
Praia da Marinha is the archetypal Algarve cove. Clear turquoise waters lap up against the orange limestone that forms the cliffs and iconic rock formations that have graced the covers of a hundred holiday brochures. The beach itself is fairly small and sandy, but what has saved it is what it doesn't have. Despite being located in the middle of the Algarve coast, Praia da Marinha lacks the facilities and most importantly, the easy access of other Algarve beaches. To get to the beach involves...
Wide sandy beach backed by large cliffs. Easily accessible by wooden steps. Great spot for snorkelling or just soaking up the sun
Just 8km west of Portimao, one of the largest towns in the Algarve, and within walking distance of Praia da Rocha's pumping late night party scene, Alvor with its huge sandy beach offers a relatively peaceful and calm alternative.
The historic Alvor was a sleepily attractive whitewashed fishing village until tourism began to take hold in the 1960s. The development...
Set at the bottom of a deep valley by the fishing harbour of Benagil there's lots to explore here. Caves and rock formations abound.
Literally translating to 'half beach', this vast expanse of sand near the interesting old town of Lagos wraps itself around one of the biggest bays in Europe. The wide bay offers protection from rough seas, which makes this long beach of soft, white sand particularly popular with families.
Meia Praia is dotted with snack bars and restaurants, making it an ideal choice for those of you who enjoy long, sandy walks, while the absence of rocks under...
Along with neighbouring Praia Dona Ana, the beach of Camilo is Lagos' (if not one of the Algarve's) iconic beach. Whilst Dona Ana may have the slight edge when it comes to outlandish, cohre rock formations and grottoes, Praia do Camilo shares the same golden sand and crystal clear, azure waters.
To reach the beach involves negotiating the 200 wooden steps which wind their way down the orange cliffs. These same cliffs offer shelter from the ocean winds making Praia do Camilo a...
The beach of Praia de Albandeira lies roughly midway between the resorts of Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. It is set in a part of the Algarve coast that is home to many little coves and bays etched into the yellow limestone cliffs. All these beaches are home to the same crystal-clear water, golden sand and wonderful (and sometimes weird) rock formations.However, each beach has its own character too. As a bonus, despite being located between resorts, much of this coast has not suffered from...
Praia Nova is one of the lesser known beaches in the Armação de Pera area. Neighbouring the popular Praia da Senhora da Rocha these two beaches are in fact joined by a tunnel which has been cut through the headland that separates them.
The beach here is sheltered by the high cliffs, which also means there are quite a few steps down to the beach. It is important to note that these cliffs are unstable in places and rock falls can happen. Therefore it is advised that you avoid sitting...
This sheltered little cove is located just to the west of Armação de Pêra. The beach here is very different to those in the resort itself, instead of endless low sand dunes Praia da Senhora da Rocha is flanked by high sandstone cliffs which protect it from the wind.
This sheltered aspect hasn't been missed by local fishermen and boats are still pulled up on the sand. In fact much of rear of the beach is given over to small fisherman's...
Technically speaking Praia de São Roque doesn't exist as a beach in its own right and is generally considered to be part of the vast crescent of sand that is Meia Praia. The beach is still referred to by its old name by some locals though.
Historically Praia de São Roque and Meia Praia were two separate beaches divided by a stream. However, over the years the course of the stream has changed and no longer exists. The name itself comes from a...
The attractive fishing village of Ferragudo has done a good job of avoiding the wholesale development that has affected much of this part of the Algarve. This is even more impressive considering its location at the mouth of the Rio Arade estuary,...