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8 beaches in Algarve
That you cannot miss
If you are planning your long-awaited holidays or thinking about your next escape, the Algarve is the perfect place to live unforgettable experiences and moments. Fine golden sandy beaches, warm waters, calm seas and beaches with perfect waves for surfing and bodyboarding await you. Sandbanks as far as the eye can see and small coves between rocks, wild landscapes with steep cliffs and earth-toned dunes. Hiking through some of the best and most beautiful trials in Europe or donkey rides in the deep Algarve. There are beaches and experiences for everyone.
From Monte Gordo to Aljezur, through Lagoa and Carvoeiro, we present you 8 of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, and activities you cannot miss that will make your stay in the Algarve an unforgettable experience.
Vila Real de Santo António
Sotavento Algarvio
Monte Gordo Beach
If you like calm seas and warm waters that invite you to take a long swim, you cannot miss Monte Gordo beach. With a large sandbank and a long footbridge to cross it, this beach is perfect for a stroll in the evening and to see the colorful fishing boats coming in from fishing.
Cacela Velha Beach
Is one of the secrets of Ria Formosa Natural Park. A long extension of white sand in the middle of the sea, shaped by the winds and the tides. You can walk through the marshes to arrive to this paradisiacal refuge, but only when the tide is low; when it starts to rise, you have to cross by boat. Have no doubt: it will be a moment that will remain in your memory forever.
Take te advantage to
Spend a day in the neighbouring country
The Spanish frontier is only 10 km away from Monte Gordo. You can also enjoy a boat ride through Guadiana river, a great way to discover the rural nature of the little villages in the Algarve. If you rather do something more radical, you can fly over the Algarvian lee in an autogiro, a kind of helicopter that takes off and lands like an airplane. And to relax, a sea-water outdoor SPA in Sapal de Castro Marim Natural Park. Discover the Eastern Algarve beaches here.
Lagoa and Carvoeiro
Central Algarve
Carvoeiro Beach
A small cove with calm clear waters, right next to the picturesque village of Carvoeiro. The bright white houses that surround it, located in the cliffs, turn the scene into a picture-postcard landscape.
Carvalho Beach
If you prefer small sandbanks between cliffs and an incredible blue sea, you cannot miss the Carvalho beach. To dive into its clear waters, you have to go through a hand-made tunnel in the interior of the cliff, where you can find marine fossils. A true paradise, and the best of all is that it is almost secret.
Benagil Beach and Cave
Benagil, a fishing village, gives name to a lonely beach at the bottom of a valley, and to one of the most beautiful oceanic cave in the world. Benagil cave hides a small golden sandbank, bathed by blue waters and lit by the sun that enters the cave by an opening in the roof. You can only access this earthly paradise by sea, but there are multiple choices: boat, kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle. You just have to pick your favorite way to visit this geological wonder.
Take a chance to...
Explore by boat
Explore by boat the wonderful rock formations that spread throughout 17 km of the Lagoa coast, as well as the lovely wild beaches inaccessible by land. If you like walking, do not miss the Sete Vales Suspensos Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in Europe. Between Marinha beach and Vale de Centeanes, there are almost 6 km of coves, cliffs, lookouts and lighthouses, forests and birds that will be etched both in your memory and on your camera or phone card.
Discover here the Central Algarve beaches.
Sagres and Aljezur
Vicentina Coast
Martinhal Beach
Vila de Sagres is known for its waves, but also has calm water beaches, such as Martinhal beach. The islets that can be seen from the large sandbank give the landscape a unique touch, added by the windsurfers, who find here the favorable north winds favorable for the practice of this sport.
Is one of the 11 zero pollution beaches in Algarve.
Amoreira Beach
Only 8 kn away from Vila de Aljezur you will find one of the best kept secrets of the Vicentina Coast. The beautiful Amoreira beach is born at the mouth of the Ribeira de Aljezur, which offers you the possibility of swimming in sweet and salty waters. A perfect 2-for-1 that delights lovers of long beaches and natural landscapes.
Arrifana Beach
It has the perfect waves to practice surf or bodyboard, and excellent snorkel conditions, so if you love these sports, Arrifana beach is a must. It spreads over half a kilometer of sand, and it is protected by black cliffs that turn the photographs in true postcards.
Take a chance to...
visit the most south-western spot in Europe
Visit the Castle of São Vicente and watch the sunset in the most south-western spot in Europe, the Cabo de São Vicente. If you like hiking, travel the trail from Cabo de São Vicente to Sagres, almost 7 km through the coastal cliffs that offer you the chance to take a break and dip your feet in the beautiful beaches of Beliche and Tonel. If you rather walk by friendly donkeys, discover the trails of Vale das Amoreiras, in the interior of the Vicentina Coast.
One single destination, many incredible experiences. Discover the multiples places to stay overnight. Pack your bags and head south. The Algarve and its charms are waiting for you!
Discover here the beaches of Vicentina Coast: Beaches of Sagres and Beaches of Aljezur.
Key
Blue Flag Beach
Environmental quality label given by the Foundation for Environmental Education to river and coastal beaches that meet a set of requirements in terms of environmental information and education, water quality, environmental management and equipment, as well as safety and services.
Gold Quality Beach
Quercus label – National Association for Nature Conservation that rewards swimming water quality.
Zero Pollution Beach
Award given to beaches that show no trace of pollution for a third year in a row, by ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável.
Accessible Beach
It identifies the swimming areas with the best accessibility conditions and the best service offer and wellbeing for people with reduced mobility. Jointly awarded by the National Institute of Rehabilitation, the Portuguese Environment Agency, and the Portuguese Tourism.