Pedro DominguesWhat are the best beaches in Algarve? Very difficult topic, because they are all beautiful and spectacular! Algarve has some of the coolest beaches in the world, protected by impressive high cliffs, with stunning caves to discover, warm waters to enjoy and a peaceful Mediterranean climate, especially in the Eastern Algarve.
That’s why Algarve is so sought after in Europe as one of the best beach destinations. Places such as Marinha Beach, in Lagoa, or Dona Ana Beach and Ponta da Piedade, in Lagos, or even Cape of São Vicente, in Sagres, are internationally well-known, having even been featured in several prestigious publications abroad.
From Odeceixe to Sagres, the rough sea reigns, with perfect waves for surfing, bodyboarding and other related water sports; from Sagres to Vila Real de Santo António, calm and paradisiacal waters and the main luxury resorts predominate.
Odeceixe Beach is located on the Vicentine Coast, and is the only one in Algarve considered a wonder of Portugal, however, you will find many others worthy of the title. Ria Formosa is a natural wonder of Portugal and has islands with beautiful deserted beaches and fine white sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.
And what about the beaches you can find hiking in Algarve? The Fishermen’s Trail and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail are internationally recognized as some of the best in Europe, and are walked every year by many people, including foreigners, who purposely come to be amazed by them.
Do you want more reasons to visit this part of the Portuguese coast and find out which are the best beaches in Algarve? Keep reading, my friend! 😉 In the meantime, watch the videos below that I made during my stay in the region. By the way, I’m Portuguese.
More articles about Algarve | Portugal
So that you have all the information you need to plan your trip, I’ll start by leaving you a list of all the articles on this blog about Algarve. Check them to discover even more beaches in the region.
MORE ARTICLES FROM ALENTEJO AND ALGARVE: - Best Costa da Caparica beaches - Best beaches in Setúbal - Best Beaches in Sesimbra - Visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach - Best beaches in Tróia, Comporta and Melides - Best Beaches in Alentejo and Vicentine Coast - Things to do in Odemira and Vila Nova de Milfontes - Things to do in Marvão - Things to do in Elvas - Things to do in Estremoz - Things to do in Vila Viçosa - Things to do in Monsaraz & Alqueva Lake - Things to do in Porto Covo and Sines - Things to do in Arraiolos - Best Things to do in Évora and surroundings - Things to do in Mértola and Guadiana Valley - Things to do in Beja - Algarve Road Trip Itinerary - Things to do in Sagres - Things to do in Lagos - Best Beaches in Lagos - Things to do in Portimão - Things to do in Armação de Pêra and Silves - The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail - Best Beaches in Carvoeiro - Best Beaches in Albufeira - Things to do in Vilamoura and Quarteira - Things to do in Faro - Things to do in Tavira - Things to do in Olhão - Things to do in Monte Gordo
Guided Tours to visit the best beaches in Algarve
It is unthinkable to visit Algarve without exploring some of the caves by the sea. In the same way, don’t forget to tour the paradisiacal islands of Ria Formosa. Below I leave you some suggestions for guided tours that I consider the best you will find in this region, and that can allow you to discover some of the best beaches in Algarve.
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Tavira Tuk Tuk City Tour 2 - Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour 3 - Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option 4 - From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade 5 - From Faro: 4 Stops, 3 Islands in Ria Formosa Catamaran Tour 6 - Benagil Caves and Secret Spots Guided Kayaking Tour 7 - 1-Hour Carrapateira Horseback Riding Tour 8 - From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari 9 - From Lagos: Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour 10 - Loulé: TechSalt’s Rock-Salt Mine Tour 11 - Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise 12 - Albufeira: Single, Double or Triple Parasailing Tour
Guided Tours with Viator: 1 - Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira 2 - Boat trip to the caves of Benagil (from Lagos) 3 - Benagil Caves Tour from Portimao 4 - Benagil Cave tour from Faro 5 - Benagil Long Boat tour (From Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha) 6 - Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera 7 - Kayaking in Secret Algarve Benagil Caves 8 - Benagil Area Kayak and SUP (from Albufeira) 9 - Kayak Trip in Lagos and Ponta da Piedade 10 - Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat 11 - Coasteering and Cliff Jumping Near Lagos 12 - 2 hour Off-Road Buggy Adventure Tour from Albufeira 13 - Jeep Safari in the Algarve Mountains (Albufeira) 14 - Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht from Vilamoura 15 - Ria Formosa Natural Park and Islands Boat Cruise from Faro 16 - Boat trip to the 3 Islands of Ria Formosa (Olhão) 17 - Classic Food Tour in Lagos 18 - Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira 19 - Tandem Skydiving in Algarve 20 - 2 Hour Surf Lesson at the Algarvian West Coast
Guided Tours with Civitatis: 1 - Tuk Tuk Tour in Tavira 2 - Benagil Caves Speed Boat Ride from Portimão 3 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Lagos 4 - Ponta da Piedade Caves Boat Trip from Lagos 5 - Albufeira Half Day Safari Tour 6 - Faro Walking Tour 7 - Parasailing in Albufeira 8 - Ria Formosa Eco Boat Trip from Faro 9 - Benagil Caves Boat Tour from Carvoeiro 10 - Deserta and Farol Islands Cruise from Faro 11 - Lagos Dolphin Watching or Dolphin Watching in Albufeira 12 - Sagres Coast Sunset Jeep Tour from Lagos
Accommodation tips to visit the best beaches in Algarve
As for accommodation possibilities, see the ones I share below, but nothing like going directly to the respective articles to see other hotels/apartments that I recommend.
| Region in Algarve | Accommodation tips |
|---|---|
| Tavira | Formosa Guest House, OZADI Tavira Hotel, Vila Gale Tavira |
| Vila Real de Santo António | The Prime Energize, Hotel Apolo |
| Castro Marim | Castro Marim Country Club, Praia Verde Boutique Hotel |
| Olhão | Real Marina Hotel & Spa, Pure Formosa Hotel, Hotel de Olhão |
| Faro | Pousada Palácio de Estói, 3HB Faro, Faro Downtown Studios |
| Loulé (Vilamoura, Quarteira) | Hostel Conii & Suites, Tivoli Marina, Anantara Vilamoura |
| Albufeira | EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel, PortoBay Falésia, Vila Algarvia |
| Lagoa | Tivoli Carvoeiro, Pestana Palm Gardens, Monte Santo Resort |
| Silves (and Armação de Pêra) | Thalassa Resort, Quinta da Figueirinhas, Marsuites |
| Portimão | Oriental Beach, Hotel da Rocha, Vitor’s Plaza |
| Lagos | Dom Manuel I, Lagos Atlantic Hotel Hotel Marina Rio |
| Vila do Bispo (and Sagres) | Casa Azul Sagres, Sagres Time Apartamentos, Memmo Baleeira |
| Aljezur (and Odeceixe) | Bohemian Antique Guesthouse, Monte João Roupeiro |
More useful tips to visit the best beaches in Algarve
- Algarve is in the south of Portugal, and has an airport in Faro, that connects to several cities in Europe. I recommend using Skyscanner and Google Flights to do some research before buying your plane tickets, comparing prices and flight conditions.
- You have nice public transports between main locations in Algarve, some by train, and others by bus. Always check Rome2Rio website to find out all possible ways to get to a specific destination. In Algarve, trains are with CP – Comboios de Portugal; buses are with Rede Expressos or Vamus Algarve (there are more, but these are the essential tips).
- Having a car is very important for a trip that requires traveling all over Algarve and Vicentine Coast, even if you have good public transports in the most touristic areas. I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars, which I always use on my trips. It allows you to compare prices and conditions between rental companies available on your destinations.
- To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Algarve, and I recommend to do it with World Nomads.
Best beaches in Algarve | Portugal – Top 23
There are dozens of fabulous beaches along Algarve coast. I had the opportunity to visit many of them, and what I’m going to show here is my opinion based on my personal experience. If you like what I write and my Portugal itineraries and travel guides, you will certainly like my suggestions for the 23 best beaches in Algarve.
Map | Best beaches in Algarve
Click on the top right corner to maximize the next map with the exact locations of the best beaches in Algarve that I will mention below.
Best Beaches in Algarve | Vicentine Coast
The beaches are ordered from Odeceixe to Vila Real de Santo António, always along the coast. That’s why I start with the ones I like the most on the Vicentine Coast.
1. Odeceixe Beach – Aljezur
Odeceixe, with the previous image, almost needs no introduction: it is a true tongue of sand, and was officially elected one of the 7 wonders of Portugal (cliff beaches). It clearly had to appear somewhere on the list of the best beaches in Algarve.
It is located in Aljezur, at the mouth of Seixe river, and on the border between Algarve and Alentejo. Because it has a beach with sea and river, waves and calm waters, it pleases all who visit it.
2. Amoreira Beach – Aljezur
I selected this photo on purpose. In it you can see the immense sandy beach of Amoreira on the left, with Aljezur river meandering down to the sea, and on the right the beach of Monte Clérigo. The latter has beautiful rocky platforms by the sea where you can explore “wild life” at low tide.
I prefer Amoreira, without a doubt, that for me is the winner when it comes to the most beautiful beaches on the Vicentine Coast and one of the best beaches in Algarve.
3. Arrifana Beach – Aljezur
Arrifana beach is sheltered by schist cliffs, where several species of birds nest. Pedra da Agulha is a rock in the sea at the south end of the beach, very famous on the Vicentine coast. Curiously, it was the place in the southwest where I saw the most surfers in the sea at the same time, so I know it’s popular for this sport.
On top of the cliff next to Arrifana beach is one of the best viewpoints in the region, which is why I highlight it as one of the best beaches in Algarve. It is mandatory to go there see it!
4. Bordeira Beach – Aljezur
Bordeira beach is the largest in the municipality of Aljezur, with around 3 km. I didn’t see any, but on the banks of Carrapateira Stream it is possible to find Otters. A paradise for kitesurfing lovers due to the intensity of its winds.
This beach is at one end of Pontal da Carrapateira, and I leave it as its representative in this list of the best beaches in Algarve. However, at the other end you will find Amado beach, known to be ideal for surfing, being the site of national and international competitions.
5. Mareta Beach – Sagres
Mareta Beach is in Sagres, so if you choose to visit it, be sure to also check out the fortress of Sagres and the “end of the known world” at Cape of São Vicente. The cliffs around Sagres are rawer and more dramatic than in the rest of Algarve.
Best Beaches in Western Algarve
The Vicentine Coast is part of the Western Algarve, but are still missing Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Albufeira. I will now mention 14 beaches that I consider to be in the best beaches in Algarve, located in these 4 municipalities.
6. Camilo Beach – Lagos
Camilo Beach has a long staircase to access the sand, but it is totally worth going down each step. It’s almost always full of people, but believe me there’s a reason for that: some of the best rock formations in Ponta da Piedade are right there, making it an ideal place to go kayaking to explore the surreal caves that exist nearby.
7. Dona Ana Beach- Lagos
Dona Ana is for me the most beautiful beach in Lagos. For some reason it was once considered one of the best beaches in the world! It has two spectacular viewpoints, one on each side, on top of the cliffs.
8. Students Beach – Lagos
At Students Beach, the old Roman Bridge stands out. The beach is becoming more and more famous, but it has a small strip of sand, so I recommend using the tunnels available around it to cross to adjacent one where there is more space for your towel.
9. Three Brothers Beach – Portimão
In Portimão, be sure to visit Three Brothers Beach, with some impressive caves and extraordinary rock formations. It was precisely because of the rock formations that it got its name: three big rocks by the sea / three brothers. For me it was one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve, and clearly the best in Portimão.
10. Three Castles Beach – Portimão
If you read my article about visiting Portimão, you will see that I recommend a trail that starts here, right at the viewpoint of the 3 Castles. On one side of this viewpoint is this beach, but I also mention Rocha Beach, on the other side. I prefer the first, but they are undoubtedly two of the best beaches in Algarve, located side by side but with many differences between them that you will certainly love to discover.
11. Carvoeiro Beach – Lagoa
Carvoeiro beach is one of the most popular and naturally one of the best beaches in Algarve. It is located in Carvoeiro (Lagoa), which was once a fishing village. It was the scene of some naval battles in the past, the most famous being the one fought in 1544, against the Turkish corsair Xarramet.
The good thing about this place is that Algar Seco is nearby, with fantastic walkways created along the top of the cliffs: a good walk to find impressive and unique caves in Algarve, accessible by land.
This beach can be the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, if you follow the tips I left on my dedicated article. Don’t forget the Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação.
12. Benagil Beach – Lagoa
Benagil beach is considered by me to be one of the best beaches in Algarve as it is a strategic location along the 7 Hanging Valleys to go discover the caves in the municipality of Lagoa. It is close to Algar de Benagil, the most famous cave in Algarve.
The beach is well equipped with companies that organize boat trips to the caves and, of course, rent kayaks and paddle boards so you can discover them for yourself. I took a boat trip while traveling solo, but clearly kayaking will be a lot more fun.
13. Marinha Beach – Lagoa
Marinha Beach is the queen of Lagoa beaches, and perhaps you have already heard of the heart-shaped formation that you can find there. There are those who separate the beaches of Mesquita, Buraco, Pau and Marinha, but for me they are all part of the same. Just like Dona Ana, Marinha Beach was once considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is the official end or beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
14. Albandeira Beach – Lagoa
I visited this beach later in the day. It has an extraordinary natural arch, and a cave to reach Estanquinha beach, next door. The beach of Albandeira has brutal rock formations, in addition to the arch.
15. Beach of Nossa Senhora da Rocha – Lagoa
The cliffs where the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Rocha is located are a must-see in Algarve. You will find several beaches in the vicinity, such as New Beach. It is a unique place and a good spot to watch the sunset.
16. Castle Beach – Albufeira
This beach is extraordinary because it allows access to the natural absurdity that is Ponta do Castelo through the sand, allowing you to see all those rock formations up close. Castle Beach also has good neighbours, for example Coelha Beach.
17. São Rafael Beach – Albufeira
São Rafael beach deserves to be mentioned along with two others nearby: Vigia beach and Arrifes beach. Going to the first without going to the others is an incomplete experience on the region.
I decided not to choose Secret Beach as one of the best beaches in Algarve, but I mention it in my article on the 13 best beaches in Albufeira that you should also read. It’s in an amazing location, and many boat trips pass through it for some reason. 😉
18. Olhos de Água Beach – Albufeira
Olhos de Água Beach is one of my favorites! What does this beach have for me to consider it one of the best beaches in Algarve? See below:
- It has a great “atmosphere”, especially related to the blue fishermen’s houses and colorful boats.
- It has some of the best seaside rocky platforms to be found in Algarve.
- It has a curious natural phenomenon to observe: the freshwater springs that gave the beach its name.
- And from the water you can see the whole Falésia beach in the distance, with unique orange cliffs, so different from those found elsewhere in Algarve.
If you go up to the top of the cliffs next to this beach, you will find a incredible viewpoint.
19. Tomatoes Beach (Falésia) – Albufeira
The color of these cliffs is unmistakable: brick-like orange, occasionally sprinkled with white tones. The sea is green, warm and calm. On top of the cliffs there are huge fields of stone pines, which, due to their green color, contrast immensely with the orange and make the landscape so surreal.
Best Beaches in Eastern Algarve
Finally, I present to you 4 more beaches, all of them in Eastern Algarve. In this section you will have my favorite from Ria Formosa, but I want you to know that there are many more that I really like.
20. Quarteira Beach – Loulé
Loulé may be inland, but it also has territory on the coast and renowned beaches in Algarve, such as the beaches of Quarteira and Vilamoura. I loved the sunset at Quarteira beach, and there is a lot of infraestructure in this region, which is why I leave it on this list of the best beaches in Algarve.
21. Farol Island Beach – Ria Formosa
To represent Ria Formosa in this article I selected Farol Island beach and Barril beach. The first is actually part of the island of Culatra, and the boat to get there leaves from Olhão at affordable prices, or from Faro. Ria Formosa is a completely different Algarve when compared to what I’ve showed before, with miles and miles of uninterrupted paradisiacal beaches.
22. Barril Beach – Ria Formosa
My favorite beach in Ria Formosa was Barril Beach. It’s on an island, but to get there you don’t need to go by boat: you can walk, or take the tourist train from Pedras d’El Rei. This beach has an anchor cemetery, which recalls the time when tuna was fished in Algarve.
23. Ponta da Areia Beach – Vila Real de Santo António
Ponta da Areia beach is, in my opinion, one of the best beaches in Algarve due to its location next to the mouth of Guadiana river. Few people go that far, most people stay in Manta Rota or Monte Gordo, which are also excellent beaches in Algarve. I preferred this one, more modest, and equally beautiful. And on the other side of the river you can see Spain!
Best beaches in Algarve (TOP5 – my favorites)
Difficult, huh, to select my 5 favorites. I made a tremendous effort to choose just 5 best beaches in Algarve, but here they are, with more photos to inspire your visit, and in no particular order.
1. Amoreira Beach – Aljezur
2. Dona Ana Beach – Lagos
3. Marinha Beach – Lagoa
4. Olhos de Água Beach – Albufeira
5. Barril Beach – Ria Formosa
Other beaches around Algarve
On the outskirts of Algarve, there is, for example, southwest Alentejo to explore, with other incredible beaches. How about visiting Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo?
Tell me in the comments below, which beach was your favorite visiting Algarve! 😉 Check the other articles to find others I didn’t mention in this TOP 23. 😉
MORE ARTICLES FROM ALENTEJO AND ALGARVE: - Best Costa da Caparica beaches - Best beaches in Setúbal - Best Beaches in Sesimbra - Visit Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach - Best beaches in Tróia, Comporta and Melides - Best Beaches in Alentejo and Vicentine Coast - Things to do in Odemira and Vila Nova de Milfontes - Things to do in Marvão - Things to do in Elvas - Things to do in Estremoz - Things to do in Vila Viçosa - Things to do in Monsaraz & Alqueva Lake - Things to do in Porto Covo and Sines - Things to do in Arraiolos - Best Things to do in Évora and surroundings - Things to do in Mértola and Guadiana Valley - Things to do in Beja - Algarve Road Trip Itinerary - Things to do in Sagres - Things to do in Lagos - Best Beaches in Lagos - Things to do in Portimão - Things to do in Armação de Pêra and Silves - The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail - Best Beaches in Carvoeiro - Best Beaches in Albufeira - Things to do in Vilamoura and Quarteira - Things to do in Faro - Things to do in Tavira - Things to do in Olhão - Things to do in Monte Gordo
