The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. It is one of the most famous Portuguese destinations, receiving around nine million foreign tourists a year, making it the most visited province in the country. Its excellent location with respect to Spain (limited to the east by Huelva, Andalusia); makes it one of the favorite destinations of the Spanish. But why is it one of the favourites? The secret lies with the beaches of the Algarve.
Best beaches in the Portuguese Algarve
1. Barrel Beach, Tavira
One of our favorite beaches in the Algarve is Barril or Do Barril. This beach is located on the small island of Tavira, which you can get to by car. Getting to this beach is quite an adventure, since the only way to do it is by crossing a pedestrian bridge or aboard a small tourist train. On this beach, which has an extensive sandbank, you can see some old, but famous anchors that belonged to tuna boats that used to arrive in this part of the island.
This beach is ideal for spending the day, as it has all the services of a tourist beach: surveillance, toilets and multiple restaurant options. Also, if you walk a little further through its dunes you will reach the popular Naked Man beach: a full-fledged nudist beach.
2. Cacela Velha Beach, Tavira
For us, Tavira is one of the best kept secrets in the Algarve. It is a little crowded island where during the high season you can find people who have been summering there all their lives. Well, it is precisely in Tavira where another of the most paradisiacal beaches we have visited is found: Cacela Velha . To get to this island, which is located on the Cacela Peninsula, you have to cross the Formosa estuary. You can cross this estuary on foot (at low tide) or on board a barge (at high tide).
It is a virgin beach, deserted and that has an immense sandbank that looks towards the Atlantic. It is important to bring a snack to this beach, as it does not have a restaurant or basic services. The condition is to leave the beach very clean.
3. Dona Ana Beach, Lagos
Doña Ana or da Dona Ana beach is characterized by the multiple rock formations that give this beach an exceptional landscape. You can see the beach from the viewpoint at the top. Doña Ana beach has crystal clear waters, white sand and imposing dunes shaped by a cliff. In addition, the sighting of various marine species is frequent without the need for great efforts.
This beach, which is located in Lagos (with a walled center that we recommend you visit), has all the amenities for visitors: parking, restaurants, bar, bathrooms and equipment rental for water activities.
4. Camilo Beach, Lagos
The official name of this beach is Praia do Camilo, in Lagos. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and is part of the Ponta da Piedade . The Ponta da Piedade is a promontory made up of a series of rock formations that extend along the city of Lagos; These are yellowish and golden rocks that form cliffs up to twenty meters high and constitute one of the greatest tourist attractions in the region.
Camilo beach is accessed through long stairs (approximately 200 steps). It has a wide sandy area, protected by the cliffs. Very close to its access is the Punta de Piedade, a very impressive rock formation. The beach has hotel services and parking.
5. Culatra Island, Lighthouse
The island of Culatra is in Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Here are some of the most famous Algarve beaches. To access the island you must take a boat in Olhão. In Culatra you have two options: take a bath in the sea beach or in the Ria de Formosa beach. On this island you will find multiple beaches, such as the public one, which is easily accessible; You can also choose those that are accessed aboard a small boat. The beaches do not usually have any type of service, since some are part of a natural park.
However, if you are looking to spend the day in Culatra, you have multiple options to eat and many places to visit.
6. Three Brothers Beach, Alvor
Tres Hermanos Beach or Praia Três Irmãos is named for the rock formations that frame its shore. This beach, in Alvor, Portimão; It is a little crowded beach and very well protected from the wind thanks to the large rocks that shelter it. In the western part of the beach, the visitor can find quite extensive sandbanks while, to the east, they can enjoy some easily accessible coves when the tide goes out.
Although there are no restaurants on the beach, a few minutes’ walk away, there are multiple establishments where you can taste the best of Portuguese cuisine. Tres Hermanos beach has a car park.
7. Arrifana, Aljezur: one of the best beaches in the Algarve
In the municipality of Aljezur you will find one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve. This is the Arrifana, which is characterized by a sandbank of half a kilometer. To the north of the beach there is a huge rock, called Pedra da Agulha or Stone of the Needle, with a vertical shape that protects visitors from the strong winds that hit the region. La Arrifana is one of the favorites of surfers, thanks to the imposing waves that rise on these beaches. Arrifana has the distinctive blue flag and has restaurants, toilets, parking and areas for walking. In addition, being one of the favorites of surfers, it is possible to request classes to practice this sport.
In addition to taking a bath on these beaches, we advise you to go to the fishing port of Arrifana and the remains of the castle of this beautiful town.
8. Odeceixe Beach, Aljezur
Another of Aljezur’s beaches is Odeceixe, which is part of the Costa Vicentina. This beach, the northernmost in Portugal, has the distinctive blue flag and is considered one of the wonders of Portugal. On the north side of the beach, the Seixe River flows out and creates small lagoons of warm water, ideal for the little ones; South of Odeceixe is Adegas beach, a nudist beach.
To get to this beach you have to follow green trails until you reach a swamped area. Odeceixe beach is made up of an extensive sandbank, protected by large cliffs on its north and south sides. This beautiful beach in the Portuguese Algarve has all the necessary services to spend a whole day without moving from its sand: restaurant, toilets, surveillance, medical post, information and sports equipment rental.
9. Albandeira: one of the best beaches in the Algarve
Albandeira is one of our favorites. Its location, somewhat hidden, makes it little crowded by tourists. It is small and is located between Caroveiro and Armaçao de Pera beach. Albandeira is located in a small cove that belongs to the Vale de Engenhos town, in Lagoa. Although it is not very crowded, Albandeira has all the services of a modern beach: a small bar with a terrace and a car park (although not for many vehicles).
The waters of this beach are very calm and ideal for relaxing; they are protected by eroded cliffs where there are multiple caves, caves and underground galleries.
