8 beaches in the Algarve

What you really need to know

If you are planning your long-awaited vacation or thinking about your next getaway, the Algarve is the perfect place to live unforgettable experiences and moments. Waiting for you are beaches with fine golden sand, warm water, calm sea, and beaches with perfect waves for surfing and bodyboarding. Endless sandy beaches and small bays between cliffs, wild landscapes with steep cliffs and earth-toned dunes. Walks on some of the best and most beautiful trails in Europe or donkey rides in the deep Algarve. There are beaches and experiences for all tastes.

From Monte Gordo to Aljezur, passing through Lagoa and Carvoeiro, here are 8 of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and unmissable activities that will make your stay in the Algarve an unforgettable experience.

Sotavento Algarvio
Vila Real de Santo António
Praia de Monte Gordo
Sotavento Algarvio

If you enjoy calm sea and warm waters that invite you to long baths, you must visit Monte Gordo Beach. The sand is extensive and the boardwalk that runs along it is great for taking a walk in the late afternoon and seeing the colorful boats of traditional fishing arrive from work.

Praia de Cacela Velha
Sotavento Algarvio

It is one of the secrets of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. A tongue of fine white sand in the middle of the sea, which is shaped according to the winds and tides. To reach this paradise refuge, you can walk through the marsh, but only at low tide, when it starts to rise you have to make the boat crossing. Believe me, it will stay in your memory.

Take this opportunity to
Spending a day in the neighboring country

The border with Spain is just 10 km from Monte Gordo. You can also enjoy a boat trip along the Guadiana River, a great way to get to know the rurality of small Algarvian villages. If you prefer something more extreme, fly over the eastern Algarve in an autogyro, a kind of helicopter that takes off and lands like an airplane. And to relax, an outdoor saline spa in the Castro Marim Marsh Natural Reserve.

Discover the beaches of Sotavento Algarvio here.

Algarve Central
Lagoa and Carvoeiro
Praia do Carvoeiro
Algarve Central

A small cove with calm and transparent waters, right next to the picturesque village of Carvoeiro. The bright white houses on the surrounding cliffs turn the landscape into a true postcard.

Praia do Carvalho
Algarve Central

If you prefer small sandy areas between cliffs and a breathtaking blue sea, be sure to visit Carvalho Beach. To dive into its transparent waters, you have to pass through a hand-carved tunnel inside the cliff itself where marine fossils can be observed. A true paradise, and the best part, almost secret.

Beach and Benagil Cave
Algarve Central

Benagil, a fishing village, gives its name to a secluded beach at the bottom of a valley and one of the most beautiful ocean caves in the world. The Benagil cave hides a small golden sandy beach, bathed by blue waters and illuminated by the sun entering the cave through an opening in the ceiling. This paradise on earth is only accessible by sea, but there are plenty of options – boat, kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle, just choose how to visit this geological wonder.

Take advantage of this opportunity to...
Exploring by boat

Explore by boat the magnificent rock formations that stretch along the 17 km of coast of Lagoa, as well as the charming wild beaches inaccessible by land. If you enjoy hiking, don’t miss the Trilho dos Sete Vales Suspensos, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Between Praia da Marinha and Praia Vale de Centeanes, there are about 6 km of coves, cliffs, viewpoints and lighthouses, forests and birds that will be engraved in your memory, and on your camera or mobile phone.

Discover the beaches of Central Algarve here.

Costa Vicentina
Sagres and Aljezur
Praia do Martinhal
Costa Vicentina

The village of Sagres is known for its waves, but it also has beaches with calm waters, like Martinhal Beach. The islets that can be seen from the vast sand give the landscape a unique touch, complemented by windsurfers who find favorable north winds for this sport here. It is one of the 11 pollution-free beaches in the Algarve.

Praia da Amoreira
Costa Vicentina

Just 8 km from the village of Aljezur, you will find one of the best-kept secrets of the Costa Vicentina. The beautiful Amoreira Beach is associated with the mouth of the Aljezur River, so it offers you the possibility of bathing in fresh and salt water. A perfect 2 in 1 that delights lovers of vast sandy beaches and natural landscapes.

Praia da Arrifana
Costa Vicentina

It has perfect waves for surfing or bodyboarding and great conditions for diving, so if you love these activities, Arrifana Beach is a must-visit. It stretches along a sandy beach over half a kilometer long, protected by high black cliffs that turn photos into true postcards.

Take advantage of this opportunity to
Visit the most southwestern point of Europe.

Visit the São Vicente Fortress and watch the sunset at the most southwestern point of Europe, Cape São Vicente. If you are a lover of hiking, walk along the Cape São Vicente to Sagres Trail, almost 7 km along the cliffs of the coastline with the possibility of taking a break and soaking your feet in the beautiful beaches of Beliche and Tonel. If you prefer to walk in the company of friendly donkeys, discover the trails of Vale das Amoreiras, in the inland of Costa Vicentina.

One destination, so many incredible experiences. There is no shortage of places to stay overnight. Pack your bags and head south. The Algarve and its charms are waiting for you!

Discover the beaches of Costa Vicentina here: Sagres Beaches and Aljezur Beaches.

Legend
Beach with Blue Flag

Symbol of environmental quality awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education to river and coastal beaches that meet a set of requirements for environmental information and education, water quality, environmental management and equipment, as well as safety and services.

Beach with Golden Quality

Distinction from Quercus – National Association for Nature Conservation that rewards the quality of bathing water.

Beach Zero Pollution

Award given to beaches that have had no traces of pollution for three consecutive years, by the ZERO – Association for a Sustainable Earth System.

Accessible Beach

Distinguish the bathing areas that have the best accessibility conditions and the best offer of services and well-being for people with reduced mobility. Designation given jointly by the National Institute for Rehabilitation, the Portuguese Environment Agency and Tourism of Portugal.