Best Beaches in the Algarve for Sun, Surf & Calm

The Algarve region of Portugal is renowned for its stunning beaches. There are over 100 of them, so it’s hard to choose which ones to see on your trip. So, here is a quick list of the 10 best beaches in the Algarve that you must see. 

The weather in the Algarve is Mediterranean, so the summers are hot and great for swimming at the beach.  You should also go outside of peak season, when it’s a little cooler and the beaches in the Algarve are more peaceful, though not as good for diving. However, there are also many walks and sights to see in the area, allowing you to spend your days enjoying the beautiful scenery. 

10 Best Beaches in the Algarve

1. Praia Da Batata 

This beach is the closest to the city of Lagos; however, depending on the location of your hotel, Meia Praia may be just as accessible. The beach is a good size; however, it can get rather busy. This is the best place to go if you want to spend part of your day in the town and part of it on the beach, or if you don’t want to trek to any of the other places along the coast. There are a lot of things to do nearby, plus you don’t have to go down any stairs to get to the sand. 

2. Praia Do Pinhao 

One of the many beaches along the Lagos coast that look like coves. There aren’t any services at this small beach, but the beautiful scenery and sheltered location make it worth a visit. 

3. Praia Da Dona Ana 

This is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos, and it’s easy to see why. You can get the real Algarve beaches sensations without having to travel too far from town because the cliffs are dramatic and the region is vast enough that it doesn’t look overly crowded. When the tide goes out, the steps will no longer connect to the farthest stretch of sand. Be careful not to get stranded. 

4. Praia Da Meia Praia 

The translation of “half beach” is very wrong. This is Lagos’s biggest beach by far. It has numerous cafés, lifeguard huts, and places to rent water sports equipment. There isn’t any stunning scenery or caves to explore, but there is a lot more space than on the small cove beaches. You will feel relaxed. Something that doesn’t happen very often on any beach in the middle of summer in Europe. 

5. Praia Do Camillo 

You can get to this quiet, private beach cove by taking steep steps cut into the cliff. It’s a nice 30-minute stroll from Lagos town. If you have the time and stamina, walk past Praia da Dona Ana to reach here, and there will be fewer people. 

6. Praia Da Mareta (Sagres) 

This stretch of sand was less than 10 minutes from the main town and had ample space. There seems to be a beach hut café on the sand in addition to the stores and restaurants in Sagres. There were a lot of surfers in the ocean, so if you rent a board from one of the stores in town and don’t have a car, here is a great place to do it. 

7. Praia Do Beliche (Sagres) 

This is a great place to stop if you’re spending the day in Cabo Sao Vincente. Even for the Algarve, the steps to get to this beach are very steep. But once you get there, there are a lot fewer people than on the beaches closer to Lagos. The cliffs are high, and the golden sand is soft, which protects you from the wind. There is a hut where you can rent water sports gear, as well as a small café or bar where you can enjoy a cold drink or lunch. 

8. Praia da Marinha 

It’s likely the most famous spot in the Algarve to look down at Praia da Marinha. The view is stunning, which is why this beach is often included in lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. 

9. Praia da Amoreira 

At first, the long beach welcomes you. You can walk along the water for more than 30 minutes, and even longer if you keep going up the river that flows into the ocean (this may be the only place in the Algarve with warmer water for swimming). The best part is that there are only two buildings around the beach, and they are both restaurants. 

10. Ilha da Armona 

In Olhão, you can purchase a ferry ticket for approximately 2 euros that will transport you to the small, sandy island of Armona. When you get to the island, the walk to the beach on the other side is so cute. It goes through a small town with flower-filled Portuguese homes. Along the way, there are lots of coffee shops, bars, and even small grocery stores where you can buy snacks and water. 

3 Best Places to Stay in the Algarve, Portugal 

There are many places to stay in the Algarve because it is pretty big. These are the three best cities to stay in. 

1. Lagos 

Take a train from Lisbon to Lagos. It only takes 4 hours. At Tunes, you always have to make one change to get on a more local train. Other than that, the trip is smooth, and it costs about $25 per person.  

This charming town is among some of the Algarve’s best beaches, making it a popular. The town of Lagos is charming and lively, retaining some old-school Portuguese culture and atmosphere, with musicians playing in every area. 

2. Arrifana 

On the far west coast, Aljezur is 40 minutes from Lagos. It is a secret gem in the Algarve that isn’t as busy with tourists as Lagos. 

Arrifana is the best local hotel. The small community of Arrifana is at ease. It features a few traditional Portuguese homes, several excellent restaurants, and a handful of small shops. The place is great for people who want to relax or go on an active surf beach holiday. 

3. Tavira 

Tavira, a lovely village in the eastern Algarve, is 30 minutes from Faro. Located on the Gilão River, it is recognised for its neighbourhood feel and stunning architecture. 
 
East of the Algarve has sandy beaches and islands, but you’ll need a car to get there and back. Relax here and soak up the sun. 

The Best Way to Get Around the Algarve

You can either rent a car or take the bus or rail to get about the Algarve. Additionally, renting a car can be more cost-effective than taking the train. 

Most people choose to drive when they want to see the Algarve. It’s the best way to do it, especially if you want to go at your own pace and see many towns, beaches, and hidden lookout points. 

1. Renting A Car 

It’s easier and cheaper to rent a car at the airports than in smaller places. You can pick up your vehicle at the airports in Faro or Lisbon. The roads are in great shape, especially the state motorways. If a toll system is in place, the car rental company will instruct you to purchase a toll tag. This is a good idea. The government operates every petrol station and has clean bathrooms, large convenience stores, and a spacious area with a bar and convenience stores. It’s called Colibri. 

2. Public Transportation 

Sometimes, on a day, a small train goes from one end of the Algarve to the other, but never with anyone else. Other than that, you can get from one town to another by bus (which is just as lonely) or taxi. Some boats can take you across bodies of water in some places, especially in the eastern Algarve. To meet the higher demand, public transport services are generally more frequent and cover a wider area during the busy tourist season, which lasts from spring to early autumn. Still, it’s not the best. 

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