Top 10 Beaches in the Algarve: From Hidden Gems to Lively Towns

With over 100 stunning beaches, the Algarve boasts some of the most breathtaking coastlines in Europe.

Portugal’s southernmost region is home to popular resort towns like Albufeira, Lagos, and Vilamoura, but it also offers a diverse range of beautiful shores throughout the area.

Explore secluded coves nestled between golden cliffs, expansive undeveloped islands, and striking oceanfronts facing west, where the waves crash dramatically. You’ll discover family-friendly beaches with tranquil waters, romantic locations perfect for sunset walks, and quiet retreats away from the summer crowds.

The real challenge is deciding where to start. Here’s our selection of the 10 best beaches in the Algarve.

1. Praia da Falésia, Albufeira

This long, straight stretch of sand located 8km (5 miles) east of Albufeira provides one of the most breathtaking views of the coastline as you make your way down from the clifftop parking area. The beach is bordered by magnificent cliffs in shades of white and ochre, sculpted by the elements into fascinating shapes and topped with typical pine trees.

Though beautiful at any hour, the cliffs come alive in brilliant colors around sunset, creating a mesmerizing glow as the rocks seem to radiate warmth from within.

Planning tip: The sands near the parking area can get crowded in the summer, especially when high tides cover much of the beach. However, with over 6km (4 miles) of coastline, there’s plenty of room to find a quieter spot.

2. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa

The southern Algarve coastline is home to numerous beaches featuring picturesque limestone rock formations shaped by erosion. Their warm, earthy tones create a stunning backdrop for photography in the morning or evening, and they make lounging on the beach a delightful experience at any hour.

Our top pick is Marinha, located 8km (5 miles) southeast of Lagoa, where the cliffs have been sculpted into an array of pinnacles, crevices, and caves. It’s no wonder this beach consistently ranks among the finest in Europe.

Planning tip: If you’re driving, arrive early to secure a spot in the limited parking area. The most scenic approach is to walk along the beautiful cliff-top trail that begins near Carvoeiro.

3. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe

As you drive down from Lisbon, the first beach you encounter in the Algarve is one of its finest. Praia de Odeceixe features a sandy stretch at a river mouth, flanked by impressive, dark schist cliffs.

This beach is particularly family-friendly, allowing younger children to splash in the calm river area while older kids can enjoy the ocean waves. Nearby, you'll find a surf school and several charming restaurants with terraces that overlook the beach.

In the charming village of Odeceixe, you'll discover a variety of dining options and laid-back guesthouses, just a half-hour stroll along a scenic country road.

Detour: The Rota Vicentina, a long-distance hiking trail that reaches the southwestern tip of Portugal, runs through this area, offering fantastic day hikes nearby.

4. Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

The eastern Algarve coast is marked by estuaries and sandy islands that form the Parque Natural Ria de Formosa, a crucial habitat for birds and marine life.

Offshore, a series of stunning island beaches await: Ilha de Tavira, easily accessible by boat from the historic town of Tavira, features plenty of sand to explore (stretching 11km/7 miles), with expansive beaches, an anchor graveyard, a nudist area, vibrant restaurant-bars, and calm lagoons perfect for young children to paddle in.

You’ll find a campsite and various holiday rentals here, allowing you to extend your stay and truly make the island your own.

5. Meia Praia, Lagos

This vibrant beach stretches 4km (2.5 miles) next to the bustling surfer town of Lagos, making it a lively spot filled with families, locals, and backpackers, yet there’s always ample space to relax and recover from the night before. Numerous bars and restaurants line the beach, perfect for enjoying a day in the sun before heading back into town for another night out.

6. Praia de Cacela Velha, near Manta Rota

Charming and picturesque, this crescent-shaped stretch of sand is separated from the mainland by an estuary. One of the least crowded beaches in the Algarve, Praia de Cacela Velha provides ample space for enjoying a tranquil shoreline.

Unlike beaches to the west, this one features a gentle slope that results in consistently warm waters. In addition to splashing around in the ocean, visitors can explore the dune ecosystem behind the beach, take leisurely walks along the shore, and watch for birds and marine life (including the occasional dolphin offshore). In summer, there's a relaxed LGBTQI+ vibe here.

Praia de Cacela Velha is accessible by walking a couple of kilometers (just over a mile) west from Manta Rota beach or by taking a boat across the estuary from Fábrica, near the charming village of Cacela Velha. At low tide, you can also wade through knee-deep water from Cacela Velha, but avoid this at high tide.

7. Praia da Arrifana, Aljezur

Located along a sweeping cliff-backed stretch on the west coast, Arrifana stands out as one of the Algarve’s premier surfing hotspots. Surfers of all abilities gather at this stunning beach, situated 10km (6 miles) southwest of Aljezur, where various surf camps provide lessons and accommodations. After a day in the surf, enjoy a meal at one of the clifftop restaurants near the ruins of the fortress, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

8. Praia da Amoreira, Aljezur

At Praia da Amoreira, a wide beach where the river meets the ocean, you'll find dunes on one side and the Ribeira de Aljezur on the other. Kids can safely swim in the pleasantly warm river waters, while surfers and bodyboarders can enjoy the Atlantic waves. Unlike the more crowded beaches of central Algarve, Praia da Amoreira offers ample space to find a peaceful sunbathing spot. You can also wander along the sandy riverbank in search of herons, kingfishers, and even otters.

9. Praia de Vale Figueira, Carrapateira

Nestled in a secluded area of the west coast, Praia de Vale Figueira is an expansive golden-sand beach framed by cliffs. Its isolation guarantees a peaceful experience, far from the crowds. Located 15km (9 miles) northwest of Carrapateira, access is via a rough, partially paved road, and there are no amenities at the beach.

Facing directly west, the beach offers consistent surf, especially when the southeasterly winds are blowing. It's one of those enchanting beaches that's perfect to visit even on overcast days.

10. Praia da Ilha Deserta, near Faro

While Faro itself isn't located directly on the coast, it is close to some stunning sandy escapes, many of which can only be accessed by boat. One of the finest beaches nearby extends about 7km (4 miles) along Ilha Deserta ('Desert Island'), also known as Ilha da Barreta.

Here, you can avoid the crowds and discover the island's distinctive features. Stroll along the Santa Maria boardwalk, taking in views of salt marshes and the Ria Formosa lagoon, then enjoy a swim at the picturesque Cabo de Santa Maria, the southernmost tip of mainland Portugal.

Ferries run approximately every 30 minutes from Faro during the peak season, with less frequent service outside the summer months.

Planning tip: There’s only one restaurant on this otherwise unspoiled island, and it’s a great choice. Be sure to make a reservation or consider bringing a picnic.