The beaches in Algarve are constantly ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Bordered by cliffs in shades of yellow, red and orange, and lapped by crystal clear water, these incomparable beaches are some of my favorites in the world.
I first went to southern Portugal, in 2008. My mother was living there at the time and so I spent one month enjoying the European summer and some of the best Algarve beaches. Since then, I have been trying to go to the Algarve at least every other year!
Every time I go there, I have a lot of fun with friends and family and new adventures. My last visit was in 2020 and the Algarvian coast still surprised and amazed me with its impressive and breathtaking scenery.
Below you will find a list of the ten most beautiful beaches in Algarve, so the next time you plan a trip to Portugal, you should make sure to visit some of them.
The 10 Best & Most Beautiful Algarve Beaches
1 – Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
Lagos is one of the cities that has some of the best beaches in Algarve. Among them, it’s Ponta da Piedade, one of those places that it’s hard to believe exist!
Located around 3Km from Lago’s city centre, Ponta da Piedade is probably the most beautiful shoreline on Earth, according to the Huffington Post, and one of the most incredible beaches that I’ve ever seen.
Featuring a stunning combination of majestic rock formations, sea arches, caves, ochre cliffs, and crystal-clear green water, Ponta da Piedade will certainly take your breath away.
I’ve been to the Algarve many times but even I was completely in awe the first time I saw Ponta da Piedade. OMG!
The beach is accessed by road then on foot along a cliff-top path, by boat, or even better, by kayak.
From the top of the 20m (65ft) high cliffs you can take in all of Ponta da Piedade’s beauty, but you should also definitely take the 182 steps down the ravine and get near the water to have another view of it.
If you visit Ponta da Piedade during the peak summer season you won’t be allowed to get into the water unless you go early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon when there isn’t boat traffic. But you can embark on a boat trip to visit nearby beaches and grottoes.
There’s a parking lot, public restrooms a restaurant, souvenir shops, and a lighthouse (closed to the public) at the end of the road.
Ponta da Piedade is for me the most beautiful beach in the Algarve. It’s a must-see when you’re in Lagos!
Smart Tip: You must be very careful when you climb the cliffs and the steep stairway to take pictures because in some parts there isn’t a handrail.Find out more about The Famous Beaches in Lagos
2 – Praia dos Três Irmãos (Prainha), Alvor
Located at the eastern end of Alvor Beach, in the municipality of Portimão, Praia dos Três Irmãos, also known as Prainha, is home to the greatest rock formation I’ve ever seen in the Algarve.
The beach is framed by huge ochre-colored limestone cliffs with incredible rocky outcrops that divide it into further little sandy bays each with their own rock arches, sea stacks, and caves.
Praia dos Três Irmãos was one of the Algarve beaches that impressed most!
Access can be gained by the elevator of the Caniço Restaurant or a set of stairs for those coming from Aldeamento Turístico da Prainha, or through a space between the cliffs for those coming from Praia do Alvor.
This is a Blue flag beach and there are restaurants, toilets, seasonal lifeguards, and also very nice viewpoints.
When I arrived at Praia dos Três Irmãos and saw the phenomenal rock formation I was completely in awe!
It was at low tide and the contrast of the shallow green water with the rocks covered with seaweed and the ochre cliffs made this beach look surreal and miles away from reality…
The sea arches and caves of Praia dos Três Irmãos are begging to be explored and you should definitely do it.
Please, don’t forget to include Praia dos Três Irmãos on your list. You will be as impressed as I was!
Smart Tip: The closest parking lot is at Praia do Alvor and when you get on to the beach walk to the eastern end (left side facing the water) to reach Praia dos Três Irmãos.You may also be interested in: 21 Places to Visit andThings to Do in the Algarve
3 – Praia de Benagil, Carvoeiro
You might have seen a picture of Praia de Benagil, considered one of the most incredible beaches in Algarve, as it gained fame recently because of its iconic sea cave.
Located in the little fishing village of Benagil, in the municipality of Lagoa, Praia de Benagil would be just one more hidden beach if it wasn’t for the Algar de Benagil, a stunning cave just around the corner to the left side of Benagil Beach.
What makes Benagil Cave special and one of the “Top 10 coolest caves around the world”, according to Huffington Post, is the perfect combination of golden-colored walls with a round hole in the ceiling and two beautiful archways.
The cave is very picturesque and when you arrive, you will be completely amazed.
Inside this spectacular cave, you will see the sunlight streaming through the roof and reflecting off the golden sand and the blue azure water entering the cave through the arches forming a small beach.
I have visited Benagil cave four times, by boat and kayak, and I loved it! It’s such a magical place and a natural wonder of the world.
Smart Tip: Now only small boats, kayaks and SUP can get inside the cave. Be aware that boats aren’t allowed to disembark passengers in the cave.
4 – Praia do Camilo, Lagos
Located in Lagos, next to Dona Ana beach, Praia do Camilo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve.
Access is easy and once you arrive on the top of the breathtaking cliff, it will be hard to decide if you should stay there to enjoy the awe-inspiring views, walk along the cliff-top path or take the steps all the way down to place your towel, sunbathe and just relax.
This picturesque Praia do Camilo is framed by majestic limestone rocks and provides astonishing vistas, whether you are on the cliffs, on the stairway, on the sand, or even in the water.
The infrastructure is very basic and there is only one restaurant close to the stairway, which is really nice by the way.
There are neither kiosks nor beach amenities at Praia do Camilo, so be prepared to take a cooler with water, booze, and snacks.
There are only lifeguards on duty, kayak and SUP rentals. The price is € 25/h.
I’ve been to Praia do Camilo several times, at low tide and high tide, during the off-season and high-season.
At high tide, the beach becomes narrower, and to get to the second section you need to go through a hand-dug tunnel or swim.
Praia do Camilo is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos and can get very crowded during the summer, especially in August, and finding a place to lay down your towel can be a changeling. Even though, the visit is totally worthwhile.
5 – Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
Yet another stunning and definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve and I would say of the whole world.
Located in the Lagoa area, a half-hour drive from Albufeira, this award-winning beach has been featured in many Portuguese guidebooks and advertising campaigns.
There’s a large parking lot and once you step out of the car you understand why this beach was elected by Michelin Guide as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Europe.
The beach is only accessible via a steep pathway along the cliff, and I bet you’ll stop every other minute to take tons of pictures, admire the striking views and catch your breath.
Praia da Marinha has amazing orange-yellowish limestone cliffs, sea arches, golden sand, and crystalline blue water
The contrast between the blue water and the cliffs is just unbelievable!
There aren’t beach amenities, but there is a restaurant right at the beach’s entrance.
There are also lifeguards on duty, SUP and kayak rentals. The price is €20/h.
Two popular activities here are renting a kayak to visit other beaches, including Benagil Cave, and cliff jumping.Further read: Complete Guide to Praia da Marinha
Similar to Praia do Camilo, Praia da Marinha becomes narrower at high tide and very crowded in August.
6 – Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe
Most people vacationing in the Algarve stay in the most popular resort towns and don’t head to the Costa Vicentina, a protected natural park that extends from Burgau, near Lagos, to Odeceixe (on the border between Algarve and Alentejo).
But there are beautiful beaches on this distinctive coast of the Atlantic Ocean too!
Among them, Praia de Odeceixe, located in the town of Odeceixe, 57mi (92Km) away from Albufeira and 76min (123Km) from the capital Faro, is the most astonishing one.
I always wanted to go to Odeceixe Beach and in 2020 I finally made it. It’s one of the best beaches in Algarve and I absolutely loved it!
Featuring a round shape “island” encircled by black cliffs topped with vegetation and a striking crystalline green water river that flows into the sea, Praia de Odeceixe is a uniquely spectacular sight to marvel at.
This blue flag beach has soft sand, umbrellas, and chairs for hire, toilets, waters sports, a parking lot, and plenty of space to lay down your towel.
You can go surfing, rent a kayak/SUP to paddle along the river course, swim in the freshwater, or just soak up the sun and relax.
Praia de Odeceixe is one of my favourite Algarve beaches and I’m planning to visit it in 2021 again.
It’s a true hidden gem and one of Algarve’s best-kept secrets. Don’t miss it!
7 – Praia Dona Ana, Lagos
Located in Lagos and elected by Condé Nast Traveller in 2013 as the best beach in the world, Praia Dona Ana is outstanding and for sure one of the best Algarve beaches.
But different from Praia do Camilo and Praia da Marinha, for example, its beauty is appreciated best from the sand.
There are beautiful limestone rocks rising up sublimely from the crystal-clear blue water, golden sand and orange cliffs covered with vegetation
Walking down to this beach is truly amazing and I felt really glad that I finally visited it.
The access to this beach is by stairways and there’s a parking lot, beach amenities, viewpoints, a restaurant, and even a masseur.
You can get an umbrella and two chairs for only €10.
Praia Dona Ana is very appreciated by tourists and locals and it has been enlarged to better provide for everyone.
The most popular activities are kayaking, SUP, and boat riding.
I’ve done both and I personally think that kayaking on the sea to the stacks and grottoes is much more fun.
8 – Praia da Coelha, Albufeira
Albufeira also has some of the best beaches in Algarve and you must include this city in your itinerary, in case that you won’t be based here.
Located around 6Km (3.7 mi) west of Albufeira Old Town, Rabbit Beach is a breathtaking beach surrounded by yellow cliffs and has fine golden sand with seashells and crystal-clear turquoise water.
The beach is a 5 min walk from the parking lot, has calm water, extraordinary rock formations, and very picturesque scenery.
Raised wooden walkways take you to the western part of the beach from where, along the water’s edge, you can reach the sections of Praia da Coelha that are more secluded and quiet.
You can also walk on the trail path along the hilly landscape around it to explore the magnificent viewpoints, find hidden coves and especially see the beauty of Praia da Coelha in all its glory.
There also some coral reefs, making this beach perfect for snorkeling.
I felt like I found a real treasure while walking along the cliffs of Praia da Coelha.
Praia da Coelha is a Blue Flag beach, with lifeguards on duty, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and beach chairs and umbrellas for hire and there is a restaurant at the entrance with Wi-Fi, reasonable prices, and bathrooms. Pets and balls aren’t allowed, though.
Praia da Coelha is one the best beaches in Albufeira and the Algarve as well. You should not miss it!
9 – Praia da Luz, Luz
Located 6Km west of Lagos, Praia da Luz (Beach of Light), is another famous Algarvian beach that you shouldn’t miss.
The beach is sheltered by the imposing Rocha Negra, a basalt headland, and the landscape is very different from the part of the Algarve coast between Albufeira and Lagos.
Here you can’t find the yellow-orangish limestone cliffs that the Algarve is known for, but the beach is equally fascinating.
As soon as I arrived at Praia da Luz I was mesmerized by its dazzling blue water!
It features soft sand, stunning crystalline water, and some rocks forming natural pools that are perfect for relaxing.
Luz is a large blue flag beach, and you can expect all kinds of facilities, such as wooden boardwalks, toilets, umbrellas and chairs for hire, lifeguards on duty, wheelchair access, etc.
What makes Praia da Luz special and one of Algarve best beaches in the town where it’s set in.
You can spend the entire day exploring the former fishing village of Vila da Nossa Senhora da Luz and its charming cobblestone streets, picturesque churches, and beachfront restaurants.
Not to mention, sunbathing, swimming, and lounging on the beach.
10 – Ilha Deserta, Faro
Whether you’re spending some time in Faro or looking for isolated and quiet beaches, Ilha Deserta is the place to go.
Deserta is an unspoiled and uninhabited island with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water that shelter the Ria Formosa Natural Park’s mudflats.
To get there you need to take a ferry from Faro or book a day trip which takes you to another gorgeous island as well.
Once you arrive at Ilha Deserta, you feel the tranquillity and relaxation that you’re dreaming of when going on a holiday.
There are some facilities, such as chairs and umbrellas for hire, and lifeguards on duty.
The only restaurant on the island, Restaurant Estaminé, was destroyed by a fire this year. So, bring a cooler bag with some food and refreshments.
Ilha Deserta has a great shoreline that is perfect for long walks and some parts that are clothing optional, in case that you want to get rid of the tan lines.
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