenty to explore along the rocky coast.

Visiting here feels like you’ve stumbled upon your private slice of paradise, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve packed your camera to capture the stunning views. 

Make your way to Lagos just as you would if you were visiting Praia de Dona Ana. Once you arrive, you’ll definitely think you’ve found the best beach in Algarve, Portugal.

Meia Praia 

Best for surfers and people with mobility issues.

Meia Praia is another one of the best beaches in Portugal, the Algarve specifically. It is the largest beach near Lagos, and the sweeping, golden sand beach spans the entire Tarkwa Bay. 

It is a hit with travelers and locals alike, and you’ll find people enjoying the shores of Meia Praia all year long.  

It can get windy here, but that is why surfers and windsurfers flock to the beach.

Meia Praia is also a great place to visit if you have limited mobility, as you won’t have to battle with steep, steep stairs like in much of the Algarve. Instead, the beach is a quick walk from the Lagos marina, and there are several access points to get to the beach. 

How to Get to Lagos

Lagos is about 90 km (56 miles) west of Faro. 

Want to beach hop? Take a boat trip along the coast near Lagos. It’ll give you a new perspective of the Algarve region.

If you decide to fly into Faro, a car service can bring you directly to Lagos. The ride will take you just under an hour.

There is also a direct train that you can book, which takes about an hour and 45 minutes. 

Coming from the beaches near Lisbon? Take the bus! It is a three-and-a-half-hour journey. If traveling to the Algarve without a car, this is your best and most affordable option.

Other Beaches to Check Out Near Lagos:

• Praia Grande: Best for people who enjoy live music on the beach.
• Praia do Ancão: Best for people who need plenty of space to spread out on the sand.

Town: Aljezur

Praia de Odeceixe

Best for natural beauty.

Ranked by Beautiful Algarve as one of the top seven beaches in Portugal, Praia de Odeceixe is a natural stunner. 

The lack of building and development has kept this beach pristine, and people travel from all over to enjoy its natural peace and quiet.

Here, you get the best of both watery worlds, making it super unique. 

Want the ocean? Head into the Atlantic.

Is salty water not your thing? The Ribeira de Seixe runs through the area for your freshwater refresher. 

Here, you’ll find sunbeds for hire and a few great surfing options as well. 

Praia da Arrifana

Best for surfers and campers.

If you want to surf, Praia da Arrifana should be at the top of your list. Here the beach feels the powerful force of the Atlantic Ocean, making it perfect for surfing.

While the waves may not make it ideal for swimming, Praia da Arrifana is an excellent spot for building sandcastles and relaxing on the warm sand. It is also accessible for almost everyone.

Praia da Arrifana is great to visit all year round because the dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach make it a stunning place to take photographs. It is also located near the ruins of an old fort, which is perfect for exploring.

More Great Beaches Near Aljezur:

• Praia de Monte Clérigo: Best for watching the surfers hang 10. 
• Praia da Bordeira: Best for a zen moment on the beach.
• Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha: Best for calm waters. 
• Praia Nova: Best hidden gem.
• Praia da Amoreira: Best for surf lessons or camping in the dunes.

How to Get to Aljezur:

Aljezur is 245 km (150 miles) south of Lisbon. If you have a car, you can do the drive in about three hours. There is also a bus that operates three times per day directly from Lisbon to this coastal town. The bus is a great affordable option and will take about three and a half hours. 

Town: Sagres

Praia do Beliche

Best for history buffs who also love the sun.

Three kilometers (1.8 miles) from the center of Sagres is Praia do Beliche. A tranquil stretch of warm, caramel-colored sand that rarely sees intense crowds, even in the summer.

In addition to its charm, Beliche Beach is rich in Portuguese history. 

During the Age of Discoveries, several of Portugal’s most important voyages were launched here. One such adventure was when Gil Eanes set sail from Beliche and rounded Cape Bojador in northwest Africa. He was the first person in history known to do so.

Praia do Beliche is also one of the area’s best surf beaches. You can hit the waves at the beach and marvel at the 40-meter (131-foot) cliffs of Cabo Sao Vicente. 

They not only provide a stunning backdrop but also some protection from the powerful Atlantic swells that pummel the shores a little further north. In addition, this shelter helps keep the waves more manageable for intermediate surfers. 

How to Get to Sagres:

Sagres is located at the southwesternmost tip of the Algarve, about 330 km (200 miles) from Lisbon. If you’re traveling from the capital, you can take a four-hour bus, which departs once per day.

You can also hire a private car or minivan directly from Lisbon to Sagres. This is definitely a bougier option, but it would be great if you are traveling with a group and want to arrive in style.

Other Stunning Beaches Near Sagres:

• Praia Ilha Deserta: Best for unspoiled beauty. 
• Praia do Tonel: Best for surf lessons.
• Praia do Amado: Best for surf competitions.

Weather in Algarve

Summer is, of course, the best time to visit the beaches along the Algarve coast in Portugal. It is a comfortable 25℃ (77℉) from late June through September, with very little rainfall. Perfect weather for soaking up some sun and enjoying the beautiful beaches!

You should note, though, that July and August are incredibly crowded. Locals and tourists flock to the beaches during this time, and who could blame them? 

If you want to avoid packed beach resorts and don’t fancy being sandwiched between tons of strangers trying to catch a tan, travel in May or September. Temperatures in May average about 20℃ (68℉) during the day, so while you may not be willing to dip in the chilly Atlantic, it is an excellent time for walking on the beach and cycling through the Algarve region. 

In September, you’ll still get the amazing weather of July and August, but there will be far fewer crowds since everyone heads back to work. Just bear in mind that some of the Algarve beach resorts will start to shut down for the winter towards the end of the month. 

The rainiest months are November through February, and many Algarve beach hotels are shut for the holidays. Some resorts remain open, though—it can be a fantastic time for a quiet holiday by the sea. It will be too cold to swim, but it will still be a stunning place to visit.

Packing List Essentials

Packing for a beach vacation is pretty standard. However, when visiting the Algarve coast of Portugal, you don’t want to forget these other things to ensure you are fully prepared.

Make sure you have the following:

• Plenty of bathing suits and cover-ups
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sand-resistant towel
• Waterproof shoes to protect your toes 
• Portable safe/lockable beach bag
• GoPro or waterproof camera
• Insulated bag or cooler to keep a picnic cold
• Waterproof phone case 

Map of Algarve, Portugal

This map of the Algarve region has as many of these beaches as we could squeeze on there. Use it when planning your beaching hopping adventure.

How to Get to Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve region is located about 275 km (~170 miles) south of the capital city of Lisbon. If you rent a car, you can easily drive it in about three to four hours, depending on which beach towns you plan to visit.

Portugal has a brilliant public transportation system. Trains, buses, and car services will get you from most major cities to the beaches in the Algarve.

You can take a train or bus directly from Lisbon to Faro, the region’s capital. The bus is the cheapest option and takes about 3.5 hours. However, the train is perfect if you prefer to ride more comfortably. It takes about the same amount of time, with four daily departures.

The Algarve Wrap-Up

You really can’t go wrong with any of these spots in this Algarve beach guide. We know it might be hard to leave the region, but when you’re ready to travel on, you can hit the beaches in Porto or Lisbon.

But don’t worry. You can travel through Portugal pretty easily with Bookaway’s routes. 

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