Posted on Monday, 19 June 2023

Find your perfect beach in the Algarve, whether you love surfing, watersports, natural beauty, or simply chilling on a sun lounger with a cocktail in your hand.

Soft golden sand, soaring cliffs and aquamarine waters: the Algarve is a beach-hoppers paradise. Indeed, there are so many beaches, you would need a month or more to explore them all.

But for those who only have a week or two in Portugal's premier holiday region, we've put together a run-down of the best options.

Whether you love surfing on the wilder beaches of the less-developed west, or beachcombing and cocktail-sipping in the tourist-focussed east, there's a beach to delight visitors of all ages and interests. 

So, where are the best beaches in the Algarve? 

Castelejo beach

Located on the southernmost tip of the Algarve, Castelejo beach boasts a wide, golden sandy beach and clean water, backed by tall black schist escarpments.

While it's great for swimming and surfing, because it faces the Atlantic it's a little chillier than the region’s south facing beaches.

The reliable and large waves attract many surfers - and it's easy to find rental gear (surfboard, body boards and wetsuits) if you want to try it yourself. The beach is considered good for both beginners and more experienced surfers/bodyboarders.

Castelejo beach is a great place to start if you plan to explore the Algarve’s Atlantic coast from the south. It’s also a Blue Flag beach with all the amenities you could need.

Cordoama Beach

A moderate walk from Castelejo is Cordoama Beach, offering similarly dramatic schist cliff faces and great surfing. 

Both Castelejo and the adjacent Cordoama give you plenty of space to surf - so you don't have to worry about collisions, reduced wave access, or even the impact that too-many-surfers can have on the natural wave formations.

Cordoama is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards, parking, sunbeds and a restaurant.

Amado beach

Amado beach is similar to Cordoama and Castelejo beach, but with one key difference: its northernmost cliffs are a rich red colour - which contrasts with the adjacent golden-hued escarpments.

Amado's wide beach presents excellent surfing conditions, but you can also enjoy other watersports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing and bodyboarding.

A number of surf schools and rental shops are located near the beach.

The beach and its surrounds are part of Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, known for its rich biodiversity and general natural beauty.

It's also a rewarding area for hikers, with its clifftop trails offering breathtaking views across the rolling Atlantic.

Bordeira Beach

Epic Bordeira is where the desert meets the sea.

Explore the vast sand dunes before hitting the wide beach.

Aside from the sand dunes, another curiosity of this beach is that just beneath the golden top layer is rich black sand.

Bordeira is another surfer's paradise, with consistent waves year-round - thanks to the fact it receives swell from both the northwest and the southwest. The best surf is between September and March. The beach is suitable for a range of skill levels.

But you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy this beach: swimming and tanning are also popular pursuits. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and a lifeguard is on duty during high season.

Arrifana Beach

Arrifana is the most popular beach on the Algarve's Atlantic coast, and with good reason. Aside from the superb surf, the beach enjoys one of the most dramatic settings in the region, with superb views down the wild and rocky coast.

While the beach is popular with sunbathers as well as surfers, do note that the tide comes right up to the cliffs, so space is often at a premium.

You can also visit the village of Arrifana, at the top of the cliff.

Monte Clerigo Beach

Picturesque Monte Clerigo is not the largest beach on this list - but it does enjoy one of the prettiest settings. It's popular with nature lovers, sunbathers - and of course surfers.

There Is consistent surf all year round, with the best waves arriving between September and March.

The tall, rugged cliffs give ample protection from the wind, and make for some breathtaking views.

Amoreira Beach

Another contender for the western Algarve’s prettiest beach, Amoreira is best enjoyed at low tide - especially when the sun is setting.

All the usual pursuits, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing and boarding, are available to enjoy here. But you can also go on a hike or a nature walk, have a picnic on one of the shaded picnic tables, or try a bit of dolphin spotting.

Algarve’s South coast beaches

Camilo beach

One of the finest beaches near Lagos, Praia do Camilo boasts craggy cliffs, soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

It also features some fascinating rock formations - of the type more common along the southern coast (and less so on the west).

Access to the beach does involve a fairly long wooden staircase, so it might not be an ideal option for the less able. It's also modestly sized and hemmed in by cliffs, so don't expect long beach walks.

A beach restaurant and toilets are available.

Dona Ana beach

Edged by golden-hued limestone cliffs of the Ponta da Peiada headland, Praia de Dona Ana boasts turquoise waters and stunning rock formations.

Yet another challenger for Portugal's prettiest beach, Dona Ana is especially popular among snorkelers and swimmers. Many coastal grottos and caves await exploration.

The beach has all the facilities you could need, including sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. 

Dona Ana is a classic chill-out beach; it's not as suitable for surfers as others on this list.

Falésia beach

Praia da Falésia is an alluring 6km strip of sand hemmed in by majestic cliffs in various shades of rich brown.

In high season Falésia can get rather overcrowded, partly due to its proximity to Albufeira (8.5km away). Space gets especially limited at high tide.

Arrive in low season and you'll have much more space.

There's also plenty to do: watersports, walking, and cycling to name a few.

It has all the amenities you could need, including toilets, restaurants, and beach bars. Parking is also easy.

Rocha beach

Located 30 miles west of Faro, the Algarve's capital, Praia da Rocha is very wide and very long, so no need to worry about a lack of space.

The fact Rocha has so much space is just as well, since it's one of the region's most popular resorts. Indeed, if you want beach access from your hotel, this is a great option.

Activities-wise, you're spoilt for choice. There's a host of day cruises and half-day tours to choose from, many of which enable you to explore the beautiful nearby coastal caves and enjoy some dolphin spotting.

You can also try a spot of beach yoga, go jet skiing, or simply relax on the sand and top up your tan. There's also a great beach club where you can enjoy cocktails and top-notch seafood during the day.

And this being a major resort, you can expect some effervescent nightlife - with an array of bars and clubs to choose from. 

Benagil caves

The Benagil caves are rightly one of Portugal's most famous natural wonders: a vast dome-like cave with a hole in the roof, edged by stunning rock archways. You'll need to hire a paddleboard to reach it (1 hour rental should be enough).

You'll need to lay off the port the night before if you want to experience the cave with fewer people; and early visit is essential. Peak summer months can get extremely busy. 

Marinha beach

Moving east we come to Praia da Marinha, considered one of the most beautiful beaches, not only in Portugal, but the world.

Marinha has similarities with Camilo, with a similar soft golden sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. However, what sets it apart is its size and dramatic rock formations. Highlights include a rock formation known as the M-rock - because it resembles the letter M.

Arrive during low tide and you'll be able to explore the entire structure.

You'll need a car to reach Marinha. You'll also need to be fit enough for the descent (and more importantly the return ascent!).

Peak months of June, July and August can get very crowded, so aim to arrive before 9am.

Tonel beach

Located near the southwestern tip of the Algarve (and Portugal), Tonel has a wild, remote feel, and is blessed with azure-blue waters and consistent waves.

Its tall cliffs run through a myriad of colours, while vegetation adds more interest.

On the headland you'll find the mighty Fortress of Sagres and a lighthouse.

In 1587, when Portugal was under Spanish rule, Francis Drake famously attacked the fortress.

It remains an important historical site for Portugal, having played a key role in the Age of Discoveries.

Ilha de Tavira beach

For a truly peaceful beach experience, hop on the ferry to Praia da Ilha de Tavira.

Sweeping sand dunes and azure blue waters are the main draws. 

It's a modern tourist beach with all the facilities you might need. It also has a dedicated area for those who enjoy au naturel sunbathing - making it one of the top naturist beaches in the Algarve.

The surf here is inconsistent. Autumn and winter visits offer the best chance of catching a few waves. That said, you can rent surf gear all year round.

Barril beach

Also on Tavira Island is Praia do Barril, another of the Algarve’s naturist beaches.

You can reach Barril beach via a short train ride or a leisurely walk from Pedras d'el Rei.

The naturist zone is located towards the western end.

 

Algarve beaches: FAQs

Are Algarve beaches sandy?

The majority of the Algarve’s beaches are blessed with soft golden sand. However, there are a handful of pebble beaches, such as Praia do Rebolinhos near Lagos.

How many beaches in Algarve?

Portugal’s Algarve region is a beach lover’s paradise, with more than 100 beaches to choose from.

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