The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is regularly voted as the best beach destination in Europe, so narrow down your options with our top 25 Algarve beaches run down.
What makes Algarve beaches so special is the huge variety on offer, from cove beaches only accessible by the sea, to enormous stretches that go on for miles, to white sands on the Algarve islands and the dramatic rock formations and cliffs along others.
A great way to discover as many Algarve beaches as possible in one go is on an Algarve boat trip, with boat trips available from marinas in Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimão, Faro, Alvor, Ferragudo and Lagos marina all year round.
A great way to discover as many Algarve beaches as possible in one go is to hop on an Algarve boat trip, with boat trips available from Vilamoura marina, Albufeira marina, Portimão and from Lagos marina all year round.
With so many beaches to choose from it can be hard to pick out a favourite but we have come up with a list of the top 25 Algarve beaches that we think shows off the very best beaches the region has to offer!
Tavira & Eastern Algarve
Beach at Cabanas’ Island
The beach on the ilha de Cabanas near to Tavira requires a little bit of work to get there but we all know that sometimes the best things in life are worth putting in some effort for!
The beach is located across the river from Cabanas village on a spit of land with the river on one side and the sea on the other, giving it a unique blend of fresh and salt water flora, fauna and wildlife and making it an ideal location for nature lovers.
To get to the beach you need to jump on to a water taxi, with many leaving regularly from the jetties in the town and costing very little for a return journey. The short trip across the river is great fun, especially for children and once on the other side it is only a couple of hundred metres over the boardwalk to the main beach itself.
The waters here are usually warmer than in many other parts of the Algarve and the beach is huge with a couple of beach bars on the ilha for drinks, snacks and ice creams.
How to get there? To reach the beach at Ilha de Cabanas, you should take a taxi-boat or a ferry at Tavira’s harbour. Tavira’s harbour is placed at Lago da Armação da Abóbora, which is about 7 kilometres away from Tavira’s historic centre. To get there, follow Rua do Óculo and Rua Álvaro de Campos until N125. Leave N125 at Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceição and head on to Rua da Nora Branca. Afterwards, take Rua Vasco da Gama until Largo da Armação da Abóbora.
Parking – At the beach there is no parking, but you can park the car near the place where you catch the ferry.
Access – There is a wooden walkway connecting the port to the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Try going early to the beach so you can more easily catch the ferry
Are there sunbeds for hire – Yes
Are there showers and toilets? There are toilets
In the area – There are some bars and restaurants in the area
Good for – nature lovers, and for a relaxing beach day away from civilization
Praia da Ilha de Armona
The Ria Formosa national park is an area of outstanding natural beauty and within it are a series of small islands with Armona Island being one of the most beautiful and home to a stunning beach.
You can only access this island by water taxi or ferry, with regular boat trips taking place throughout the day and very reasonably priced. A water taxi from Olhão marina is the fastest way to get there but nothing beats getting on the ferry with the locals as they bring across their shopping for the week!
The island is only about 1 kilometre wide and once you pass through the cluster of little holiday houses and restaurants you walk along a little path that takes you out to the white sands of the beach.
This is a real castaway experience, even in the summer months, and Armona island offers a totally new perspective on Algarve beaches that is unique to this area of the region.
How to get there? Boat-taxi or ferry from the Marina of Olhão
Parking – There is paid parking at the Marina of Olhão
Access – There is a walkway that runs along the island all the way until the beach
Lifeguards – No
Tips – Rent a house on the island for a few days and enjoy the peacefulness of this island
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? No shower or toilet
In the area – There are a few restaurants and bars
Good for – family beach days
Praia de Tavira
Some beach goers prefer to let it all hang out and if you are looking for a naturist beach in the Algarve then head over to Tavira island.
The beach on Tavira island is known for being one of the five official naturist beaches in Portugal and while it is perfectly alright to go on the beach with your clothes, don’t be surprised if you see lots of people without theirs!
To get to the island you need to catch a ferry from the little port just outside Tavira, then once on the island if you are looking to be nude then the best place to head is about 15 a minute walk from the port on the ocean side of the island.
The beach is very beautiful and home to some bars and restaurants and also a large campsite for anyone who wants to stay over on the island for a break.
As well as being a beach for naturists, the beach is also a home to many chameleons and other wildlife , making this one for everyone!
How to get there? Ferry or taxi boat. The best place to take the ferry is at Cais das Quatro Águas. To get there, follow Estrada das 4 Águas until the end.
Parking – There is parking at the place where you take the ferry
Access – Yes
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Enjoy camping at the fantastic campsite situated on the island
Are there sunbeds for hire – Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – Bars and restaurants
Good for – groups of friends, families and campers
Praia do Barril
Praia do Barril is located on the island of Tavira and is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing beaches in the Algarve, with its silvery white sand and transparent blue sea. You can either walk the last kilometer of the route to the beach or take the picturesque mini train. Which grants you a formidable view over the island.
How to get there? To get to Praia do Barril, take N125 until you reach EM1347. Follow EM1347 until Santa Luzia. At Santa Luzia you will find a small bridge which leads to the place where you can take the train or walk the last kilometre to the beach.
How to get there? By train or walking.
Parking – Yes, near the place where you take the train
Access – Yes
Lifeguard – Yes, during summer
Tips – Take the occasion to see the graveyard of anchors that exists on the beach
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – families and people who like walking
Praia de Manta Rota
Praia de Manta Rota is located in the bay of Monte Gordo, in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, and is one of our favourites.
The extensive sand line invites you to play soccer, racquets, volleyball or rugby, to make constructions in the sand or to fly a kite. If you prefer to rest, you can also do it on one of the sunbeds that are available for hire.
Praia de Manta Rota has another great advantage: when it is low tide, you can walk for dozens of meters in the sea before you are forced to swim, making it the perfect beach to take small children.
How to get there? Follow N125 until Vila Nova de Cacela. Turn left towards EM1248 and drive towards Rua da Quinta da Manta Rota. Turn right and take EM509 and then left towards Rua da Praia da Manta Rota.
Parking – Yes
Access – Yes, there is a wooden walkway that allows access to the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Enjoy playing beach soccer or beach volleyball with your friends
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – groups of friends, people who enjoy practicing sports and families with children
Praia da Fuseta
Praia da Fuseta is located on Fuseta’s Island, which separates the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve from the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful island enjoys a sea of enviable quality. Sometimes the sea gets very wavy, making it suitable for water sports like surfing or skimming.
How to get there? On foot (when it is low tide) or by boat. The best way to find this beach among so many in the Algarve is to take N125 until Moncarapacho.
Parking – Yes, near the place where you take the boat
Access – Yes, through a wooden pathway
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Take the boat to the island and enjoy the marvellous landscape
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – families
Praia do Farol
This beach can be found on Ilha do Farol (which directly translates to the Island of the Lighthouse), named because of Cabo de Santa Maria’s Lighthouse which was built on the island in 1851, is one of the quietest beaches in the Algarve.
Not very popular, this is a beach visited only by locals, who spend the whole summer on the island, or by inhabitants of the city of Faro and Olhão who take the boat early in the morning to the island and return in the last boat of the day.
How to get there? Boat. You can take a boat to Ilha do Farol at Faro Marina or Olhão Marina.
Parking – Yes, there are parking spaces close to where you take the boat
Access – Yes
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Rent a house on the island and enjoy a few days away from civilization
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – families
Praia Naturista
At the far end of the Island of Tavira there is a naturist beach. This nudist beach enjoys a magnificent view over the other islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. Praia Naturista de Tavira is one of the five official naturist beaches in Portugal.
How to get there? Ferry to the island and then you have to walk to the beach.. As mentioned above, to get to the Island of Tavira, the best way is to catch a ferry at Cais das Quatro Águas and for that all you have to do is to follow Estrada das 4 Águas.
Parking – Yes, close to where you take the ferry
Access – Walk along the beach (there is no human construction that allows access to the beach)
Lifeguards – No
Tips – Have fun spending a day at the beach naked
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – couples
Albufeira & Central Algarve
Praia da Marinha
Marinha beach is considered to be not only one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe but also as one of the 100 best in the world and it is not hard to see why!
Located along the coast between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, this beach is one of the gems of the Algarve and boasts golden sands, clear blue waters and some of the most amazing cliffs and rock formations around.
There is a large car park at the top and then it is on to the steps and down all the way to the beach.
Marinha is not a particularly large beach and in the summer months it can get very busy so it is a good idea to get there early and to tackle the steps when it is not the heat of the day.
A great one for photography buffs, but not so suitable for anyone who may find the steps a challenge, especially on the way back up.
How to get there? About 15 minutes by car from Armação de Pêra, the best way to get to Marinha Beach is through EM530-1. Take the direction of Porches and turn to Estrada do Poço Santo. Afterwards, take EM1154 until you reach Marinha Beach.
Parking – Yes
Access – Stairs with several steps lead you to the sea level. People with reduced mobility will have difficulty climbing up the stairs to get off the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Praia da Marinha is not a particularly large beach and in the summer months can be very busy so it is a good idea to get there early, and to walk down the stairs before the hottest hours of the day.
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – There is a picnic area
Good for – Hikers or people who like to do snorkelling
Praia de Vale do Lobo
For a taste of the high life, head down to Vale do Lobo beach located within the heart of the Golden Triangle.
You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the lifestyle down in Vale do Lobo and this has to be one of the best beaches in the Algarve for some celebrity spotting with sporting stars, tv personalities, models and the odd Hollywood A-lister all known for choosing Vale do Lobo beach to soak up some rays in the Algarve.
The beach has a number of famous restaurants, including Maria’s, Julia’s and Sandbanks, all serving up a glamorous beach experience, while there are lots of sunbeds and even a massage station for a touch of relaxation.
With the beach being only a short distance from Vilamoura marina and the Aquashow water park, it is really easy to find, although in the summer months you do have to pay to park near to the beach.
How to get there? By car. There’s a big avenue heading down from Vale do Lobo Resort to the beach which is called Avenida do Mar.
Parking – Paid parking is available near the beach
Access – There is a wooden walkway that allows access to the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Make sure you get to the beach early, especially during August, because of the number of people visiting the beach
Are there sunbeds for hire – Yes, during the summer
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – Several restaurants like the famous Maria’s or Sandbanks.
Good for – families
Praia da Galé
Located between the extensive beaches of Salgados and Armação de Pêra, Praia da Galé is very easy to find and is divided into two distinct areas, which makes it a great place for those who want more of their beach in the Algarve.
How to get there? The best way to get to Praia da Galé, from Albufeira, is by car, following Rua Miguel Bombarda, then M526 and finally Estrada do Castelo.
Parking – Yes
Access – Yes
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Drink a beer at the terrace of a café facing the ocean and watch the sunset
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? There are showers
In the area – There are bars, restaurants and the Zoomarine theme park
Good for – campers and groups of friends
Praia da Falésia
Praia da Falésia is one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The sunset parties that are organised on this beach every Thursday afternoon during summer months attract many people looking for a fun way to celebrate summer.
How to get there? You can walk there or take a car. It is a good walk from Albufeira. By car, from Albufeira’s historic centre, you must first take Avenida dos Descobrimentos. Enter EM526, take Estrada do Toy70 and then take Estrada das Açoteias. Follow Rua da Falésia until you reach Praia da Falésia.
Parking – Yes, but it is not enough for the amount of people who attend this beach
Access – Yes, there is an extensive wooden walkway that runs along the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Try getting to the beach early to avoid the confusion that sets during the afternoon
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – groups of friends and party-lovers
Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Praia do Vale de Centeanes is surrounded by an imposing cliff that enters the sea. The sea is so transparent that one can see the bottom of the sea when standing on the golden sands.
How to get there? Praia do Vale de Centeanes sits 4 kilometres away from the centre of Carvoeiro. To get there, follow Rua João Paulo II, then Estrada do Farol and, at last, take EM530.
Parking – Yes
Access – There is a wooden pathway leading to the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips– Because it is a small beach, we recommend that you arrive early so you can find a place
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – families
Praia dos Alemães
Praia dos Alemães is located in Albufeira and is another example of the paradisiacal beaches that exist in the Algarve. The huge golden sand allows children (and not only) to play beach soccer or rackets without other people being bothered.
How to get there? Take Rua 5 de Outubro right next to Albufeira’s historic centre, until you get to Avenida dos Descobrimentos. Take Rua Miguel Torga and, at the roundabout, take the first exit to Rua Dunfermline. When you get to Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, turn left at Rua Coumbano Bordalo Pinheiro. Follow the street until Praia dos Alemães.
Parking – Yes
Access – There is a wooden walkway
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Enjoy eating a traditional Bola de Berlim or Bolacha Americana which are sold by the walking sellers (you’ll know who they are once they start shouting)
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – Families and groups of friends
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha is the main beach for Portimão and has been a popular destination for visitors since tourism first began in the region.
This is a huge, wide and long beach, that runs all along the front of the Praia da Rocha resort up to the Portimão marina.
There are some beautiful rock formations along the beach, hence the name which means beach of the rock, but it is the sheer size and options for sports, surfing, boat trips, cafes, restaurants and even nightclubs on the beach in the summer, that make this a real hit with all ages.
The long boardwalk makes travelling from one end to the other really easy and children will love the play parks in the sand and the ample opportunities to stop for an ice cream.
Praia da Rocha is the Algarve beach that has it all, and even in the summer month when thousands of people arrive, the beach is still so big there is always a space to lay your towel.
How to get there? From Portimão’s Museum, follow Estrada da Rocha until you get the beach. It takes less than 5 minutes.
Parking – Yes
Access – There is a long walkway that crosses most of the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during the summer
Tips – Watch the rock formations scattered along the beach
Are there sunbeds for hire – Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – Plenty of restaurants and ice-cream parlours
Good for – Family and friends
Praia Grande
Praia Grande is located between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo in the central Algarve with the beach bordering both the Atlantic and the River Arade and ensuring gentle waves all year round.
The sheltered waters make this beach a great one for nervous swimmers or for anyone not keen on being taken unaware by a random wave while trying to get into the water.
Praia Grande is huge with one area near the river with rocks to climb on and views of the fort, another area with a dedicated sports pitch and even a small play park on the sand for younger children. You can even get to the beach by water taxi from Portimão arena if you want to cut out the drive around!
What draws most people to this beach however is the live music and entertainment. Head down on a Sunday and Club Nau on the beach holds music sessions, or move around the corner and relax with chill out tunes on the sand at Escondidinho.
How to get there? Car or boat from Portimão Marina
Parking – Yes
Access – Yes
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Watch live music shows during summer months
Are there sunbeds for hire – Yes
Are there showers and toilets? Yes
In the area – Restaurants and bars
Good for – photographers, geologists or families
Praia do Ancão
Praia do Ancão, located near Quinta do Lago, is one of the best beaches in the Algarve because of its size. Since it is a beach with a huge amount of sand, people find themselves spaced far from each other, which ensures there is always space for you to lay down your towel.
How to get there? From Quarteira, follow Rua do Farol to Avenida de Ceuta. Take EM527-2 until Estrada Fonte Santa. From there, follow Caminha das Ferrarias to EM527. Continue on EM527 to Avenida do Ancão.
Parking – Yes
Access – There is a wooden walkway that allows access to the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Rent one of the pedalo boats or try reaching the floating platform in the middle of the sea
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? There are showers
In the area – There are a few bars and restaurants
Good for – families and friends
Lagos & Western Algarve
Meia Praia
Meia Praia is the largest beach in Lagos and this enormous, sweeping beach that spans the entire bay is a favourite with locals and visitors at any time of the year in the Algarve thanks to it offering space even in the peak of the season.
The beach is only a short distance from Lagos marina and you can access it from various different points without having to negotiate any steps, which makes it fantastic for anyone with accessibility issues.
It can get windy at this beach but that only makes it more appealing to the surfers and windsurfers who head out to catch the waves.
The beach has something for everyone, including water sports options, restaurants and bars but it is knowing that you never have to struggle to find a space on this beach, even though it is right next to a major city and tourist hotspot in the Algarve, that makes it so special.
How to get there? Take EM524 from Lagos to Meia Praia.
Parking – Yes
Access – Several accesses (the main route to reach the beach is from near Lagos Marina)
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Take a kite with you and try using the strong winds that usually hit the beach to make it fly
Are there sunbeds for hire – Yes
Are there showers or toilets? No
In the area – There are restaurants and bars
Good for – people who enjoy practicing sports, families and friends
Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo, in Lagos, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Cliffs and rock formations surround the beach, making this one of the smallest beaches on this list. However, we can’t help emphasizing the stunning natural beauty of this small beach of Lagos, where there are caves and hidden beaches that can only be accessed by swimming.
How to get there? Take N125 outside Lagos until you get to Rua Professor Luís de Albuquerque. Turn right towards Estrada da Ponta da Piedade and then left to get to Praia do Camilo.
Parking – Yes
Access – Access is via a wooden staircase. Please note that this staircase has several steps, and therefore should be avoided by families with baby strollers or people with mobility difficulties
Lifeguards – No
Tips – Explore the rocky tunnels and secret beaches
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – In the area there is a small urbanization of houses
Good for – groups of friends and couples
Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana, like all beaches in Lagos, is incredibly beautiful. The bizarre cliffs and rocks that surround this beach offer fantastic landscapes that have long inspired painters from all over the world.
How to get there? Take N125 outside Lagos to Rua Professor Luís de Albuqerque. Turn right to Estrada da Ponta da Piedade and then left to Alameda Dr. Armando Soares Ribeiro. Continue until you get to Praia Dona Ana.
Parking – Yes
Access – Access is via wooden stairs
Lifeguards – No
Tips – This is the time to take those amazing Instagram pictures or to take those perfect family photos that look great on the shelves of the living room
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? No
Good for – families, friends and photographers
Aljezur & West Coast
Praia da Arrifana
Not everybody goes to the beach to sunbathe and build sandcastles and while Praia da Arrifana is a great spot for both, what it is really famous for is for being a top surfing beach in the Algarve.
Located along the western coast of the Algarve, beaches in this area feel the full force of the Atlantic which makes them not great for swimming but exceptional for surfing and Praia da Arrifana has to be one of the best.
The water quality here is very good and the beach is considered to be accessible for everyone but if you are not a fan of surfing there is still plenty to love about this beach, including the dramatic cliffs that surround it and even the ruins of a fort that sit above the beach that you can explore.
This is a fantastic beach to visit at any time of the year and looks especially dramatic in the winter when the waves crash onto the sands and because it is locate within a national park, the wildlife, flora and fauna are all outstanding too.
How to get there? Head on south outside Aljezur through N120. Afterwards, follow EM1003-1 to Praia da Arrifana.
Parking – Yes
Access – Access is by a ramp or by a set of wooden stairs
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Ideal beach for surfing. Enjoy signing up for your first surf lesson or renting the equipment to catch some waves
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – In the village of Arrifana there are restaurants and cafes
Good for – surfers and campers
Praia de Odeceixe
In 2012, Praia de Odeceixe was elected as one of the 7 most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Its extensive sand and the absence of buildings or constructions nearby makes it a little heaven still untouched by Man.
Praia de Odeceixe has the particularity of containing a river beach, since it is delimited to the northeast by Ribeira de Seixe, thus offering both the sea and river to relax and cool down in.
How to get there? Head on south through N120 outside Aljezur. When you get to Odeceixe, follow the signs pointing to Praia de Odeceixe.
Parking – Yes
Access – Access is through a wooden walkway and stairs
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Ideal beach for surfing
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? There is a shower
In the area – Village of Aljezur
Good for – surfers and campers
Praia da Amoreira
Praia da Amoreira is bathed by the mouth of the Aljezur river, giving rise to a breath-taking landscape. This is another perfect beach for surfing, as it is located in the western coast of the Algarve and not on the south coast of the region as with most beaches on this list.
How to get there? Follow EM1003-1 to Praia da Amoreira outside Aljezur. The route takes about 10 minutes by car.
Parking – Yes
Access – Access is via stairs and a wooden walkway
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Enjoy taking your first surf lesson or camping in the dunes of the beach
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? No
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – surfers and campers
Praia de Monte Clérigo
Praia de Monte Clérigo is located on Costa Vicentina. The expansive white-sand beach invites you for a lazy afternoon spent with your family watching surfers riding waves. Through the dunes of this beach flourishes a vegetation rarely found elsewhere in the Algarve.
How to get there? Take EM1003-1 from Aljezur to Praia de Monte Clérigo.
Parking – Yes
Access – Yes
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Enrol in a surf class
Are there sunbeds for hire? Yes
Are there showers and toilets? There is a shower
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – campers, surfers and families
Praia da Bordeira
Praia da Bordeira is located at the mouth of Ribeira da Bordeira (which is where the beach’s name comes frome), in Aljezur, and is almost 3km long. This is another beach placed at Costa Vicentina. This is such a peaceful beach that you will get lost in the breath-taking combination of the blue sky and sea.
How to get there? Head on south on N120 outside Aljezur. When you get to N268, turn right towards Estrada da Praia and continue until Praia da Bordeira.
Parking – Yes
Access – There are two wooden boardwalks that allow access to the beach
Lifeguards – Yes, during summer
Tips – Try to do bodyboarding on this beach (similar to surfing, but easier to practice)
Are there sunbeds for hire? No
Are there showers and toilets? There are toilets
In the area – There are bars and restaurants
Good for – surfers and campers
