13 of the best beaches in the Algarve
With more than 150 coves and bays, and some 300 sunny days in which to enjoy them, the Algarve is among the loveliest beach destinations in Europe. But it's not just a numbers game — it's the variety that makes this part of Portugal particularly attractive. Family-friendly options are available at every turn, but just a short half-hour drive down the road you might find a wind-swept expanse primed for windsurfing, or rolling waves waiting for surfers. Hiring a car means it's easier to reach those quieter spots, but there are plenty of options within easy reach of cities too. To help, here's our pick of the best beaches in the Algarve.
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Set in the western Algarve, within the Costa Vincentina Natural Park, Salema is one of the few really authentic fishing villages left in the Algarve. Here you can see the little fishing boats being pulled up on the beach by tractors and the fishermen mending their nets. Away from the restaurants and bars on the east of the beach are cliff walls made from limestone. Explore the shelves that jut out from this and you'll likely spot a footprint or two from the dinosaurs that roamed here millions of years ago. Simple but comfortable, Hotel Residencial Salema is just steps from the beach.
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As important as finding the beach at the end of the rainbow is whether you will be able to park there. At the blue flag beach of Alvor you certainly won't struggle. It is a long stretch of sand and versatile too. Kite-surfers come for the reliable on-shore breezes, while families appreciate the calmers parts. There are several excellent options if you want to eat on the beach, from fresh fish at Dunas to snacks at the cafés on the edge of the golden sand. Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach puts you within steps of the waves and the centre of Alvor.
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Located within a national park in the northwest Algarve, this beach is renowned among surfers. It feels the full force of the Atlantic, providing the waves and swell that surfers need, and also a reliable spectacle for anyone who likes a bit of dynamism to their shoreline. It's beautiful in a rugged rather than a manicured sort of way, with wildflowers scattered across the clifftops in spring. Nearby, Living Lodge Portugal is perfect for groups and surf lessons can be booked for you at a nearby school.
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White houses are framed by cobalt-blue waters on Praia da Cacela Velha, located at the eastern end of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and based around a wide lagoon and spit of sand. You can walk here at low tide or take a boat. Wind and tide shape the golden sand into myriad formations. There are no lifeguards or café, but families love the warm, shallow water and sense of space. Surrounded by a nature reserve and close to two golf courses, the all-inclusive hotel Robinson Quinta da Ria is primed for relaxation.
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This is a pocket handkerchief of a beach, but the lucky few who can bag a spot on this little stretch of sand are in for a treat. It's hemmed in by cliffs, ensuring calm, clear waters of dazzling blue that are just as good for a snorkel as a paddle. There are caves behind where you can escape the heat of the day, natural pools for children to play in and, on stilts at the top of the beach, a simple restaurant. Close by, Praia da Marinha is equally worthy of a visit. It's surrounded by steep cliffs and accessed via a long staircase that acts as a natural filter — many visitors give it a miss in favour of nearby, more accessible beaches. Stay at Vila Alba Resort, which offers easy access to both beaches.
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Stretching for more than half a mile, this beach is a hub on the Algarve, with a number of wide walkways allowing easy access. Here you will find surfing schools doing their thing in the shallows, basketball hoops on the beach, and crowds of young people who come to chill out. Dominating the skyline is the fortress of Santa Catarina. The marina is well served with restaurants and bars by the beach. AP Oriental Beach is in a fantastic waterfront location with the Jardim da Fortaleza close by.
• Best family hotels in the Algarve
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Free parking, a calm blue flag beach, lifeguards and protected sand dunes — it's easy to see why this Quinta do Lago strand is so popular with families. There are sun loungers to rent, boat rides on offer and great water-skiing too. The beach forms the western boundary of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, ensuring the sand dunes are pristine. Stop at the much-loved 2 Passos restaurant for a plate of perfectly cooked fresh fish when you visit. Hotel Quinta do Lago, a short walk to the beach, is also the top choice for golfers, with seven 18-hole courses in close proximity.
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Praia do Martinhal is wide, sandy and relatively sheltered, meaning the waters here are calmer than off the beaches just around the headland, which face the full glare of the Atlantic. Small limestone islets just out to sea are popular with snorkellers and divers (water visibility is as good as anywhere in Europe) while, a little further out, the waters are plied by wind-surfers and paddleboarders. Lifeguard supervision provides peace of mind. The Martinhal Sagres resort caters to families with children of all ages with a crèche, kids club, and play room geared towards teens.
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Around three miles from the town of Tavira and part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Praia do Barril is one of Portugal's most atmospheric beaches. The rather eerie Cemiterio das Ancoras (anchor graveyard) — dozens of rusting anchors arranged in rows — speaks to the once-flourishing, long-since declined tuna fishing days. There's little in the way of shelter, so bring your own — a miniature train arrives here via the marshy surrounds. Offering a mix of studios, apartments and villas with their own kitchenettes, Pedras d'el Rei is ideal for those who want the freedom to cook for themselves or pop into the hotel restaurant.
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This striking blue flag beach is located in the very northwest of the Algarve on its border with the Alentejo and was voted one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal in a national competition. What makes it so remarkable is the combination of sea and river (this is the mouth of the River Seixe), where currents and tides blend to create a mesmerising, swirling attraction of blue and turquoise waters running through the golden sands. Quite a sight. This beach is relatively remote, with few accommodation options. Fortunately, Carlo's Beach Guest House has simple but comfortable rooms a short walk from the shoreline.
The rock formations of the Ponte da Piedade protect this tiny beach from waves from the southwest, resulting in extremely calm water. Warm too. It is ideal for swimming, but also for exploring the caves and tunnels in the surrounding rocks. Access is via a wooden staircase with almost 200 steps, so not one for toddlers or those intent on a hearty picnic. Base yourself at Uma Casa à Beira Sol, a quiet guesthouse set away from the beach with charmingly rustic decor.
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The advantage of Meia Praia is that even in peak season you should find your own little pocket of sand here — it's three miles long and spans the entire bay. Access is straightforward, with the pretty whitewashed town of Lagos within walking distance. And it has plenty of infrastructure, from water sports — particularly wind-surfing — to restaurants and bars, which more than makes up for a certain lack of charm. Set on the outskirts of town, beachfront Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is designed to maximise sea views wherever you are in the hotel.
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This beach in the central Algarve borders the Atlantic and the Arade River. Gentle waves make it a perfect destination for less-confident swimmers. There is a small play park for children in the sand, rocks to climb and even a sports pitch at one end. What brings the crowds, though, even by water taxi, is the live music and entertainment at the weekend. Set away from the beach, Hotel Rural Bricia Du Mar is a small property with an enormous pool.
• Best things to do in the Algarve• Best all-inclusive hotels in the Algarve
Additional reporting by Imogen Lepere and Qin Xie
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