Algarve, the southernmost part of Portugal, boasts a stunning array of beautiful beaches. Here’s a list that might just inspire you to head south to this part of Europe the next time you pack your backpack. With so many beaches to choose from, the list could go on forever. So, here’s a selection of some of them.
Note that the word “Praia” is Portuguese and means “Beach.”
Here you will find the mentioned beaches in the Algarve
Meia Praia
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy watching countless windsurfers and surfers dance on the waves. The beach faces Baía de Lagos and offers a selection of bars where you can quench your thirst.
Praia da Armona
To reach Praia da Armona, you usually need to take a ferry from Olhão, which takes about half an hour. The ferries run quite frequently, making it relatively easy to travel back and forth. This beach is not very crowded.
Praia da Arrifana
Praia de Arrifana is located on the west coast of the Algarve and attracts surfers as well as many campervans. It’s a relatively safe place to swim. A unique spot with absolutely breathtaking views. The beach is particularly enjoyable outside the peak season.
Praia de Barril
An extension of Praia Ilha de Tavira, this beach offers an exciting arrival experience as visitors cross a narrow pontoon bridge. You can either take the miniature train or walk along the tracks to get there. Facilities include cafés, restaurants, shops, and restrooms.
Praia da Bordeira
A long sandy beach with many dunes, almost deserted outside the peak season.
Praia da Falesia
This beach is named after the fascinating red cliffs that form the backdrop to the endless stretches of sand. The cliffs are not very high, so it’s easy to reach them. The beach is located to the west of Vilamoura.
Praia da Gale
A long sandy beach without cliffs, located to the west of Albufeira. It stretches around the Armacao de Pera bay and leads to the town.
Praia da Rocha
This is probably the oldest and most famous beach in the Algarve. Located south of Portimão, it was originally much narrower and had more charm. Over time, it has been expanded with more sand, which was pumped in during the dredging of Portimão Harbor.
Praia de ALVOR
Located just outside the popular fishing village of Alvor, this beach stretches over 2 km from the village to the west, towards Lagos.
Praia de Garrão
The beach faces the upscale resort area, better known as Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. It is easily accessible from the main road and is famous for its beach restaurants, known as “Julias.”
Praia da Ilha de Faro
The beach is long and narrow, with access just south of Faro Airport. Due to its proximity to the main city in the Algarve, it is usually very busy, offering a variety of water sports activities and numerous restaurants.
Praia do Castelejo
One of the few beaches on the west coast where swimming is safer, this beach is located northwest of the small town of Vila do Bispo. It is one of the smaller beaches and has a different atmosphere compared to those found on the southern coast.
Praia do Martinhal
The beach is located in the Baleeira Bay, close to Sagres. It is a windsurfer’s paradise and is recommended if you are already in the Sagres area.
Praia Ilha de Tavira
For some, this is the crown jewel on the eastern side of Faro. Locally, the beach is also called Praia das Cascas. A short boat ride from the pier in Tavira takes visitors over to the attractive beach. For those with naturist tendencies, a designated area is located about a 1 km walk to the western end of the beach.
Praia Verde
The beach is located west of Monte Gordo and stretches westward towards Tavira. It is named after the line of trees and bushes that sit on the landward side of the wide, endless beach. It is ideal for most families with children.<
This is just a small selection of the Algarve’s beaches – feel free to ask the locals to find the more special beaches close to where you are staying.
