The Algarve Coast boasts some of the best beaches in Portugal if not all of Europe, but with over 100 beaches along the Algarve’s 200km stretch, how is one to choose?
I’ve visited the Algarve twice now, and on my latest trip our entire itinerary pretty much consisted of visiting every beach we could possibly explore. It’s one of my favorite destinations for beach hopping as the classic limestone cliffs that line the coast make for a picturesque backdrop no matter where you choose to plop on the sand.
In this post, I’m going to break down all the best beaches in Algarve, Portugal along with the cutest Portugal beach towns that you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.
From stretches of golden sand in off-the-beaten path fishing villages to a beach that was voted by TripAdvisor as the best beach in the world, this post includes a variety of options so that you can prioritize the right beaches that fit your vibe.
PS—If you scroll to the very bottom of the post, you’ll also find a handy Google Map with all the locations saved for easy planning.
Just a quick tip before you keep reading: “Praia” is the Portuguese word for “beach” and you’ll see it used a lot in this post to correspond to the proper location you can find on Google Maps.
Travel Tip
Renting a car is the best way to explore the Portugal coast and get around to all the beaches with ease. We use Discover Cars when renting cars abroad and in Europe as they allow you to compare cars from global and local agencies, making it easy to find the best deals. For the best experience, make sure to select full coverage insurance and choose a reputable rental company when booking.
Book your rental car with Discover Cars here
Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Best Beaches in Algarve, Portugal
Quick Tips for Visiting Portugal’s Beaches
- What to Expect at Algarve Beaches: While there are a variety of different beaches in the Algarve Coast, many of them are characterized by golden sand and rocky limestone cliffs that surround the beaches or jut out from the coast. You’ll also find unique formations like caves, arches, sea stacks and grottoes that have been formed through erosion over millions of years.
- Best Time to Visit the Algarve Coast: The summer months are peak season and bring the most crowds, but of course if you’re beach hopping you want good weather too. I would recommend visiting in September when temperatures are still warm but crowds have dissipated slightly.
- How to Get Around Algarve, Portugal: You definitely need a car to get around the Algarve with ease as things can be spread out. I love renting with Discover Cars to be able to compare prices at different rental agencies and I always choose their “full coverage” option.
- How Many Days in Algarve is Enough: Five to seven days is a great amount of time to explore the Algarve Coast with plenty of time to check out some of the best beaches in the area at a slow pace.
- Accessibility: This is a little tricky in the Algarve as there are many wooden and steep walkways with stairs that lead to a number of beaches, but it’s something the Portugal government is working on improving. The most accessible beaches in this post are Carvoeiro Beach and Monte Clérigo in Aljezur. Here is a full list of the most accessible Portugal beaches for reference.
- Parking: There are plenty of free parking lots near most of the beaches in the Algarve and though space can be limited, parking overall was not a major issue when we visited last in June.
- Check Tides: Some of the Algarve’s best beaches are tiny little coves with limited strips of sand that quickly diminish at high tides. When heading out to said beaches, do a quick check of tide timetables to ensure you’ll have space on the sand.
- Beware of Rocky Cliffs: You’ll notice many warning signs of unstable cliffs throughout Algarve’s beaches. Take these warnings seriously and don’t sit too close under cliffs as they can crumble unexpectedly.
Western vs Southern Algarve Beaches
There are two main sections of the Algarve region: the Western Algarve and the Southern coast, which is the part most people are familiar with.
Beaches in the Western Algarve are quite different than those along the Southern part of the coast, but they’re just as beautiful in their own unique way. In the West Algarve, think more rugged terrain with dramatic cliffs, bigger waves that are ideal for surfing and darker shades of rock hugging the coastline. It’s also much quieter in this part of the Algarve during high season.
The West Algarve has often been compared to the California coast and as a California resident I definitely see a lot of similarities. On the flip side, the Algarve Portugal beaches along the southern coastline are more “postcard worthy” and feel quintessentially European with crystal clear water and sunbathers packed like sardines.
If you want the best surf and more sprawling and dramatic beaches with an off-the-beaten path feel, then the West Algarve is worth checking out. If you prefer that classic European summer vibe, you’ll want to spend most of your time on the Southern coast.
Still, I’ve included some of my favorite beaches below from both areas so you know all the best ones to visit.
Where to Stay on the Algarve Coast
There are many picturesque towns along the Algarve Coast and each of them offer something a bit different. Choosing the right town to stay in for your trip is the most important decision, and from there you can explore hotel options locally.
Below I’ll break down some of the most popular and best beach towns in Algarve along with my personal favorites.
- Lagos: This is a good central area to stay in with a main town center to explore and some of the Algarve’s most iconic beaches and viewpoints nearby. From here you can easily explore Ponta de Piedade lighthouse, Camilo Beach and get to the West Algarve quickly. Lagos is a bit more built up though, so if you’re looking for something quieter and peaceful, keep reading. Explore accommodation in Lagos.
- Albufeira: This is a popular town to stay in with plentiful hotel options, many restaurants and a thriving nightlife. We stayed here a couple nights and if I’m being honest, it was a little too party vibes for me. With that said, the Old Town is adorable during the day with white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets—plus it’s pretty convenient to many of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Explore accommodation in Albufeira.
- Salema: If you want a more off-the-beaten path trip to the Southern Algarve, check out Salema which is a small and quiet fishing village painted in white and blue hues that reminded me of Greece. It also has a gorgeous long stretch of sand that is much less frequented than many other beaches in the Algarve. There’s fewer things to do here, but peaceful is the name of the game in Salema. Explore accommodation in Salema.
- Carvoeiro: Next time I visit the Algarve, this is where I would choose to stay. It’s a quaint coastal town that’s super picturesque, clean and has some of the prettiest beaches in the region in my opinion. There’s enough going on in the way of restaurants and cafes, but it’s not overwhelming. From here it’s also super easy to hop onto the must-do Seven Hanging Valleys Trail or take a Benagil Cave boat tour which is a must-do during your trip. Explore accommodation in Carvoeiro.
- Aljezur: If you prefer to stick to west coast beaches, base yourself in the quaint town of Aljezur that’s close to some of the best surfing spots in the area. Explore accommodation in Aljezur.
Prettiest Beaches in the Southern Algarve
Praia Da Marinha
If you’ve ever seen photos of Algarve, Portugal, then you’ve likely already seen Praia da Marinha. It’s easily one of the most iconic spots in the entire Algarve.
On my first trip to this part of Portugal, I spent time down on the beach which was absolutely packed like sardines with people. This second trip, we admired it from above as it’s at the starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a must-do 3.7 mile (one way) coastal trail that takes you to some of the most stunning beaches in Algarve.
If you’re looking for your postcard-worthy photos of Portugal’s Algarve Coast, this is your spot. The coastline at Praia da Marinha is characterized by unique and dramatic rocky cliffs and sea arches, with a curved coastline that features several several sea stacks jutting out of the bay. Here you’ll find soft sand, turquoise water, and plenty of photo opps.
There is a significant free parking area above the beach which is also the entrance to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, but even in the morning we had a tough time snagging a spot. I would recommend going as early as you can if you’re traveling in high season.
To get down to the beach, you’ll follow a staircase that leads down to the sand. Here you can find restrooms, food vendors and beach chairs and umbrella rentals.
Praia Do Camilo
Another iconic beach in the Algarve is Praia do Camilo (located in Lagos), which is found at the bottom of a wide but steep wooden staircase that must be one of the most photographed staircases along the coast.
It’s a tiny little beach tucked between golden limestone rocks, but offers beachgoers a calm cove to swim in and access to the beach next door via a stone tunnel.
This beach has limited space on the sand, so I’d recommend getting here super early. Still, as people fill in don’t be surprised if your towel is inches from a stranger’s—I’m not exaggerating!
There is free parking here along with a cafe and restrooms at the top of the staircase.
Praia Do Carvoeiro
I initially learned about this beach from Instagram and was instantly drawn in by its beautiful setting located in the fisherman town of Carvoeiro, surrounded by limestone cliffs and topped by charming white homes.
Though navigating parking was a bit of a challenge along the hilly roads to the sides of the beach, once we finally snagged a spot, we made our way down to the main town and found a plethora of restaurants, cafes and shops to explore just steps from the beach.
This is one of the only beaches on this list with such easy access to an entire town, making Praia do Carvoeiro a great spot if you’re looking for a lively day filled with a combo of beach time, swimming, shopping, and grabbing food locally.
We even got a free leg workout in walking back up to our car, but no regrets because some of the best views of the beach are found from up the side of the hill!
If you want to upgrade your day at Carvoeiro Beach, make sure to book this affordable boat tour that takes you to two of the Algarve’s most iconic spots: the Benagil Cave and Praia Da Marinha.
Praia Do Vale Centeanes
Located in the town of Carvoeiro, this beach is definitely a hidden gem in the Algarve and was one of my favorite beaches of the entire trip.
Our group first discovered Praia do Vale Centeanes while we were hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (it’s the end point of the hike) and spotted this secluded looking beach from above with a seaside restaurant featuring charming white umbrellas.
We ventured down to check it out and loved the vibe so much that we returned the next day for some dedicated beach time followed by an epic seaside seafood dinner.
O Stop, which is the restaurant directly on the beach here is a must for a dinner al fresco and serves whole fried fish, Portuguese wine, and classic local dishes like Piri-piri chicken. This spot is super secluded and romantic and feels like you have an entire cove to yourself. It was one of my favorite dinners of the entire trip.
Since this beach is a bit less popular, street parking was pretty simple here and there is a snack bar next to the beach with food, beverages and facilities making it a great place to spend the day.
Praia da Salema
We had a couple open nights in Algarve without accommodation booked yet, so we researched the most under-the-radar coastal villages in the Algarve, and decided to give Salema a try. After a few nights in the bustling party town of Albufeira, a stay in Salema was just what the doctor ordered.
This is a tiny fishing village with minimal crowds and a chill restaurant/cafe culture. The main beach here is a stunning long stretch of sand with glassy water and backed by a charming village painted in hues of white and blue that reminded me of somewhere you’d find in the Greek Islands.
For how big the beach was, I was shocked by how few people were here in high season! If you’re truly looking to skip the crowds and want more of a local feel, Praia da Salema is absolutely worth checking out.
After a day at the beach, there are several ocean-facing seafood restaurants where you can stop in for a bite and glass of Vinho Verde. Also, if you’re in the area for breakfast or lunch, you have to check out Andorinha Do Mar Cafe Organico. This place is a little hole-in-the-wall serving healthy organic food and we went back multiple days in a row it was so good.
Benagil Beach
While this wasn’t my favorite beach in the area, Benagil Beach is a popular spot for visitors to the Algarve who are looking for more adventurous activities beyond sunbathing as there are kayak and SUP paddle board rentals right next to the beach.
This is also one of the top departure spots for visiting one of Portugal’s top attractions, the Benagil Cave. You can book a stand-up paddle board tour from here to visit the caves or a kayak tour as well.
If you want a more chill beach day, you’ll also find Benagil Beach Club which has nice views over the cove and offers a small pool and beach chairs. If you’d prefer to be directly on the sand, you’ll find a small beach here and clear water to swim in.
Just keep in mind that Benagil Cave tours leave from here throughout the day, so there is often activity going in and out of the cove which is a deterrent for some beachgoers.
Parking can be found at the top of the hill with a longer walk down the road to the beach, or you can access the beach on foot via the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Praia do Castelo
Named after a rock formation to the left of the beach that looks like a castle, Praia do Castelo has to be one of the most peaceful beaches in Algarve, Portugal.
If you’re looking for a slightly luxe beach club ambiance away from the hoards of crowds, this is a great spot to post up as it’s next to Castelo Beach Club which has restroom facilities and serves yummy bites and cocktails that you can bring down to your beach chair.
Castelo beach was definitely one of my favorites as it has less of a touristy vibe and more of a local feel with plenty of umbrellas and chairs up for grabs.
This beach has many seashells, so it’s great for beach strolls and collecting shells as well as swimming as the water is relatively calm.
Praia Da Falésia (also called Praia da Rocha Baixinha)
Voted by TripAdvisor as one of the best beaches in the world in 2024, Praia da Falésia is quite different from all the other beaches in Algarve.
For starters, it’s over 6 km long, making it one of the best beaches in Algarve for long beach walks or runs or for those that just want to carve out their own private stretch of sand.
When you’re on the beach here, it literally seems to go on forever, and perhaps the coolest part about it is the unique geology of the rocky cliffs that back the beach in vibrant orange and white hues. Our group kept commenting that it reminded us of some of the National Parks in Utah.
There are umbrellas and beach chairs for rent here and plentiful parking, but one downside is the lack of easily accessible bathrooms—there are only facilities at the restaurant at the top of the staircase from what I saw.
Praia de São Rafael
Just along the coast in Albufeira, São Rafael beach is a great one to visit if you’re planning a longer beach day as there’s easy access to facilities and a restaurant just steps off the sand.
Compared to other beaches in Albufeira, this one is a bit more tranquil and has some lovely natural features to explore along the shore including limestone sea stacks.
Along with access to the beachfront restaurant Restaurante de Praia de São Rafael, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs here and there is a free parking lot above the beach.
Overall, it’s one of the best beaches in Albufeira with a more relaxed vibe compared to the rest of the area which is known for its social and party atmosphere.
Praia Do Carvalho
This Portugal beach feels like a hidden secret and was one of my favorites on our recent trip to Algarve. I definitely wished we could have spent more time here!
Praia do Carvalho is a bit harder to get to, which is all part of the allure—first, you access the top of the beach from a long and steep staircase and then must traverse through a small stone tunnel of stairs to get down to the sand.
The unique entry point isn’t necessarily the best for anyone with claustrophobia, but it sure makes for a memorable experience.
The cove here is quite small and intimate and features a single sea stack within the bay, making for stunning photos. The only downside here was that there was quite a bit of seaweed when we visited. It’s hard to say how often that’s the case though.
There is parking available above the beach, or you can access this one by hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and stopping along the way which is what we did.
You won’t find umbrella rentals here, so make sure to pack your own beach towel and hat for extra shade. Keep in mind, there are no facilities here directly on the beach and the only food is via a food truck at the top of the hill.
Bonus Viewpoint: Ponte de Piedade
Located in the town of Lagos, Ponte de Piedade isn’t really a beach, but it’s one of the most famous coastal viewpoints in the area so it had to be included here.
To access this secluded cove, you’ll need to travel down a long set of steep stairs from the headlands above, or you can take a boat tour into the area. Once at the bottom, you can spot natural sea arches and grottoes, and there’s a small platform for taking in the views.
Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents and regular boat traffic, so use caution.
If you decide to take a boat tour in, you can get front row access to the stunning sea caves. It’s easy to pick up a boat tour at the bottom as well.
There is a free parking lot at the top of the coastal trail that leads to Ponte de Piedade and there are some basic public restrooms.
Best Beaches in the Western Algarve
Praia Da Arrifana
If you’ve decided that the Western Algarve beaches are calling your name, then Praia da Arrifana can’t be missed. Located in the town of Aljezur, Arrifana is a thin but long stretch of beach surrounded by steep cliffs.
What makes this beach so lovely is that it’s one of the few West Algarve beaches that’s just next to a village, so after a long beach day you can easily grab food at a cafe or have a full oceanfront meal.
We grabbed a late lunch at CAL Arrifana above the beach and it was one of my top three meals of the trip, plus the decor has a boho beachy vibe that we loved.
Like many of the West Algarve’s beaches, the water is a little rougher here but still very swimmable and there’s a small surf school. To access the beach, you’ll walk down a long steep road and then a final staircase that extends to the sand.
Don’t miss the Arrifana fortress ruins that are nearby if you’re into a bit of local history.
Praia da Bordeira
Bordeira Beach is located within the Costa Vicentina natural park, and it’s one of the most popular beaches in the West Algarve. The beach is quite expansive, giving beachgoers plenty of space to spread out and it’s a popular one for for surfing and even features a surf school where you can book lessons or rent a board.
One of my favorite parts about Bordeira Beach is the wooden walking paths that run atop the cliffs next to the beach that provide nice views over the area. You won’t want to miss the Pontal da Carrapateira viewpoint along the southern part of the beach when you visit.
Something to note here is that the parking is quite far from the actual beach and you must traverse quite a bit of sand before you arrive at the water. It’s still very manageable but something to keep in mind before visiting.
Praia do Amado
Praia do Amado is one of the most famous amongst surfers in West Algarve as they’ve hosted international surf competitions here and the waves are consistent.
While it’s quite off-the-beaten path getting here, once you arrive there is plentiful parking, multiple snack bars, three different surf schools, beach umbrellas, and restrooms.
I personally find this beach to be one of the most picturesque of West Algarve’s beaches and it’s a great one to spend a full day as there’s plenty of facilities and space to get cozy and stay awhile.
Praia de Monte Clérigo
The charm of Monte Clérigo that makes it different from the rest of West Algarve’s beaches is the small village on the hill that directly overlooks the beach. It’s a unique setting that makes for beautiful photos when visiting this part of Portugal.
As with many of the beaches in this area, Monte Clérigo is great for surfing and there are several surf schools to choose from should you fancy a lesson. Being adjacent to the town also means that you can find a few local cafes and restaurants to fuel up after a day playing in the waves.
If you want some of the best views overlooking the beach and coastal village, don’t miss parking alongside the upper boardwalks to the Northern side of the beach.
Want even more Western Algarve beach recs? Check out my detailed guide to the West Algarve’s most beautiful beaches.
Map of the Best Beaches in Algarve, Portugal
FAQ: Best Beaches in Algarve, Portugal
What is the best way to get to all the beaches in the Algarve?
Renting a car is the absolute best way to get around the Algarve Coast with ease and explore all the beaches. I highly recommend booking with Discover Cars and comparing prices between the different rental agencies to find the best deals.
Which part of the Algarve has the prettiest beaches?
The Southern part of the Algarve has the most iconic and beautiful beaches that feel quintessentially European, with soft golden sand and stunning coastal features like limestone cliffs, stone archways and sea stacks.
What is the nicest beach town in the Algarve?
Carvoeiro is one of the nicest beach towns in Algarve with access to some of the most beautiful beaches along the Algarve Coast and the iconic Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
What are the best beaches in Algarve Portugal for swimming?
Some of the best beaches for swimming in the Algarve include Praia do Camilo which lies in a protected cove, Praia da Falesia, and Praia da Marinha which has calm waters.
What are the best beaches in Algarve for families?
For families, I’d recommend sticking to beaches that have plenty of facilities like restaurants, easily accessible restrooms, and calm waters. Some of the best family friendly beaches in Algarve that meet these standards are Carvoeiro Beach, Praia São Rafael and Castelo Beach.
Where else in Portugal should I visit alongside the Algarve?
While planning your Portugal trip, you’ll definitely want to spend a few days in Lisbon and Sintra. Other destinations nearby worth checking out are the Douro Valley, Comporta and Setúbal.
I hope this guide to the best beaches in Algarve, Portugal helped you find the best ones for your visit. If you have any questions, drop them for me in the comments!
Explore More Portugal Guides
Hotel Review: Fazenda Nova Country House in Algarve, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal Guide For First Timers
10 Reasons to Add Ericeira to Your Portugal Itinerary
The Coolest Cafes in Lisbon, Portugal
Pin it For Later!
Planning a trip right now? Make your life easier with this checklist of my favorite travel resources.
Booking Accommodations:
Over the last decade of travel, Booking.com has consistently been my favorite site for finding great deals on hotels, boutique inns, home rentals and more. Plus, they have an amazing filtering system making it super easy to find the best accommodation that fits your needs.
Booking Flights:
Skyscanner is always the first place I look to compare and contrast routes and find the best flight deals.
Find the Best Tours and Experiences:
Viator is always my go-to when searching for the best experiences around the globe. They have everything from group tours and private experiences, to airport transfers and much more.
Book Car Rentals:
Rentalcars.com and Discover Cars are my two favorite sites for booking easy and affordable car rentals in any country I visit. They make the process super simple and transparent, so you know you’re getting the best price.
Stay Connected:
The days of purchasing physical sim cards are over. Airalo is the best and easiest way to stay connected around the globe with the best international eSim plans. Take 10% off your plan with code MICHELLE10.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:
World Nomads has personally saved me thousands with their flexible travel insurance. Don’t leave for an international trip without this one!
Lastly, wherever you go. Don’t forget to check visa requirements, make sure your passport is up to date and purchase any travel adapters you might need on the ground!
No Comments