Praia da Marinha: Visiting the Algarve's Famous Beach

Praia da Marinha is regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It’s a golden cove beneath ochre cliffs, with natural arches, sea stacks and clear water. It’s also the start of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Here’s how to visit.

Quick answer: Praia da Marinha is between Carvoeiro and Benagil in the central Algarve. Arrive early in summer, as the car park fills fast. A long ramp and steps lead down to the sand. Bring snorkel gear, water and shade, and see the famous double arch from the clifftop viewpoint.

What makes it special

• The arches and stacks at the eastern end, best seen from the clifftop path.
• Clear water for swimming and snorkelling around the rocks on calm days.
• Few buildings: it’s protected from development, with just a small beach restaurant.

The clifftop walk

From the car park, walk east along the clifftop for the viewpoints over the arches, or follow the trail west towards Benagil. It’s the start of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. See the Seven Hanging Valleys trail.

Getting there

• By car: the easiest way. The car park fills by mid-morning in summer.
• Taxi or Uber from Carvoeiro, Armacão de Pêra or Albufeira.
• By boat: many Benagil boat trips pass the Marinha arches. See boat tours.

Tips

• Tide: at high tide the beach shrinks, and the rocks at the ends are cut off.
• Shade: there’s little natural shade, so bring an umbrella.
• Rockfalls: don’t sit right under the cliffs.
• Best time: morning for calm water, and golden hour for photos.

More: the best Algarve beaches, Carvoeiro and the Benagil cave.

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