Algarve Beaches
The Algarve region on Portugal's southern coast has some of the country's finest beaches. Tourists flock here in the summer months to enjoy the sea and the spectacular, rocky coastline. In the winter, the beaches are ideal for strolling and bird-watching.
The resorts of Albufeira, Aljezur, Faro, Ferragudo, Lagos, Olhão, Praia da Rocha, Tavira, Vilamoura and Vila Real de Santo Antonio all have superb strands of sand to enjoy and clean, though rather chilly seas to enjoy. The region's superb golf courses also draw visitors throughout the year.
Albufeira Beaches
Beaches in Albufeira include Praia do Peneco (Praia do Túnel), the main tourist beach in town, Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman's Beach), where the local fishermen operated from but now totally dedicated to tourism and Praia da Oura, a small, sheltered cove, close to "The Strip" of bars and restaurants and a number of resort hotels.
Other beaches in Albufeira include Praia de Santa Eulália, a large bay just to the east of Praia da Oura with water sports, sun beds, parasols and restaurants.
Praia dos Olhos d'Água (Eyes of Water), once a traditional fishing village, gets its name from the springs in the rocks at the eastern end of the strand.
Finally, Praia da Falésia is the huge stretch of sand that runs east to Vilamoura and Praia da Galé the main beach west of Albufeira.
Aljezur Beaches
Aljezur's beaches are on the Atlantic coast. The water is cooler here but the winds and waves make them ideal for surfing.
Praia da Arrifana is a long stretch of sand set below black cliffs, 10 km south west of Aljezur.
Praia do Monte Clérigo is 8 km north of Praia da Arrifana. The beach is suitable for families and is easily accessible by car.
Praia da Amoreira is a natural wonder combining a sea and river beach at the mouth of the Ribeira de Aljezur.
Other beaches on the stretch of coast here are Praia do Amado, Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Castelejo.
Lagos Beaches
The beaches in Lagos are known for their spectacular rock formations, popular with boat and kayak tours.
Meia Praia is a large expanse of sand west of Lagos town centre altogether about 4 km in length.
Praia da Batata (Potato Beach) is on the opposite side of the river from Meia Praia and the closest beach to Lagos old town.
Praia da Dona Ana is a popular beach resort reached by local bus and the Lagos tourist train. The beach is reached by a set of steep stairs from the headland above where the Carvi Beach Hotel and a number of other accommodation options are located.
Praia do Camilo is an iconic Lagos beach with superb views from the headland and beautiful rock formations and cliffs in the small cove at the foot of the long set of stairs.
Other beaches in Lagos are Ponta da Piedade, Praia de Porto de Mós, and Praia da Luz, 6 km west of Lagos and now a small resort in its own right.
Olhão Beaches
Olhão's best beaches are on two islands a short ferry ride from the port.
The Ilha da Armona is part of the picturesque Parque Natural de Ria Formosa, 60 km of salt marsh, creeks, lagoons and sand dunes stretching from Faro east to Cacela Velha.
Ilha da Culatra is the further from Olhão by boat of the two islands of Armona and Culatra. The ferry boat drops you off at the small quay with a few bars and restaurants nearby. Walk from here to Praia de Farol (Lighthouse Beach) near the lighthouse for the nearest beach.
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha is the beach resort about 2 km south of Portimão and across the River Arade from Ferragudo. The beach has rock formations in the water and though the sea here is colder than the beaches further to the east on the Algarve, it is safe for swimming and patrolled by life-guards. There are views over the beach from the 17th century Fort of Santa Catarina (Fortaleza de Santa Catarina).
Ferragudo
Ferragudo has a small beach right near where the taxi ferry arrives below the 17th century Castel de São João do Arade. A pleasant, sign-posted walk continues south to Praia do Molhe, the lighthouse (farol) at Ponta do Altar, Praia dos Caneiros and the hamlet of Siesmarias. The round trip which is indicated by colored arrows painted on walls is about 9 km.
A couple of kilometres south of Ferragudo is the ocean beach of Praia Grande at the very mouth of the river.
Tavira
Tavira has several beaches close to town. Buses from Tavira bus station run out to the ferry port of Quatro Aguas to Ilha de Tavira with its lovely Praia de Cabanas beach including a nudist section, water sports, cafes and camp site. Take either the regular ferry (5 minutes) or a six-seater water taxi. Other beaches on the coast close to Tavira are Praia do Barril to the west and Praia de Cacela Velha on a spit to the east.
Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Vila Real de Santo Antonio, close to the border with Spain, has some of the warmest seas in Portugal. It is the furthest Portuguese resort from the cooling effect of the Atlantic.
The nearest tourist beach to the town is at Monte Gordo, a resort popular with Spanish holiday-makers, situated a couple of kilometers west of the center. Closer to town at the mouth of the river is the Praia de Santo António, more favoured by locals.
Manta Rota is a small seaside resort west of both Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The pretty sandy beaches at Manta Rota form part of the larger Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Quarteira
Quarteira, 22 km west of Faro, was one of the first towns to develop on the Algarve coast in the 1970s and 80s. The town is popular with domestic tourists, especially families with kids. The beach and sea here are still magnificent but backed now by several large apartment blocks. The Aquashow waterpark is close by which is another family-friendly attraction. There's a daily fish and vegetable market and some very good restaurants on the seafront.
Vilamoura
Vilamoura just to the west of Quarteira is more upmarket. In fact, Vilamoura and Quarteira have largely merged. The marina is full of expensive yachts and there are three golf courses and a tennis center nearby. The Algarve's largest disco, Kadoc, which can hold 7,000 clubbers, is on the main road to Albufeira.
Luz
Luz is 6 km west of Lagos. The fine curve of the beach is busy during the summer but at other times of the year is splendidly tranquil. Accommodation here is largely in low-rise, upmarket villas, most with sea views. There's fine dining to be had at several excellent restaurants. Historic sights include the Fortaleza da Praia da Luz and the pretty Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz.
Sagres
Sagres is home to several great beaches very nearby. These are Praia da Mareta to the south of town, Praia da Baleeira to the east, Praia do Martinhal north of here and the surf beach Praia do Tonel to the west. Praia do Martinhal is particularly lovely located in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Martinhal Beach can get a little windy but is perfect for such activities as surfing, wind-surfing, hiking and jogging. The Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel is right at the beach. Further afield are Praia da Baleira, Praia de Zavial and Praia da Bordeira 20 km to the northwest. Praia de Zavial is a favorite with surfers as the beach can get sizeable waves. It is a gorgeous spot, with an incredible view from the cafe/restaurant and an area for nudists.
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a pretty former fishing village now a major resort roughly midway between the towns of Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Ferragudo to the west and Armação de Pêra and Albufeira to the east. Set among lovely sea cliffs, this pleasant town of approximately 3,000 people developed from the 1960s onwards with the construction of new hotels, apartment blocks and roads. The modernity jostles for space with more traditional, brightly colored buildings.
The town's two beaches are Praia de Carvoeiro and Praia do Paraíso (Paradise Beach). West of Carvoeiro are several other small, though excellent cove beaches. These include Praia de Vale dos Currais, Praia da Salgadeira and Praia dos Três Castelos. Further west towards Ferragudo are Praia do Mato and Praia dos Caneiros. The latter has lovely rock stacks jutting from the ocean. For excellent, fresh seafood visit the recommended Rei das Praias restaurant here. Praia da Marinha is another superb Algarve beach, east of town.
Odeceixe
Odeceixe, (pronounced 'udd-sesh') is a small village on the border of Alentejo and Algarve with a population of less than 1,000 people. It is part of the municipality of Aljezur, a larger resort town less than 20 km south. The village is also part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
The Ribeira de Seixe is the natural dividing line between the Alentejo and Algarve regions and at its mouth is the beautiful Praia de Odeceixe. This lovely stretch of sheltered sand draws thousands of sea- and sun-worshippers each summer. It is backed by some dramatic cliffs. In winter, many businesses shut up shop but the near-deserted beach is still beautiful to walk and relax.
The smaller Praia das Adegas to the south is a naturist beach, one of the officially-designated naturist beaches in Portugal. It provides a more secluded and intimate feel compared to the larger, family-oriented Praia de Odeceixe.
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