The sun fills the fine white sands of these beaches with light and joy. Whether they are immense stretches of sand as far as the eye can see, or little coves sheltered by rocks, each beach has its own dazzling and surprising beauty. Some are crowded, with lots of entertainment, while other remain deserted and unexplored, holding secrets waiting to be unveiled. Portugal has many beach travel destinations…… there’s always something for every taste and state of mind, whether it’s to stretch out and relax on the sand, take a walk by the sea, to enjoy a date or to have fun and party the night away. You can also find more information for Algarve Portugal here.
But despite their many differences, the beaches do have something in common: their quality, demonstrated by the large number of EU blue flags awarded each year, certifying their excellent conditions and amenities. The clear waters of the sea also have different moods. Some beaches have quiet, peaceful seas, especially in the Algarve, which even in the winter is a great holiday destination; others have livelier seas, with waves that are just right for various high adrenaline sports. Here are the best beaches of Algarve Portugal:
Estudantes Beach
Praia dos Estudantes is a beach near the center of Lagos. Due to its location, it is a convenient beach to visit for a couple of hours. It is located right next to Praia da Batata. Praia dos Estudantes is a small beach. The beach is surrounded by rock formations, which extend into the sea and shelter the beach from strong winds. The sand on Estudantes beach is coarse and quite hard. There are a lot of shells on the sand, so make sure to wear water shoes. The water is very calm and crystal clear here. It is a great place to swim and enjoy the ocean.
Camilo Beach
Camilo Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. However, because of it’s popularity and small size, it tends to be one of the most crowded. On Camilo Beach, there is a beach bar and a sea arch that is a very popular photography spot. To get down to the beach, you will walk down a long series of wooden steps, 227 of them! You can also park at Praia Dona Ana and walk the boardwalk trails to the beach (about 1/2 mile each way) but you’ll still have to take the stairs to the beach. One of the best viewpoints is from the very top of the stairs.
Dona Ana Beach
Dona Ana Beach is a very stunning beach. This wide beach and its backdrop of golden cliffs and sea pillars is a great place to put on your list if you will be staying in Lagos or have plans to visit Ponta da Piedade. There are bathrooms here as well as several small beach shops and cafes.
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Prainha Beach
Compared to other beaches in Algarve, Prainha Beach is quite small. Actually, “Prainha” in portuguese means “tiny beach”. However, it still remains popular, especially among the locals, during the weekends and summertime. Prainha Beach is in the eastern side of Alvor in Algarve and also close to Praia da Rocha, Portimao and Lagos. The waters of Prainha in Algarve are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and surfing. If you don’t have your gear for these activities, you can rent them from facilities found near the beach. Although few restaurants are within the area, you can stroll back to close by Alvor and eat around that area.
Marinha Beach
The south coast of the Algarve boasts several beaches with photogenic limestone rock stacks produced by erosion and dissolution. Their orangy-brown colors make them perfect for morning or evening photography, but they also provide a spectacular backdrop for beach side lounging at any time. Marinha is southeast of Lagoa, where the cliffs have been chopped and changed into a series of pinnacles, crevasses and caves. No surprise that it’s the poster girl of Algarve beaches, and regularly ranked among the best beaches in Europe. To get here, try the picturesque walk along the clifftops from Praia Vale Centeanes, near Carvoeiro. Great beach for families and photographers.
Falésia Beach
This long straight strip of sand east of Albufeira offers one of the region’s most impressive first glimpses of coast as you descend from the clifftop car park. It’s backed by stunning cliffs in white and several shades of ochre, gouged by weather into intriguing shapes and topped by typical pines. The areas near the car parks get packed in summer, but the strip is long, so it’s easy enough to find plenty of breathing space. It’s a good beach for strolling, as the cliff scape constantly changes colors and shapes, and there’s a surprising range of hardy seaside plants in the cracks and crevices.
Odeceixe Beach
Crossing into the Algarve from the north, the first beach is one of the region’s best. Praia de Odeceixe is a tongue of sand at a river mouth flanked by imposing dark and jagged schist cliffs. It’s a particularly good option for families, as smaller children can paddle on the peaceful river side of the strand while older kids tackle the waves on the ocean side. At the beach itself is a surf school and eating options and the pretty village of Odeceixe is a half-hour walk away along a charming country road. The Rota Vicentina, a long-distance walking path that leads right to the southwestern tip of Portugal, passes through here and there are great day walks in the vicinity.
Arrifana Beach
Arrifana Beach is a fingernail-shaped cove embraced by cliffs, southwest of the gateway town of Aljezur. The beach is wildly popular with surfers of all abilities and there are several surf schools in the area. The beach break is reliable, but there’s also a right-hand reef break that can offer some of the Algarve’s best surfing when there’s a big swell. There’s a small, very popular beach side restaurant and clifftop eateries near the ruined fortress up above, which offers breathtaking vistas. Good diving is also possible here.
Albufeira Beach
Hundreds of locals and tourists head to Albufeira Beach to enjoy the crystal-blue waters and the fine sands. It is also one of the well-maintained beaches in the country, as certified by the Blue Flag organization. Though swimming remains to be the popular activity in Albufeira Beach, you can enjoy a variety of water sports, including windsurfing, diving, sailing, and snorkeling. There are several rental facilities near the beach. There is also a number of restaurants, beach resorts, and bars surrounding Albufeira beach.
Luz Beach
At Luz Beach, also known as the Beach of Light, the waters are beautiful and transparent. There are plenty of lifeguards on the beach, except where boats are anchored, as you are not allowed to swim in there. Water activities available at Luz Beach include swimming, snorkeling, surfing and diving. All around Luz Beach are many sandstone cliffs and lush greens that add more color into the surroundings. At the eastern side is a famous black rock formation aptly known as “Rocha Negra”. It is actually a large igneous rock formed during an ancient volcanic eruption in “Monchique”.
Alvor Beach
Alvor Beach is a great spot for those who want a more spacious sand-and-sea combo. Alvor Beach has a vast expanse of fine white sand that form part of a bay. Its waters are attractive to surfers, especially beginners, since the waves are not too tall. There are plenty of restaurants and bars that surround the area selling seafood and fresh fish. There are also lots of watersports activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sailing. You can also rent a sunbeds and umbrellas here as well.
Carvoeiro Beach
Carvoeiro Beach offers some of the best swimming and scenery in the area. It stretches out into a wide expanse of sand, surrounded by cliffs and overlooked by beautiful white homes and hotels. You’ll find a traditional local market that sells fresh produce, along with a neighborhood butcher and bakers. Lovely Carvoeiro Beach is friendly for anyone with mobility issues. It is the only beach in the region that can be accessed by foot as well as by wheelchair. The waters here are a beautiful shade of blue.
Martinhal Beach
Martinhal Beach is flat, sandy, huge, and well protected from the westerly winds. This beach is a blue flag, a testament to the high standard of cleanliness and safety. Activities available at Martinhal Beach include swimming, sailing, and snorkeling. For the thrill-seekers, there’s windsurfing, ballooning, surfing, and body surfing available. There is a surfing academy near the beach. If you don’t have any gear, you can rent them from the nearest facilities. There are several restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs here as well. Most of the restaurants sell fresh seafood from the region.
Burgau Beach
Burgau Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Algarve with golden sands and calm, serene waters. Despite its small size, the beach is very popular during the summer with the tourists and the locals alike. The Burgau beach is protected from strong winds by rocky cliffs that surge out of the ocean on either side, creating a natural barrier. High tides are quite common on the Burgau Beach, so check the tide schedule for the day to avoid being soaked. At Burgau Beach there are many beach bars, cafes, and restaurants that offer sweeping views of the beach and surrounding mountains.
Salema Beach
Home to some of the most beautiful secluded coves and breathtaking outcrops of rock formations one can ever imagine, Salema Beach is a paradise to those who are seeking tranquility and an escape from the crowd. The golden sand beach, colorful fishing boats, the picturesque fishing village and the scenic cliffs are just some of the beautiful images that welcome visitors at Praia de Salema Beach. For those who love seafood, Praia de Salema Beach has a promenade of restaurants and cafes on top of the cliff, where visitors can sample the fishermen’s catch of the day. Here, visitors do not only get to taste sumptuous fresh seafood, but also get to enjoy the wonderful view of the sea while dining.
Monte Gordo Beach
Monte Gordo Beach comes with the warmest waters in Algarve, because of its nearness to the Mediterranean Sea. Monte Gordo Beach is regarded as one of the best in Algarve. Besides the warm temperature, the waters are very clean and the sand is pristine and white. The beach is flat and large and there’s enough room for all visitors, which visit all year round. There are plenty of refreshments, bars, pubs, and restaurants close by. You can also find little shops lining up the streets and benches for strollers.
Rocha Beach
Rocha Beach is one of the tourist hot spots in Algarve, if not, the entire country. It is roughly fifty minutes away from Faro Airport and close to “Portimao”. The name of the beach is translated as “Rock Beach” because of the presence of large rock formations arising from the sand. When you don’t want to go sunbathing or hitting the waters, you can stay under these rocks for shade. There are plenty of water sports are available, as well as boat rides. Several bars and restaurants are found within or near the beach and most of them offer fresh seafood dishes.
I had no idea Algarve had so many beaches with such different personalities — this guide honestly makes it hard to choose just one! The descriptions of Camilo Beach and Marinha Beach really stood out to me, especially with those sea arches and dramatic cliffs. I also love that so many of these spots have Blue Flag status, because clean water and well-kept sand make a huge difference when traveling. Odeceixe Beach sounds perfect for families, while places like Arrifana seem incredible for anyone into surfing or photography. If someone had only a couple of days in the region, which beach would you say gives the best “first taste” of Algarve — a scenic one like Marinha, or a lively one like Albufeira?
If you only have a short window to experience Algarve, Marinha Beach is the best introduction to what makes the region so special — the dramatic cliffs, clear water, and iconic rock formations make it unforgettable from the moment you arrive. It captures the postcard-perfect look Algarve is known for, and the views alone are worth the trip. However, if you want a livelier atmosphere with restaurants, amenities, and plenty of activity, Albufeira Beach gives you an energetic coastal experience that’s easy and convenient. Both offer something different, so it depends on whether you prefer scenic beauty or a more social, activity-filled setting.
I’m loving this rundown of Algarve beaches! I’ve been to Portugal once, but I didn’t make it to the Algarve and clearly I missed out. With so many beaches on this list, I’m wondering—which ones tend to stay the least crowded, especially during summer? I’d rather spend my days somewhere peaceful instead of packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Have you found any quiet gems that are worth the walk or a little extra effort to reach?
Great question! The Algarve definitely has its busy postcard beaches, but several quieter spots still feel wonderfully peaceful—even in peak season. For fewer crowds, I always recommend Praia de Odeceixe, since its river-meets-ocean setting gives you lots of space to spread out. Salema Beach is another calm favorite, with a laid-back fishing-village vibe and plenty of room to relax. If you don’t mind a short walk, Prainha Beach also stays fairly quiet thanks to its smaller size and tucked-away location. Each one offers beautiful scenery without the summer rush, and they’re perfect if you want a more relaxing Algarve beach day. Let me know which part of the coast you’re planning to stay on—there are a few other peaceful picks nearby!
Wow such beautiful beaches! I didn’t even know Portugal has so many beautiful beaches before this. Marinha Beach looks like something out of a postcard! This is definitely going into my bucket list of one of the beaches to visit at least once in a lifetime. I will save this page and share it with my travel buddies to let them know that we got to start planning for a trip to Portugal. Thanks a lot and I look forward to more sharing of beautiful beaches from you!
You are very welcome Kenny!
Wow very beautiful. When I think of Beaches I never think of Europe. But I forget that there is a part of Europe that is right on the Mediterranean Sea . Quite beautiful. I bet the weather is perfect…
Thank you for the post. I will have to visit Portugal with my family one day. And you mentioned the food. I bet it is awesome… Do you have a favorite dish from Portugal ?
Yes, you definitely have to go. I do not have a favorite dish as I have not been there…yet. It’s on my bucket list as one of the top beaches I have to visit.
Oh my gosh – I’d definitely need two to three weeks in Portugal to visit a few of these beaches! My grandparents in England used to go to Portugal every year for a vacation and I can now see why!
I’m just reading a novel about a Portuguese family and there has been some descriptions of the beaches. Now I have the seen the photos of them!
It is a great place as Portugal has great beaches. If you need any more information on beach travel destinations, just let me know 🙂
You leave me craving for a vacation to Portugal. Thank you for this very informing article. I really love the picture of Marinha Beach. The way the cliffs come up to the beach sand and the colors in the stone. WOW! Have you actually been to that location? Do you have any other articles related to Portugal?
Hi there Todd and thanks for reading. This is my only article on Portugal. I plan on adding more, but trying to cover every area at this point. I have not been to Portugal, only heard of the great beaches in Portugal.
That’s a great article on the beaches of Portugal. I’ve been to Spain before and I now live in Australia with what I think are the best beaches in the world (I am biased however :-)). Having grown up in the UK we often hear how good the coastline and beaches are in Portugal and I think it’s often thought of as a place to retire. When I’m next able to go to Europe I need to remember your page and look up the details, it will make for a great itinery. Have you been to all these beaches yourself?
I have not been to all these beaches. I have been to a lot of the beaches that I review though, as this is a passion of mine. Thank you for visiting my site!
I can honestly say that I have never thought of Portugal as a vacation destination but after seeing this, it’s definitely on the list.
We are a family that travels once a year depending on time preparation. This year is Hawaii. I will have to show this to my family.
Not only are your photos gorgeous but I was attentive just on reading. Great description of the beaches and I never knew there were so many there!
We don’t normally stay at hotels. We have to find something that accommodates a big family. What are the prices like for accommodating space for about 8? And do you know how long the flight is from the U.S?
It really depends on where you are flying from. From DFW, it can take as little as 13 hours, but longer with longer layovers. There are lots of choices for accommodations for larger groups or families. I actually did a search and several apartments/cottages came up and the prices were actually pretty reasonable. Starting at about $100 per night and going up from there, with several choices around $175 a night. There were also weekly rentals available, and those give a little bit of a break. Thanks for looking and I am glad you enjoyed reading!
Being from the United States I never really knew anything about Portugal. It was really interesting learning about the different beaches there. They all sound very beautiful and it definitely makes me want to visit sometime. Those were also great tips on travel and hotels. Ill have to remember that.
Thank you for visiting Kayla. And yes, there are so many beautiful beach vacation places outside the U.S. Definitely worth traveling to!
What else can be better than a summer vacation at a beautiful beach resort? Is this something you regularly do or is it just something you’ve been thinking about Marketing in for some while now? You certainly would have me convinced on taking a vacation soon…Lol! Is that the only vacation deal you’re offering or is there more?
Nothing could be better Currtis! That is for sure. And, yes I have lots more. Beach travel destinations is a passion of mine. Thanks for reading!