Best beaches in the Algarve: 12 beaches worth the trip

A By Anna · Updated 15 September 2026 · 4 min read · Beach & Sun

The Algarve has about 200 kilometres of coastline and more than 100 beaches, but they are not all alike. The central stretch is famous for golden cliffs, sea arches and small coves. The east has long, flat barrier islands reached by ferry. The wild west coast faces the Atlantic, with big surf and very few buildings. Choosing the right beach, and the right base, makes a big difference.

Faro is about two hours forty-five minutes' flight from London, and most beaches below are within an hour's drive of the airport.

Central Algarve: cliffs and coves

1. Praia da Marinha (Lagoa)

Often named one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Marinha has honey-coloured cliffs, rock stacks and clear water that's great for snorkelling. Steps lead down from the clifftop car park. It's the start (or end) of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, a clifftop walk of about six kilometres each way.

2. Praia de Benagil (Lagoa)

A small fishing beach that is the launch point for boat trips to the famous Benagil Cave. Since August 2024, swimming to the cave and landing on the sand inside have been banned. You can only enter on a licensed boat trip or a guided kayak or paddleboard tour. You can also look down through the cave's "skylight" for free from the fenced clifftop path.

3. Praia do Carvalho (Lagoa)

A small, sheltered cove reached through a tunnel carved in the rock. It gets busy, so go early.

4. Praia da Falésia (Albufeira)

This long beach, about six kilometres of sand backed by red and ochre cliffs, has room for everyone, even in August. It's good for long walks and families.

5. Praia da Rocha (Portimão)

A wide, lively resort beach with rock formations, beach bars and every facility. It's ideal if you want restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep.

Lagos: the most photogenic stretch

6. Praia Dona Ana

Lagos's postcard beach: golden sand, turquoise water and sculpted rocks, a short walk from the old town.

7. Praia do Camilo

Reached by a long wooden staircase of around 200 steps, Camilo is small and stunning. Walk on to the Ponta da Piedade headland for boat trips into the grottoes.

8. Meia Praia

A four-kilometre arc of flat sand just east of Lagos. It's good for families and watersports and rarely feels crowded.

Eastern Algarve: island beaches

9. Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra (Faro)

Ferries and water taxis from Faro and Olhão reach these barrier islands in the Ria Formosa lagoon. Expect huge, quiet beaches, dunes and very few people outside high summer.

10. Praia do Barril (Tavira)

Cross the footbridge and take the little tourist train (or walk) to a vast beach. It's famous for its "anchor cemetery", rows of rusting tuna-fishing anchors. The water here is calm and warmer than in the west, which is perfect for children.

West coast: wild and windy

11. Praia de Odeceixe

Where a river meets the sea in a sweeping bay, with calm river water for children and surf on the ocean side. The village above is lovely.

12. Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado

Broad, empty beaches backed by dunes and cliffs on the Costa Vicentina, with excellent surf schools at Amado. The sea is noticeably colder and rougher than on the south coast, so take care and swim only where lifeguards are on duty.

Which part of the Algarve is right for you?

Practical tips

• Watch the flags. Red means no swimming, yellow means paddling only. Many Algarve beaches have lifeguards only from June to September.
• Go early in summer. Small cove car parks fill by 10am in July and August.
• Respect the cliffs. Don't sit directly under them or walk close to the edge on top, because rockfalls happen.
• Hire a car to explore beyond your resort. Our car hire abroad tips for UK drivers explain what to check.
• Shoulder season is the sweet spot. June and September offer warm seas without the August crowds.

Weighing up the Greek islands instead? Read Santorini vs Crete. Spending a few days in the capital too? Our Lisbon in 3 days itinerary pairs well with an Algarve week, and the Portugal guide covers the rest of the country. Hunting for value? See how to find last-minute holiday deals.

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