Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha, between Portimao and Albufeira, is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve with a series of caves hidden among the rocks
The Algarve region is a very popular summer destination. Its coast, located in the South of Portugal, offers some of the best beaches in Europe thanks to a mix of sand, weather conditions, mediterranean atmosphere, and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the ideal destination for water sports lovers.
There are more than 150 beaches in the Algarve, and here you can find some information about the best ones. Algarve’s beaches are perfect for those who love practicing sports, sunbathing and relaxing at one of the several bars on the beach.
Albufeira is by far the most popular destination in Algarve. Here there are some very beautiful beaches equipped with all the comforts, as well as some more secluded beaches where to enjoy and admire the beauty of nature.
Between Albufeira and Portimao, near Carvoeiro, lies Praia da Marinha, known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You’ll often come across photos of Praia da Marinha in Algarve advertisements, and it’s Lonely Planet’s favourite beach in the Algarve – in person, the beach is even more beautiful than in the photos.
When you arrive, be sure to take in the breathtaking view of the beach from above. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs, giving it a magical feel. After admiring the panoramic view, you can take a long flight of steps down to the beach. There is also a small restaurant.
Praia dos Salgados is a long, sandy beach, located to the east of the Salgados Lagoon, a wetland formed on the last stretch of the Espiche River embankment. To reach the beach, one crosses the tourist complex that runs along the edge of the lagoon, descending along an avenue lined with tall palm trees.
The beach is preserved in its natural state: to the west you can see the large dunes of Praia Grande and the lagoon surrounded by dense vegetation, while the other side is dominated by dunes of more modest height, but equally rich in flora and fauna.
An extensive network of wooden footbridges rises over the river mouth and the dunes, allowing for long walks both to the west, along the Salgados lagoon, and to the east, as far as the village of Galé.
A long, sandy beach awarded blue flag in 2012, located 4 kilometers east from Albufeira. The water of Praia de Santa Eulália is clean and calm. It has a safe parking area and a lifeguard service, making it the ideal destination for families traveling with kids.
Among the best Algarve beaches we can’t miss Praia da Falesia in Albufeira. This long slope of sand, located on a straight line of 10 kilometers to the east of Albufeira, offers some of the most beautiful views of the region.
It is boarded by white and ochre breathtaking cliffs, as well as by beautiful pine trees. The beach is longer than 3 kilometers, therefor it is pretty easy to find a free spot even when it is very crowded.
It is a good beach where to enjoy a nice walk, and it offers a great choice of beach facilities.
Portimaio is a very popular destination for tourists visiting the Algarve region, thanks to its central location halfway between Lagos and Albufeira.
Praia da Rocha, near Portimao, is one of the most famous beaches of the Algarve. It is located in a very busy both during the night and during the day, and it is one of the most appreciated areas of the region.
The beach is spacious and sandy, the water is clear and deep blue. During summer months, Praia da Rocha get crowded by visitors from all over Europe, and sometimes it could get a little bit too noisy. However, you just need to move a little bit to enjoy some relax!
Praia de Albandeira is one of the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve; in order to get there you need to follow the directions towards Porches from Benagil. Believe it or not, this gem is still unknown among tourists. It is a small beach with white sand and rocks, where it is not possible to practice water sports, nor to place beach umbrellas or beds. It is the perfect place to read a good book and fall asleep under the sun.
Lagos is a very interesting base for your holiday in the Algarve. Its old town is very charming and there are several beaches nearby to spend a wonderful holiday full of sun, sea, and relax.
Praia do Camilo is one of the best beaches of Lagos, boarded by beautiful cliffs. You can reach it by going down about 200 steps; here you can find the famous Ponta da Piedade, a series of cliffs with natural caves that can be admired on a boat tour.
Praia Dona Ana is one of the most interesting beaches of the whole region; it is characterized by beautiful fine sand and calm and crystal clear waters. From the center of Lagos it takes less than 30 minutes on foot, and it is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach with the family. However, during the high season it can get very crowded.
It is located on the opposite side of Lagos compared to Praia Dona Ana. It is a very long beach, and for this reason will you always find a free spot, even during high season.
Luz is a cozy village near Lagos; its beach, Praia da Luz, is very beautiful. It is long and sandy, and it goes from Rocha Negra cliff to the hill where the Liz fortress is located. The water is calm and transparent, and the beach is surveilled by lifeguards. It is perfect for a day with the kids.
Faro, the administrative center of the Algarve region, is often ignored by tourists; however, it has some great beaches which are perfect both for families and for sports lovers, offering the opportunity to practice kitesurf and windsurf.
A real gem of the Algarve, Praia do Ancão is one of the most famous beaches near Faro. Imagine a golden beach and a blue postcard sea. It is very popular among families thanks to its calm waters and dunes, that protect the beach from the wind.
There are beach umbrellas and beds, boats for rent and the possibility to practice water skiing. The beach is a continuation of Quinta do Lago, but it accesses on a dirt road. Free parking.
Praia do Barril, in the easter side of the Algarve, received the prestigious blue flag recognition. It is located on an island that belongs to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is not just a place that is worth a visit, but also a great spot to practice windsurf.
Did you know that around here there are also nudist areas?
Facing the west coast of Portugal, just in front of the Atlantic Ocean, these beaches are less popular among tourists, as they are slightly more distant from the main holiday destinations. They are also wider, more exposed to the wind, and the water is colder. However, if you love nature and if you are looking for some quiet, you can’t miss them.
Praia de Odeceixe, located in Odeceixe, is the perfect destination for families, geologists, and hikers. This blue flag beach is considered one of the best of the region and it was nominated one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal in 2012.
Praia de Odeceixe is a slope of sand situated at the mouth of the river, and it is boarded by majestic cliffs. It is a good choice for families as young children can swim on the calm side of the river, while kids can play with waves on the other side of the shore.
On the beach there is a surfing school, while if you get hungry we suggest you to grab a bite in the charming village of Odeceixe, which is about half an hour’s walk along a picturesque country road.
Praia do Amoreira, facing the Atlantic coast of Portugal, is also an interesting option. This is one of the favorite spots among nature lovers thanks to its natural pools with star fishes and sea urchins. The sea is not suitable for kids due to its undertows.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
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Budget accommodations
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