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The best independent guide to the Algarve
Algarve-Tourist.com
The best independent guide to the Algarve
Albufeira introduction - When to visit? - Things to do - Beach guide - 1 week - Day trips - Airport to Albufeira
Albufeira’s beaches and best beach
Albufeira is the premier resort town in the Algarve and is situated on a coastline of picturesque beaches. These beaches range from bustling and energetic (water sports, sea inflatable and activities) through, to secluded sandy coves in pristine natural settings.
There is a vast sandy beach lining the Albufeira shoreline, which boasts golden sands, clean and safe sea waters along with a buzzing atmosphere. For a more tranquil experience, visit the hidden cliff beaches beyond the harbour or the rolling sand dunes near Galé.
This article will detail the best beaches in Albufeira and the surrounding region.
Related articles: Albufeira introduction - Activities and sights - Day trips
The best beaches within walking distance of Albufeira
The Praia dos Pescadores
The Praia da Oura
Best beaches of the Albufeira region
The Praia São Rafael
The Praia da Falésia
The Praia da Galé (eatsern side)
Albufeira’s beaches
Below is a map of the Albufeira coastline displaying the location of the main beaches of the Albufeira region. The busiest sections of beach are highlighted in orange
The beaches are: 1) Praia da Galé 2) Praia da Coelha 3) Praia de São Rafael 4) Praia dos Três Penecos 5) Praia dos Pescadores 6) Praia do Peneco 7) Praia do Inatel 8) Praia dos Alemães 9) Praia da Oura 10) Praia da Oura (east) 11) Praia de Santa Eulália 12) Praia Maria Luísa 13) Praia dos Olhos de Água 14) Praia da Falésia
The different beach areas of Albufeira
Spanning the shoreline of Albufeira’s Old Town is a 2km continuous stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters, which is divided into three separate beaches; the Praia dos Pescadores, the Praia do Peneco and the Praia do Inatel.
Around the Oura headland is the Praia da Oura, which is the main beach for the New Town area of Albufeira.
These two expanses of sands (Pescadores/Inatel beach and the Oura beach) are where most visitors to Albufeira will spend the majority of their beach time. These are wonderful beaches and are easily accessible from Albufeira.
Further to the east is the charming resort town of Olhos de Água and the vast Praia da Falésia beach which extends all the way to Vilamoura.
The coastline to the west of Albufeira harbour, is dominated by a large sandstone headland. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches of the region, characterised by small sandy coves nestled between towering cliffs.
Beyond Galé the rocky headland gives way to sand dunes and the golden sands continue to the bland resort of Armação de Pera.
Beaches within walking distance of Albufeira
The Praia dos Pescadores, Praia do Peneco, Praia do Inatel and Praia da Oura are the main beaches of Albufeira.
The Praia dos Pescadores hugs the golden cliffs to the western side of the beach and is accessed via the Elevador do Peneco. This beach is named as Fisherman’s beach, as only 30 years ago fishing boats were pulled onto the golden sands.
The Praia do Peneco is often referred to as Praia do Túnel, as it is accessed by a tunnel from the town.
The Praia do Peneco beach
The Praia do Peneco and Praia dos Pescadores is often one of the busiest beaches in the Algarve, but due to the large size, there is always a patch of space to be found. In the summer an inflatable water assault course is moored in the sea waters and is great fun for children.
Towards the eastern side of the stretch of sand, the cliffs and crowds subside to the Praia do Inatel. This beach may need a 10-minute walk from the centre of Albufeira but is significantly less busy and hectic.
The Elevador do Peneco transports visitors from the top of the cliffs down to the Praia dos Pescadores
The Praia da Oura typically attracts a younger crowd and is separated from the Praia do Inatel by a sandstone headland. The beautiful Oura beach is found at the end of The Strip and is often filled with visitors recovering from a big night out. To the eastern side of the Praia da Oura are distinctive sandstone cliffs and offers a pristine natural setting.
Beautiful beaches near Albufeira
The coastline stretching east and west from Albufeira offers further stunning beaches, but a car, taxi or Uber is needed to reach them if you are based in the town.
Praia São Rafael
Praia São Rafael is one of the most beautiful beaches close to Albufeira. The beach is surrounded by golden sandstone cliffs, is lapped by turquoise waters, and maintains its pristine natural setting as situated within the Reserva Natural Caminho da Baleeira. This beach is beautiful, but is well known so in the summer expect to share the idyllic setting with many other tourists.
Praia dos Arrifes/ Praia dos Três Penecos
The Praia dos Arrifes is on the same section of beautiful coastline as the Praia São Rafael and is similar in every way apart from being slightly smaller. Jutting from the sea are three rock pills and this gives the beach its common name, Praia dos Três Penecos, (the beach of three rocks). This is a great beach for snorkelling, but be wary of the weak rocky outcrops
The Praia da Falésia
The Praia da Falésia is the colossal beach at the far eastern side of the Albufeira region, and extends for 5.5km from Olhos de Água to Vilamoura. The beach is surrounded by towering red sandstone cliffs, pine forests and luxurious holiday resorts.
Falesia beach may be at the heart of the Algarve but it has a surprisingly wild and untouched coastline. This is the beach to escape the crowds.
The pristine beach of Praia da Falésia
Praia da Galé
The Praia da Galé is the other vast beach of the extended Albufeira region. It lies to the far west and comprises of rolling sand dunes and cooling sea waters.
Our opinion: Gale is a pleasant destination for a more relaxed holiday
The endless sand dunes of the Praia da Galé
Tourist information
The weather is suitable for spending time on Albufeira’s beaches from May until the end of September.
The sea waters are surprisingly cold as they are fed from the Atlantic Ocean instead of the much warmer Mediterranean sea.
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