Portugal's most southerly region is famous for its sandy beaches, sleepy fishing villages and an abundance of top-notch golf courses.
Most of the beaches along this near 100 mile stretch of coastline are family friendly, and there are plenty with a Blue Flag tick by their name too.
Among the contenders for top beaches on the Algarve is Sao Rafael. Its golden sands, crystal clear waters and sandstone cliff backdrop make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, and it has a Blue Flag to go with it too. It's also one of the quieter beaches along this coastline, so if you're after some tranquility then you're on to a winner.
There's plenty of competition though and just along the coast is the bigger and busier resort of Albufeira. In fact, Albufeira's stretch of coast lines up 25 different beaches, and a very lively nightlife scene.
Whichever resort you opt for though, you can expect to find silky golden sands, clear waters, and towns filled with whitewashed buildings.
Like many others on the Algarve, Benagil was a small fishing village. Unlike many others Benagil has managed to retain some of its charm and a little of its industry. Along with the sandstone cliffs, clear waters and golden sand of this archetypal Algarvian cove you will find fishing boats, baskets and nets and a few of the fishermen who still work from here. Despite its appeals the beach at… read more »
Bordeira beach is located on the wild, western coast of the Algarve which is a very different place to the resort beaches further south. This magnificent stretch of wide open golden sand is pounded by the full force of the Atlantic waves making it one of the most popular surf spots in the Algarve region. One of the lovely things about Bordeira is it is virtually unspoilt; there are over… read more »
Ocre coloured cliffs are a trademark of the coves of the central Algarve, as are the amazing rock formations and clear aquamarine waters. However, with the possible exception of Praia Dona Ana in Lagos, nowhere are these rocks as spectacular as at Praia da Marinha.
Over the millennia the ocean has carved the limestone cliffs here into various arches, caves and pinnacles making this one of the most photographed beaches… read more »
Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve's best known and certainly most impressive beaches. A vast expanse of golden sand backed by the ocre coloured sandstone cliffs unique to this stretch of the Algarve. The beach's name translates to 'rock beach' and this refers to the numerous rock formations that punctuate the golden sand towards the western end. Being located on the doorstep of Portimão, one of the Algarve's… read more »
Ilha Deserta means deserted island and this small sandy isle just off the coast of Faro lives up to its name. At 7km (5 miles) long the island has plenty of beach for all of its zero permanent inhabitants. Even in the height of summer you would be unfortunate if you had to share your stretch of beach with more than a few others - not like the nearby beaches… read more »
