13 Most Beautiful Beaches in Algarve Portugal (+ Map & Insider Tips)

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is mostly known for its stunning coastline and most tourists come here for its beautiful beaches. With one beach more spectacular than another, you may be wondering what are the most beautiful beaches of Algarve.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the incredible variety of beaches in the Algarve. Some are long and have wide stretches of white sand, others are tiny, secluded, and surrounded by steep cliffs. Yet others are rugged and wild… There is truly something for everyone here!

It would be impossible to visit or describe all the beautiful beaches of the region. So in this list, I only included a few that are considered to be the very best (as well as our personal favorites that we visit time and again!).

I have to admit that this selection of the Algarve’s best beaches is completely biased. It doesn’t take into account accessibility or facilities, availability of umbrellas or beach chairs, swimming or surfing conditions…

The beaches on this list are the most picturesque, awe-inspiring, stunning, spectacular… in other words, the best, most beautiful beaches of Algarve. That’s the one and only criteria I used for this selection.

TIP: If you are planning a visit to Algarve in the summer season, be sure to book your accommodation asap! For insider tips check out my complete guide to the best places to stay in Algarve. One of my top recommendations is EPIC SANA, overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve. For families, I recommend Alfagar Village.

We visit the Algarve multiple times a year. Still, even after all those trips, we haven’t seen even a small part of the countless number of Algarve’s beaches. In fact, anywhere you go, you find beaches that will take your breath away.

And we are not the only ones who think that Algarve has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world! Just recently, Algarve once again won the World Travel Award as Europe’s Leading Beach Destination – for the 10th time already… No other destination has ever achieved this.

As much as we loved the Great Ocean Road in Australia to which Algarve is sometimes compared, the Algarve’s coastline is a thousand times more spectacular!

Good to know: This list of the best beaches of Algarve has been updated multiple times. Most recently, we decided to expand it to 13 of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve, but even then, making the selection was not easy. The more we get to know the region, the more amazing places we want to showcase. At the same time, we want to keep the number of beaches in this article somewhat manageable for first-time visitors. Because you’ll want to see them all!

I hope that this selection of the nicest beaches of the Algarve will help you make the most of your visit and see some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery!

So what are the best beaches in Algarve that you must see at least once? Find out!

TIP: At the bottom of this article, you can find a map indicating these must-see beaches of Algarve. For each beach, I also included accommodation advice nearby. If you rent a car, you can also easily visit all these beaches from just one base location (see also our guide on where to stay in Algarve).

These are the best, most beautiful beaches in Algarve:

1. Praia de Dona Ana

Praia de Dona Ana is without any doubt one of the most picturesque beaches in Algarve. Located just outside the town of Lagos, it’s a popular beach surrounded by steep colorful cliffs and crystal-clear blue water.

This beach looks a lot like the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and is simply stunning. On top of that, it’s rather well protected from the wind and the ocean and is, therefore, a beloved bathing place among tourists and locals alike. Kids will love exploring the rocky coastline and collecting seashells.

The first time we went here, we visited on a sunny day in April and it wasn’t overly busy. It’s a great place to just walk around and soak in the views. Just keep in mind that Praia de Dona, just like many other beaches in Algarve, is located underneath the high cliffs and can only be reached by a steep wooden staircase. Therefore it’s not the best place to be if you have limited mobility or small kids in a pram.

TIP: You can also see this and other beautiful beaches near Lagos by taking a boat trip. There are a few nice options. One of the best excursions is this 1.5-hours boat tour that brings you to some of the nicest parts of the stunning coastline near Lagos. A boat tour is a great way to admire the stunning coastlines and beaches of Algarve from yet another perspective…

ACCOMMODATION TIP: Carvi Beach Hotel is located just next to Praia de Dona Ana. Read also our guide to the best areas to stay in Lagos for more information.

Update: I feel that I really have to update this article to include that Praia de Dona Ana doesn’t look the same nowadays compared to a few years ago. The municipality of Lagos has demolished quite a few rocks here in order to expand the beach and – according to them – to make it safer. It’s still a very nice beach and much bigger than it used to be, but it also lost some of its charm… For that, be sure to also check out the next beach in our selection; it’s located just nearby.

2. Praia do Camilo

Tiny Praia do Camilo is my personal favorite beach in Algarve. It’s located within a short walking distance from Praia de Dona Ana, but is much smaller and incomparably quieter. It was practically empty when we arrived and it felt like we found a secret piece of paradise.

Camilo Beach is really small, so I have no idea how it would look or feel like on a busy weekend in summer. But if you have it all to yourself just as we did, it’s as good as it gets.

Accessible via a steep staircase, the beach is actually divided into two separate areas connected by a short tunnel carved inside the rock. Kids loved playing and exploring here and we enjoyed the incredibly scenic location.

I made a short video of Camilo Beach. Check it out!

If you come to Algarve for the scenery and are looking for the most beautiful beaches, then head straight to Praia do Camilo. You won’t be disappointed.

TIP: If you are visiting Algarve in the warm season and feel a bit more adventurous, we highly recommend going kayaking in Lagos. Not only will you see the nicest beaches from the water, but you’ll also be able to visit some stunning grottos and sea caves as well. See our guide to Ponta da Piedade kayak tours for more information about kayaking in this area.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: Carvi Beach Hotel is one of the best hotels near these two top beaches in Lagos.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Lagos

3. Praia da Falésia

Praia da Falesia is not just one of the longest, but also one of the most beautiful beaches of Algarve. This golden sand beach has the best of it all. More than 6 km of beautiful sandy beach guarantees that you’ll always be able to find a quiet spot. Picturesque colorful cliffs dotted with pine trees make you think of Bryce Canyon.

Furthermore, there are really good facilities, bars, restaurants, etc. The part of the beach close to Vilamoura (Praia da Rocha Baixinha) has shallow water making it an ideal spot for families. Whereas Falesia Beach itself is perfect for all kinds of water sports (you can also take surfing lessons here).

Falesia Beach is located between the towns of Vilamoura and Albufeira, further East than all the other beaches in this selection. Its natural beauty, good accessibility (also by public transport), location within walking distance to some really nice hotels, facilities, and diversity makes it not just one of the best beaches in Algarve, but in the whole of Portugal.

If you are looking for a beautiful beach with good facilities, then Praia da Falesia is probably the best choice in Algarve.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: Since this is such a long beach, there are many accommodations in all price ranges near Praia da Falesia. The best-located hotels near the beach are EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel and Pine Cliffs Luxury Hotel.

If you want to be closer to all the activities in Albufeira, consider staying at PortoBay Falesia which is located at the westernmost end of this beach. The views from the gardens of this hotel are amazing and it’s quite a lot cheaper than the previous two.

LEARN MORE: Falésia Beach (Complete Guide)

4. Praia dos Três Irmãos

Located in Alvor, Praia dos Três Irmãos (the Three Brothers Beach) is an absolutely stunning beach. It combines the best of what Algarve’s beaches have to offer in one place: the most impressive rock formations and a long stretch of wide sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and long walks.

This makes the Praia dos Três Irmãos an absolute top choice among the best beaches to visit in Algarve.

Whether you want to spend a relaxing day by the sea with the whole family, like long walks with your feet in the water, or are looking for a nice spot for a romantic sunset, you can’t really go wrong with coming here.

Furthermore, Tres Irmaos Beach is very easy to reach and access. There is a big car parking right nearby and you don’t have to take any stairs in order to get to the beach itself (which is quite rare in Algarve).

Praia dos Três Irmãos connects with the main beaches of Alvor, Praia da Torralta and Praia de Alvor. All the beaches together are about 3km long. There are plenty of facilities here, including several restaurants and cafés. In season, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas.

TIP: If visiting at low(ish) tide, make sure to walk to the beautiful Praia da Prainha just nearby (more info below).

ACCOMMODATION TIP: There are quite a few big resorts in Alvor; Pestana Alvor Praia Premium Beach & Golf Resort is the one that is closest to this beach. If you are looking for a really nice hotel, check out the recently opened Tivoli Alvor, just a bit further away.

5. Praia da Prainha

Praia da Prainha is a tiny secluded beach located east of Praia dos Três Irmãos. As already mentioned, you can normally walk between the two beaches.

What makes Praia da Prainha unique is that it’s completely surrounded by the most impressive rock formations. Perched between the high cliffs and the ocean, this beach is really small but incredibly picturesque.

There is also a small restaurant here – Caniço – that looks like it’s hanging on the rocks.

The beach and the restaurant can be accessed by elevator, which makes the whole experience even more special.

TIP: Take your time to explore the coastline here on foot, especially when the tide is low. You can walk between this and the adjacent beaches through tunnels and under the natural arches – it’s absolutely spectacular.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: Same as for Praia dos Três Irmãos: Pestana Alvor Praia or Tivoli Alvor.

6. Praia de São Rafael

Located on the western side of Albufeira, Praia de São Rafael is one of the pretties beaches in Algarve. It’s also one of the easiest-to-access of the most scenic beaches in the Algarve region. There are no steep stairs here, just a rather gentle sloping walkway to the beach from a rather big parking area. However, in the high season, the parking fills up very quickly.

The coastline near Sao Rafael Beach is one of the best spots for kayaking in Albufeira. In the summer, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards here and there is also a very nice kayak tour that takes you to some beautiful sea caves nearby. We did this tour a few times in spring and in summer and it’s always worth a few hours!

St. Rafael Beach isn’t very big. The main area – where you’ll also find a seasonal restaurant – offers a rather wide stretch of golden sand. If you turn to the right from the main area, there is a smaller more secluded beach – Praia dos Paradinha – surrounded by beautiful cliffs.

This beach is a great option for those looking for a combination of stunning scenery, easy access, and water sports. In addition, you can find some nice walking paths here at the top of the cliffs, which offer amazing views of the area.

TIP: The area around Sao Rafael Beach is also very nice at sunset, especially in the fall. The views are best from the cliffs above the beach.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: NAU São Rafael Atlântico is an amazing choice here. This hotel offers direct access to the beach area via the wooden staircase directly from its pool/garden area. I recently stayed here and can highly recommend it to singles and couples. However, it’s not ideal for families or friends traveling together since the bathrooms are integrated into the rooms in such a way that you have very little privacy. Alternative options just nearby are Sao Rafael Holidays and the All-in hotel Sao Rafael Suites.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Albufeira (best areas & hotels)

7. Praia da Marinha

Another place that deserves to be high on the list of the best beaches in Algarve is Praia da Marinha. Actually, it’s often ranked among the best beaches in Europe. This beach is a bit further from the main roads or the most popular towns of the Algarve but is one of the most visited beaches in Algarve.

If you want to find a parking spot here in summer, you better arrive early in the morning. In this area, you can also do some very nice hiking. There are many other beaches along the coast here, all connected via stunning clifftop walking paths. For example, you can make a nice day trip of it and walk to Praia da Marinha along the clifftops from Praia Vale Centeanes (+-5.7 km walk), or the other way around. This wak is known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

Just as most beaches in Algarve, Praia da Marinha can only be reached by a steep staircase. It’s well worth going down though, just be careful around the rock formations as there’s always a risk of some loose stones falling down. Also, if you don’t mind climbing some rocks, you can also walk to the nearby tiny beach of Praia da Mesquita.

Even if you can’t do the stairs to go down to the beach, you will enjoy a visit to this area – the views from the walking trail on top of the cliffs are spectacular. Praia da Marinha is located in the same area as the famous Benagil Cave. The whole coastline here is dotted with spectacular rock formations, pinnacles, grottos, and hidden sea caves waiting to be discovered. The best way to see the stunning scenery here is by going hiking on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

TIP: A nice way to visit Marinha Beach is with this tour which also includes a visit to Benagil Cave. Check it out if looking for a more unique way to experience the beautiful beaches of Algarve!

Whatever you do, don’t miss this area. This coastline is a must in any Algarve itinerary!

ACCOMMODATION TIP: There aren’t that many hotels near Marinha Beach. Villa Alba Resort is one of a few hotels in the area and an amazing choice if your budget allows it. There are also a few private rentals nearby.

READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Places for Kayaking in Algarve

8 – 9. Praia Nova & Praia Nossa Senhora da Rocha

There are two beaches next to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha: Praia Nova to the west of the Chapel and Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha to the east. They are both quite similar and both offer great views.

Since these beaches are located just nearby, you could easily visit them both. Or decide based on the time of the day when you are here. In the morning, Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha has better light for photography (if looking toward the chapel), and in the evening – Praia Nova.

Praia Nova is a long beach surrounded by impressive steep cliffs. It’s perfect for a longer day out and swimming, however, there are no facilities here at all. You’ll have to take the steep staircase (I counted 90 stairs) to get back up to the living world where you can find a couple of restaurants and bars in the vicinity.

This beach is quite open toward the ocean, so it gets more wind (which can be nice in the summer). In the high season, there is also a lifeguard here.

Good to know: There is also a narrow tunnel under the rocks connecting the two beaches. But it gets very low in some places.

Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a smaller beach that is still used by fishermen today. It’s one of the very few remaining beaches in Algarve where you can still see fishing boats on the beach, just as in the old days.

This beach is easier to access since there is a road leading all the way down to it. It also has some facilities such as a restaurant, bathrooms, and also beach chairs/ umbrellas.

TIP: If you want to visit both beaches, take the tunnel between them. You could leave your car at the big parking area close to the Chapel, admire the views from the top, then walk down the stairs to Praia Nova and take the tunnel to Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. Afterwards, walk back to the parking via the road.

In the quiet season, you might be able to leave your car closer to the restaurant at Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, visit both beaches from there, and avoid any uphill walking altogether.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: Pestana Viking Beach & SPA Resort is located just above Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha. You can see it in the top left corner of the picture below. The pool area of the hotel is located right on the coastal cliffs.

10. Praia dos Arrifes

Just a short distance from the earlier-mentioned São Rafael Beach, Praia dos Arrifes is another stunning little beach that’s well worth visiting. These are the two most scenic beaches in Albufeira. And if you hike between the two beaches over the cliffs, it’s just a 5-10 minutes walk. So you can easily see both at the same time (and still find plenty of time to visit Albufeira town just nearby).

This is a rather small beach with golden sand and stunning rock formations in the sea. Because of these rock stacks, the beach is somewhat more protected from the sea, so it’s a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

Also here, you’ll find a seasonal A Sardinha Restaurant, one of the best restaurants in Albufeira. Since this beach is a bit further away from the hotels and the parking area isn’t that big, it’s not too busy. Still, if you are driving here in the summer, keep in mind that parking might be problematic.

TIP: To the right of Arrifes Beach, there is an even smaller stretch of sand – Praia da Vigia. When the tide is high, there’s hardly any beach here, but when the tide is low, it’s a really nice and more secluded beach to check out. And if you are just here for sightseeing, it’s well worth checking it out too.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: The NAU São Rafael Atlântico is the best hotel here and you can easily walk to this beach from the hotel in just a few minutes.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Albufeira

11. Praia da Rocha

I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if Praia da Rocha in Portimao deserves to be on this list of the best beaches of Algarve. It’s probably one of the best beaches in Algarve in terms of sunbathing, swimming, and facilities.

However, it’s just a bit too big, a bit too busy, and too much like the biggest beaches in Florida or Spain to be truly special. It is, therefore, lacking the charm of the smaller and more remotely located beaches described above.

Nevertheless, if you go all the way to the west side of the beach and keep your eyes towards the sea and the beautiful rock formations, I think you will enjoy visiting Praia da Rocha as well.

It’s a big easily accessible sandy beach that is great for long walks. And yes, if you are looking for a real beach holiday in Algarve, then Praia da Rocha definitely ticks all the boxes. Due to its proximity to Portimao, the facilities here are some of the best you can find.

We had lunch at one of the many restaurants here and had very low expectations because the coast looks really touristy. However, the food was really good and the people were so friendly everywhere. And so after some thought, I decided that Praia da Rocha should be mentioned among Algarve’s best beaches.

If you prefer good facilities, care less about the views, and just want to have a good time on a beach, then I’m sure you will love Praia da Rocha.

TIP: The nearby Praia dos Três Castelos is just as impressive in terms of scenery and a bit less busy, so you may want to check it out as well.

ACCOMMODATION TIP: Praia da Rocha is located just next to the popular tourist area in Portimão and has a big accommodation choice in all price ranges. You can find the best deals for Praia da Rocha hotels here. For example, RR Hotel da Rocha is right in the middle of the area and has an excellent price/quality ratio.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Algarve

No list of the best beaches in Algarve would be complete without mentioning at least a couple of beaches on the western side of the region, aka the Atlantic Coast.

You could argue that the whole Algarve coastline is on the Atlantic and you’d be right, but the beaches in the western part are so completely different that many locals also make the distinction by referring to them as the Atlantic Coast of Algarve.

Anyway, there are countless beaches here too – one more impressive than the other. For this selection, we want to highlight two of our favorites. They are both located not too far from some of the main landmarks of Algarve and both are quite easy to access (which is not always the case with the beaches here). See below.

12. Praia da Cordoama

Praia da Cordoama is my own personal favorite among all the beaches of the Algarve’s western coast. It has everything – a long wide stretch of white sand, perfect waves for surfing, and breathtaking scenery.

If you want to see the rugged landscapes of western Algarve, there is no better place than here. The beach is just a short drive from the village of Vila do Bispo, which you’ll pass when driving to Sagres (which is, by the way, an absolute must-see in Algarve!).

Praia do Cordoama is stunning! It’s totally different from any of the beaches on Algarve’s south coast, but this rugged beauty is spectacular in its own way. Go for a walk and watch the surfers catching the waves, rent a chair and spend a day here, or bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery around you. Even if you just make a quick photo stop here, I promise you – you won’t be disappointed.

Good to know: There are some facilities here – a small restaurant (cash only) and bathrooms. There are two parking areas but they can fill up, so the best time to visit is either early in the day or late in the afternoon. Sunsets are amazing here too.

TIP: In addition to visiting the beach, be sure to also make a short detour to the viewpoint overlooking it, Miradouro da Cordoama (see the picture below). You’ll have to drive a few hundred meters on an unsurfaced road, but it’s gravel and in a rather decent condition. If you prefer not to drive, you could even leave your car close to the main road and walk.

ACCOMMODATION: There are no big hotels or resorts in this area, but quite a few smaller accommodations in Vila de Bispo (about 4-5 km from this beach). The closest bigger town to stay in this area is Sagres, about 12 km/ 15 minutes drive from here. Memmo Baleeira is one of the nicest hotels in Sagres.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Sagres

13. Praia da Bordeira

Often named the nicest beach on Algarve’s western coast, Praia da Bordeira is another place that is well worth visiting in the region. It’s located just north of the village of Carrapateira, about 20-25 minutes drive north of Sagres, 40 minutes drive from Lagos, and about 1 hour from Monchique.

Whether you are looking for a nice beach to sunbathe and play with the kids, like surfing, or are simply in search of beautiful landscapes, Bordeira Beach will not disappoint. This coastal hamlet is surrounded by white sand dunes and is somewhat protected from the ocean making it a popular destination for families, but also surfers.

Bordeira’s Beach is yet totally different from all the others in Algarve. It’s not as rough as Praia da Cordoama or others on the Atlantic Coast, but it’s also not comparable to anything you see in the southern Algarve. In other words, a good reason to make a detour and check it out!

Good to know: There are no facilities here at all, except a small surf school. In the village of Carrapateira, you’ll find several seasonal restaurants and accommodations, but keep in mind that it’s just a tiny sleepy village.

TIP: If you are not interested in swimming and just want to enjoy the views, drive to the parking area indicated on our map. From here, you can access the best views via a series of wooden boardwalks. You can also get to the beach this way if you absolutely want to.

ACCOMMODATION: There are a couple of guesthouses and private rentals in Carrapateira (see all the accommodation options here). The closest bigger town to stay in this area is Sagres; e.g. Memmo Baleeira Design Hotel and many other options.

Best Beaches In Algarve On The Map

I created a map so that you have a better idea of where these most beautiful beaches of Algarve are located. If you are staying in Algarve for a few days and plan your time well, you could easily visit them all.

TIP: If you want to be able to easily visit all the best places and beaches of Algarve from one central location, we recommend staying either in the area around Lagos, in the Ferragudo/Portimao area, or in Albufeira. These towns have the most accommodation options and good facilities.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to rent a car for sightseeing since most of the nicest beaches are located a bit further away from towns.

We always use this website for car rental for all our trips anywhere in the world, also in Portugal. If you rent well in advance, you can often find some amazing deals. In the lower season, car hire in Algarve is extremely affordable, but also in the summer, it can still be much cheaper than taking private transfers or taxis everywhere you want to visit.

READ ALSO: Visiting Algarve: Travel Tips & Tricks for Your First Trip

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our selection of some of the best beaches in the Algarve region in southern Portugal. Of course, this list isn’t complete and there are many other scenic beaches nearby. But if you are looking for the most beautiful beaches in Algarve and visit several beaches from this list, I think you won’t be disappointed.

Here are some other beautiful beaches with nice scenery that might be well worth visiting if you have more time in Algarve: Praia do Carvalho in Carvoeiro, Praia do Castelo and Praia da Coelha between Galé and Albufeira, Benagil Beach, Praia Grande in Ferragudo, and many others.

Most of the nicest beaches of Algarve can be found around the wide area between Lagos and Vilamoura. But there are also some amazing ‘rougher’ beaches along the west coast as well. Praia do Castelejo, Praia do Amado, and Praia da Arrifana are among the nicest beaches in that part of the Algarve.

TIP: If you want to see the best beaches in Algarve, you really cannot miss the Benagil Cave, one of the most beautiful places in the region! You can read our guide to visiting this beautiful sea cave via the link above or check out these popular boat tours that can take you there.

READ ALSO: Top Places to See & Things to Do in Algarve

More inspiration and tips for your trip to Portugal:

• Algarve:
  • Algarve Travel Tips
  • Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
  • Best Places for Kayaking in Algarve
  • Best Things to Do in Lagos
  • Where to Stay in Lagos
  • How to Visit Ponta da Piedade
  • Kayaking at Ponta da Piedade
  • Best Things to Do in Faro
  • Best Things to Do in Tavira
  • Best Things to Do in Albufeira
  • Most Beautiful Beaches in Albufeira
  • Where to Stay in Albufeira
  • Best Restaurants in Albufeira
  • Alte (one of the nicest villages in Algarve)
• Lisbon & Central Portugal:
  • Best Things to Do in Lisbon: Top Sights & Attractions
  • One Day in Lisbon
  • Best Day Trips from Lisbon
  • Best Things to Do in Sintra
  • Sintra Itinerary
  • Best Towns in Portugal
  • Things to Do in Nazaré
  • Portugal Itinerary from Lisbon to Porto
• Family trip:
  • Portugal with Kids
  • Algarve with Kids
  • Best Water Parks in Algarve
  • Zoomarine Algarve
  • Slide & Splash Algarve
• Seasonal guides:
  • Portugal in April
  • Algarve in April
  • Algarve in November
  • Algarve in December

TIP: If you are traveling to Portugal, make sure to check our Portugal travel guide for more travel inspiration, travel itinerary, and tips. We also have travel guides to some of the nicest islands, such as Madeira, Sao Miguel in the Azores, etc.

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