The 12 Best Algarve Beaches
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.
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1. Benagil Beach
© Sven Grüne Great for:- Swimming
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 »
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2. Praia da Salema
Jose Goncalves Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Praia da Salema, or Salema Beach, is a Blue Flag beach by the village of the same name known for its dinosaur footprints. Facing south, it is a stretch of sand approximately a kilometre in length. Relatively undeveloped because of its location within Vincente Coast Natural Park, Praia da Salema manages to maintain its traditional atmosphere, with fishermen continuing to haul their boats onto the beach between the short rows… read more »
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3. Praia de São Rafael
Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Located approximately four kilometres to the west of Albufeira old town centre, Praia de São Rafael is a Blue Flag beach recognised officially for its cleanliness. It marries the rich blue of the sea with a wide triangle of golden sand. This is edged by attractive rocky cliffs the colour of butter and biscuits which are etched with caves and grottoes and are perhaps best explored by renting a… read more »
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4. Praia do Camilo
© Frank Nürnberger Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
A pleasant 30 minute stroll from the historic heart of Lagos, Praia do Camilo is accessed via a wooden staircase of around 200 steps which wind among the ochre-coloured cliffs, enclosing its sands almost entirely. The result is one of the Algarve's most iconic beaches.
Praia do Camilo is relatively small in size, with the high tide covering up to half its area. A popular escape from Lagos, it does… read more »
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5. Praia da Bordeira
© CanStockPhoto 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 »
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6. Praia da Marinha
© Inacio Pires / 123RF 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 »
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7. Praia da Rocha
© CanStockPhoto Great for:- Fishing
- Swimming
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 ochre 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 »
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8. Praia de Odeceixe
Otávio Nogueira Great for:- Surfing
Situated within Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Praia de Odeceixe is a Blue Flag beach on the north-western edge of the Algarve. Formed from a promontory on the southern side of the estuary of the Ribeira de Seixe River, the beach consists of soft sand separating the river from the Atlantic Ocean and providing two options for swimming.
Praia de Odeceixe stretches out for around 330 metres from a small hillside town… read more »
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9. Ilha Deserta
© Animaris / CC BY 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 »
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10. Praia do Amado
Aires Almeida Great for:- Surfing
Praia do Amado is found on the Algarve’s west coast, within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Surrounded by a series of low grassy hills and cliffs, its broad expanse comprises rich golden sands sweeping into the shallows and an area of shingle and seashells behind.
However, there’s still plenty of space for everyone who visits, with the sands stretching for around one kilometre in length along multiple connected bays.… read more »
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11. Praia dos Pescadores
Sean MacEntee Great for:- Swimming
Praia dos Pescadores (or Fisherman’s Beach) is a Blue Flag beach which forms one stretch of golden sand running along the coastal side of Albufeira. A stone’s throw from the old town, as well as places to eat, drink and sleep, this beach is unsurprisingly popular with Algarve locals as well as those on holiday in the region.
Named after the spot in town where fishermen historically hauled their boats… read more »
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12. Meia Praia
Great for:- Fishing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
Situated between the town of Lagos and the mouth of the Ribeira de Odiaxere river, Meia Praia is the region's longest area of beach. Providing plenty of space even during the busy summer period, Meia Praia has a total length of around four kilometres, but still has a calm and understated atmosphere compared to many other beaches in the Algarve. The most popular part of the beach tends to… read more »
