The Algarve's beaches rank among the finest in Europe. Over 200 kilometres of coastline deliver remarkable variety: sheltered coves framed by golden cliffs, vast sweeps of sand stretching to the horizon, barrier islands accessible only by boat, and wild Atlantic shores where surfers ride powerful swells.

The quality here is consistently high. Unlike coastlines where a few famous beaches sit alongside forgettable stretches of shingle or concrete, the Algarve offers excellent sand almost everywhere. The challenge lies not in finding a good beach, but in choosing between dozens of them.

This guide maps the best beaches across the region, from the calm lagoon islands of the east to the dramatic surf beaches of the west. Each section of coastline has its own character, and understanding these differences helps match the right beach to the right holiday.
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These five beaches represent the finest the Algarve offers, each distinctive in character and setting.

1) Praia da Marinha – The Algarve's most photographed beach, and deservedly so. Golden cliffs frame a sheltered cove of clear water, with a distinctive double sea arch standing offshore. The setting defines what visitors imagine when they picture this coastline - Praia da Marinha guide.

2) Praia da Rocha – A broad sweep of sand beneath ochre cliffs, backed by a lively resort with restaurants and bars within easy reach. The combination of dramatic scenery and excellent facilities makes this the complete package for most visitors.

3) Praia da Falésia – A six-kilometre stretch of sand running beneath cliffs that shift from pale gold to deep terracotta. The colours here differ from anywhere else in the Algarve, and the length of the beach means space is rarely a problem even in high summer - Praia da Falésia guide.

4) Praia do Camilo – A tiny cove reached by a steep wooden staircase that descends between towering cliff walls. The intimate scale and sculptural rock formations create one of the most visually striking settings on the coast, though the limited sand fills quickly in summer.

5) Praia do Barril – A beautiful eastern beach reached by miniature railway across the marshes from Santa Luzia. Hundreds of rusting anchors stand in the dunes behind the sand, a haunting memorial to the tuna fishing community that once worked this coast. The beach itself offers calm water and a sense of remoteness rare in the Algarve - Praia do Barril guide

Interactive map of the Algarve's best beaches
The map below shows the location of all 16 beaches featured in this guide.

Legend: 1) Praia da Marinha 2) Praia da Rocha 3) Praia da Ilha Deserta 4) Praia do Beliche 5) Praia do Barril 6) Praia de Dona Ana / Praia do Camilo 7) Praia da Ilha de Tavira 8) Praia dos Pescadores (Albufeira) 9) Praia de Monte Gordo 10) Praia da Torralta 11) Praia da Falésia 12) Praia dos Caneiros 13) Praia do Burgau 14) Praia da Galé 15) Praia de Carvoeiro 16) Meia Praia

All of these beaches are detailed later in this guide.

The Algarve's beaches change character as you travel from east to west. The sheltered eastern lagoons, the cliff-backed coves of the centre, and the wild Atlantic shores of the west each offer something distinct. Knowing what to expect from each area helps narrow the choice before you arrive.

The Central Algarve: Albufeira to Lagos
The central coastline contains the beaches that define the Algarve's image worldwide. This is the landscape of travel posters and Instagram feeds: golden sandstone cliffs carved into arches and sea stacks, turquoise water filling sheltered coves, and hidden grottos accessible only by kayak or paddleboard.

The geology here creates the drama. Soft sandstone erodes into extraordinary formations, leaving isolated pillars standing offshore and natural windows framing the sea. Praia da Marinha, regularly cited among Europe's most beautiful beaches, demonstrates this perfectly, its ochre cliffs dropping to clear water beside a distinctive double arch.

Most beaches here face south, sheltered from Atlantic swells by the angle of the coast. Water stays calm enough for children to paddle safely, and summer temperatures push into the mid-twenties.

The concentration of resorts along this stretch means beaches close to Albufeira, Vilamoura, and Portimão fill quickly in high summer. Arriving before mid-morning secures space during August. Outside peak season, even the most popular beaches offer room to spread out.

The Western Algarve: Lagos to Sagres and the West Coast
West of Lagos, the coastline grows wilder. Cliffs rise higher, beaches face the open Atlantic, and the surf culture of Sagres replaces the family resorts of the central strip.

The beaches around Lagos itself blend both worlds. Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo offer the same cliff scenery as the central Algarve, with rock formations and sheltered water, yet sit just minutes from a town with genuine Portuguese character rather than purpose-built tourism. Further west, Praia do Beliche and the beaches around Sagres attract surfers drawn by consistent swells and a laid-back atmosphere quite different from the busy resorts.

The west coast, running north from Sagres toward Aljezur and beyond, belongs firmly to the Atlantic. Beaches here are broader, waves bigger, and development sparse. This stretch falls within the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, protecting it from the construction that transformed the southern coast. Visitors find empty sands, powerful surf, and a sense of remoteness rare in southern Europe.

The Eastern Algarve: Faro to the Spanish Border
East of Faro, the coastline transforms entirely. The cliffs and coves disappear, replaced by the Ria Formosa, a protected lagoon system of mudflats, salt marshes, and sandy barrier islands stretching sixty kilometres toward Spain.

The beaches here lie offshore, on long sandbar islands that shelter the lagoon from the sea. Reaching them requires a short ferry crossing or water taxi, a small effort that filters out casual visitors and leaves the sands remarkably uncrowded even in August. Ilha Deserta, Ilha de Tavira, and Praia do Barril offer kilometres of sand backed by dunes rather than hotels.

The eastern Algarve attracts a quieter crowd: Portuguese families, birdwatchers exploring the lagoon, and travellers seeking authenticity over convenience. The beaches here lack the visual drama of the central cliffs, but offer space, calm water, and an atmosphere increasingly rare along developed Mediterranean coastlines.

Meia Praia stretches eastwards from Lagos in a vast arc of golden sand, offering the space that the city's smaller cove beaches cannot. The name translates as "half beach," a reference to the Alvor estuary that divides this expanse from the Praia de Alvor on the opposite bank.

The scale here absorbs crowds comfortably, making this a reliable choice when the more photographed beaches near Lagos fill to capacity. A boardwalk promenade runs behind the western section, lined with restaurants and beach bars, while the eastern reaches remain quieter and less developed. Watersports operators cluster near the Lagos end, offering everything from jet skis to kayak rental.
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Meia Praia stretches for over four kilometres east of Lagos

Carvoeiro's beach sits in a natural amphitheatre, framed by golden cliffs and backed by the whitewashed buildings of the old village. Fishing boats once launched from this sand; today the former fishermen's cottages house restaurants and bars overlooking the water.

The sheltered setting and calm water make this a strong choice for families, though the modest size of the beach means arriving early during summer. The village itself adds to the appeal: a pretty settlement that has grown around tourism without losing its character entirely.
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Praia de Carvoeiro on a quiet spring morning, though summer crowds fill the sand by mid-morning

Praia da Galé lies between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, close enough to both resorts yet somehow overlooked by the crowds heading to their main beaches. The result is a broad stretch of sand with more breathing room than its neighbours, even in high season.

Rock formations divide the beach into sections at low tide, creating smaller areas that feel semi-private. The eastern end offers more facilities and easier access; the western reaches reward those willing to walk with quieter sand and interesting rock pools.

Rock formations at Praia da Galé create sheltered sections along the beach

The western Algarve coast is dotted with small villages built around sheltered coves, and Burgau ranks among the prettiest. The beach sits at the foot of the village, protected from the Atlantic winds that batter more exposed stretches of this coastline.

The sand here is clean and the water calm enough for children, while the village above retains a quiet atmosphere that the larger resorts lost decades ago. A handful of restaurants and cafés serve the beach without overwhelming it. For those seeking similar character, the neighbouring villages of Salema and Praia da Luz offer equally appealing alternatives.

The rugged coastline of the western Algarve and the pretty village of Burgau

Praia dos Caneiros occupies a fine position on the Ponta do Altar headland, where the Arade River meets the sea. Golden cliffs rise behind the sand, and the rocky islet of Leixão das Gaivotas sits 200 metres offshore, adding interest to the view.

The headland has largely escaped development, leaving Caneiros with a natural setting that contrasts sharply with the high-rise sprawl visible across the river at Praia da Rocha. A single beach restaurant serves the cove. Coastal walking trails lead from the beach along the clifftops, offering views across the estuary and out to sea.

The Leixão das Gaivotas rises from the water off Praia dos Caneiros

Praia da Falésia runs for six kilometres between Olhos de Água and Vilamoura, backed by cliffs that shift from pale yellow to deep terracotta along their length. The colours here are unique in the Algarve, the result of iron-rich sediments layered into the sandstone.

The cliff height has prevented construction along most of this stretch, leaving it among the least developed coastline in the central Algarve. Near Vilamoura the cliffs diminish and access becomes easier; at the Olhos de Água end they rise to their most dramatic, with wooden boardwalks descending to the sand. The beach appears in the top five for good reason, but earns a second mention here for its sheer scale.

The cliffs at Praia da Falésia reach their full height near Olhos de Água

Praia da Torralta combines two of the Algarve's defining features: a broad expanse of sand and the sculptural golden cliffs that characterise the central coastline. The beach lies west of Alvor, marking the point where the long flat sands of Meia Praia give way to the more dramatic cliff scenery further east.

The setting is excellent, the facilities minimal. This suits visitors staying in the villa developments around Alvor who want a quieter alternative to busier resort beaches. A clifftop path leads east toward more sheltered coves for those willing to explore.

Looking along the Praia da Torralta from the cliffs towards Alvor

Monte Gordo offers the largest and most accessible beach in the eastern Algarve, a long sweep of sand backed by a purpose-built resort town. The beach forms part of an eight-kilometre stretch of continuous coastline running toward the Spanish border.

The eastern Algarve faces calmer waters than the Atlantic-exposed beaches further west. Waves here are gentler, currents weaker, and the sand noticeably finer and softer underfoot. Families with young children find these conditions ideal. The trade-off is a resort that lacks the character of the traditional towns further along the coast, though the beach itself needs no apology.

The soft, fine sand of Monte Gordo stretches toward the Spanish border

Praia dos Pescadores sits at the heart of Albufeira, the Algarve's busiest resort town. The beach matches the energy of its surroundings: banana boats, inflatable rides, beach bars, and crowds that build through the morning and stay until sunset.

The sand is excellent, the water safe for swimming, and the old town sits just minutes away up a short slope. Visitors wanting atmosphere and activity rather than solitude will find it here. Those seeking peace should arrive early or look elsewhere.
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Praia dos Pescadores in full summer swing

Tavira Island lies within the protected Ria Formosa lagoon, its southern shore forming one of the finest beaches in the eastern Algarve. A short ferry from Tavira town delivers visitors to sand that feels genuinely unspoilt despite its popularity.

Most arrivals settle near the ferry landing, where a beach bar and former campsite provide basic facilities. Walking south along the shore quickly leaves the crowds behind, revealing kilometre after kilometre of empty sand backed by low dunes. The island rewards those willing to explore.
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Just a short walk along the coastline of Tavira Island are empty beaches

The Ponta da Piedade headland south of Lagos has eroded into a series of small coves, each framed by golden cliffs and sea stacks. Dona Ana and Camilo are the two most accessible, and among the most photographed beaches in Portugal.

Both offer the classic Algarve combination: sculpted sandstone, clear turquoise water, and sheltered swimming. Dona Ana is the larger of the two, with a restaurant and good facilities. Camilo sits in a tighter cove reached by a steep wooden staircase descending between cliff walls. The settings are exceptional, though the limited sand at both beaches fills quickly in summer.
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Praia de Dona Ana, framed by the weathered cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade

Praia do Barril offers both an excellent beach and a glimpse into the Algarve's fishing past. The site once supported a tuna fishing community, abandoned in the 1960s when stocks collapsed. The former fishing huts now house beach bars and restaurants, while hundreds of rusting anchors stand in the dunes behind the sand, a memorial known as the Anchor Cemetery.

The beach itself stretches for kilometres along the Ria Formosa coastline, with calm water and a natural setting that rarely feels crowded. Access from the mainland adds to its appeal: a one-kilometre walk from Santa Luzia, or a ride on the miniature railway that once transported the catch. For visitors based near Tavira, Barril provides an easier alternative to the ferry-dependent island beaches.
Related article: Praia do Barril beach guide

The rusting anchors of the Anchor Cemetery stand among the dunes

Praia do Beliche ranks among the finest surf beaches in southern Portugal. High cliffs shelter the sand from the winds that scour the Sagres peninsula, while the west-facing aspect catches Atlantic swells that arrive with consistent power.

The setting is dramatic: a broad sweep of sand enclosed by 40-metre cliffs, with serious waves rolling in from the open ocean. This is a beach for surfers and confident swimmers rather than families seeking calm paddling water. The nearby town of Sagres provides the support infrastructure: board rental, surf schools, and a laid-back atmosphere built around the waves.

When conditions at Beliche prove too gentle, surfers head to Praia do Tonel on the south side of Sagres, where the exposure delivers bigger swells.
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Praia do Beliche, Sagres

Ilha Deserta lives up to its name. This barrier island in the Ria Formosa lagoon has no permanent residents, no roads, and no development beyond a single restaurant near the boat landing. The beach runs for six kilometres along the southern shore, and even in high summer only a handful of visitors share the sand.

Reaching the island requires a boat from Faro, either a scheduled tour or a water taxi. The journey across the lagoon, through channels busy with wading birds and traditional fishing boats, forms part of the appeal. At the island's southeastern tip stands the Cabo de Santa Maria, the most southerly point of mainland Portugal, marked by a driftwood sculpture that suits the isolated setting.
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Kilometres of empty sand stretch along Ilha Deserta's southern shore

Praia da Rocha delivers the complete resort beach experience. A broad expanse of sand, over 200 metres wide at low tide, sits beneath vivid orange cliffs, with a fully developed resort town rising above. The combination of natural beauty and modern facilities explains why this remains one of the Algarve's most popular destinations.

The beach caters to those who want activity rather than solitude. Beach bars line the sand, watersports operators offer everything from jet skis to parasailing, and a sports complex provides volleyball and football courts. Lounge bars such as NoSoloÁgua serve cocktails with sea views, while the resort above delivers restaurants, nightlife, and summer festivals. The development is extensive, but the scale of the beach absorbs it without feeling overwhelmed.

The cliffs and rock formations at either end of the beach provide visual drama, and the water quality remains excellent despite the crowds. For visitors wanting a beach that offers everything within easy reach, Praia da Rocha sets the standard.
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Praia da Rocha's broad sands stretch beneath the resort town's clifftop promenade

Praia da Marinha appears on every list of Europe's finest beaches, and a single visit explains why. Golden cliffs rise around a sheltered cove, eroded into an extraordinary collection of sea stacks, arches, and sculptural rock formations. Offshore, the famous double arch of the Arcos Naturais frames the turquoise water.

The setting would be enough, but Marinha offers more. The clear, calm water and underwater rock formations make this one of the best snorkelling spots on the Algarve coast. Marine life thrives around the submerged rocks, visible even to swimmers floating on the surface.

Access requires a steep descent from the clifftop car park, which helps limit crowds despite the beach's fame. The Sete Vales Suspensos hiking trail passes along the cliffs above, offering views down to the cove and continuing west toward Benagil and its famous sea cave. Marinha works as both a destination beach and a stopping point on one of the Algarve's finest coastal walks.
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The crystal-clear seawaters with its numerous rock features make the Praia da Marinha fantastic for snorkelling

The double arch of the Arcos Naturais, Praia da Marinha's defining landmark