The Best Algarve Beaches, Area by Area

The Algarve has some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches: golden cliffs, sea caves, sandy islands and wild Atlantic surf. With more than 100 to choose from, here are the ones our members rave about, grouped by area so you can plan around where you’re staying.

Quick answer: for the postcard golden-cliff beaches, base yourself between Lagos and Albufeira. For long sandy beaches and calm water with kids, head east to Tavira. For wild, uncrowded surf beaches, drive to the west coast.

Central Algarve (Lagoa, Carvoeiro, Albufeira)

Praia da Marinha

Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe: honey-coloured cliffs, rock arches and clear water. It’s reached by a set of steps from the clifftop car park, which fills early in summer. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail from here towards Benagil for some of the best coastal views in Portugal.

Praia de Benagil

A small beach in a fishing village, famous as the launch point for boat and kayak trips to the Benagil sea cave. Note that you can no longer swim or land inside the cave. Read our Benagil Cave guide before you go.

Praia do Carvoeiro

A pretty village beach surrounded by whitewashed houses, with cafés and restaurants right on the sand. Easy with kids.

Praia da Falésia

Kilometres of sand backed by red and orange cliffs between Albufeira and Vilamoura. Plenty of room even in August, and great for long walks.

Praia de São Rafael

Just west of Albufeira, with dramatic rock stacks, small coves and good snorkelling on calm days.

Places to stay in Albufeira · Places to stay in Carvoeiro

Western Algarve (Lagos and around)

Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo

Two of the Algarve’s most photographed beaches, a short walk from Lagos. Camilo is reached by a long wooden staircase. Both are small and busy in summer, so go early. Nearby, Ponta da Piedade has spectacular rock formations, best seen by boat or kayak.

Meia Praia

A huge, flat sandy beach on the other side of Lagos. Lots of space, beach bars and gentle water: a good family choice.

Places to stay in Lagos · See also the best restaurants in Lagos.

Eastern Algarve (Tavira and around)

Ilha de Tavira

A long sand-bar island reached by a short ferry from Tavira. Miles of soft sand, warmer and calmer water than the west, and fewer cliffs. Great with children.

Praia do Barril

Reached on foot or by a little train across the lagoon. It’s known for the “anchor cemetery”, rows of old tuna-fishing anchors in the dunes.

Places to stay in Tavira

West coast (Costa Vicentina)

Praia do Amado, Bordeira and Odeceixe

Wild, wide and beautiful beaches in a protected natural park, popular with surfers. The water is colder and the waves bigger, so swim only where it’s safe and lifeguarded. You’ll need a car.

Tips from our groups

• Go early in July and August. Car parks at the famous beaches fill by mid-morning.
• Respect the flags. Red means no swimming, yellow means paddling only. Atlantic currents can be strong.
• Watch the cliffs. Don’t sit right underneath them. Rockfalls do happen.
• Bring water shoes for rocky coves.
• Hire a car to beach-hop. The A22 motorway has been toll-free since January 2025. See our car rental guide.
• Kids: Meia Praia, Falésia, Carvoeiro and Ilha de Tavira are the easiest family beaches.

Getting there

Flying into Faro? See our Faro airport guide. For boat trips, kayaking and caves, browse Algarve tours, and for somewhere to stay, browse Algarve stays.

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