Top 10 beaches Algarve according to locals and tourists. It's the best you've ever seen in Portugal!

About Algarve

The gentle sea with the purest water and the magnificent fine sandy beaches of Algarve attract more and more tourists yearly. The crystal turquoise color of the seawater sets the level of your vacation somewhere between stunning and perfect. So if you are looking for the perfect sea, this is your place!

Popular destinations

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On map

Praia de Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro 0.1 km

Very good

8.5

Free entrance • Amenities beach • Easy access • Bright sand • Turquoise pure water • Crowded in season

6.5 Amenities index

Praia de Benagil

Benagil Beach

Carvoeiro 4.2 km

Very good

8.5

Free entrance • Amenities beach • Picturesque • Easy access • Brown fine sand • Crowded in season

2.7 Amenities index

Senior friendly

Praia do Castelo

Vale Rabelho 2.2 km

Very good

8.4

Free entrance • Amenities beach • Picturesque • Easy access • Bright fine sand • Crowded in season

6 Amenities index

Senior friendly

Praia da Salema

Salema 0.1 km

Very good

8.4

Free entrance • Amenities beach • Easy access • Bright fine sand • Turquoise pure water • Crowded in season

6.4 Amenities index

Senior friendly

Praia de Vilamoura

Quarteira 1.3 km

Very good

8.4

Partly hotel beach • Easy access • Brown fine sand • Turquoise water • Small open area • Crowded in season

6.5 Amenities index

Senior friendly

Praia do Ancao

Corgo de Gondra 3.8 km

Very good

8.4

Free entrance • Amenities beach • Easy access • Brown fine sand • Turquoise pure water • Fine sand bottom

5.4 Amenities index

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Popular types of Algarve beaches

Beaches in small bays

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Calm, measured rest and the sound of waves are perhaps the most common associations that arise with the word "beach". This is not surprising, as relaxation is exactly what many beach travelers are looking for. If you associate your vacation primarily with such activity, choose one of the 152 beaches in the region.

To make your choice easier, we have prepared a list of the best beaches for relaxation in Algarve.

Most beautiful beaches of Algarve

Praia Nova

Nova Beach

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Brown fine sand

Portugal, Armacao de Pera 2.5 km

Malhada do Baraco

Malhada do Baraco beach

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Porches 4 km

Praia da Marinha

Marinha Beach

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Brown fine sand

Portugal, Porches 4.2 km

Cova Redonda

Cova Redonda beach

8.6

Partly hotel beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Bright sand

Portugal, Armacao de Pera 1.7 km

Praia das Fontainhas

Fontainhas Beach

8.6

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque, Brown fine sand

Portugal, Armacao de Pera 3.2 km

Nossa Senhora da Rocha

Nossa Senhora da Rocha beach

8.5

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Brown fine sand

Portugal, Armacao de Pera 2.2 km

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Quitest and lonely beaches in Algarve

Vale do Lobo

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Brown fine sand, Turquoise pure water, Fine sand bottom

Portugal, Fonte Santa 3.3 km

Praia da Manta Rota

Manta Rota Beach

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water, Fine sand bottom

Portugal, Manta Rota 0.4 km

Garrao Nascente

Garrao Nascente beach

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Brown fine sand, Turquoise pure water, Fine sand bottom

Portugal, Corgo de Gondra 3.9 km

Praia Verde

Verde Beach

8.6

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water, Fine sand bottom

Portugal, Altura 1.7 km

Praia da Prainha

Prainha Beach

8.6

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water, Fine sand bottom

Portugal, Alvor 1.8 km

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago beach

8.5

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Brown fine sand

Portugal, Ludo 2.4 km

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Sandy beaches in Algarve

Praia dos Pescadores

8.8

Partly hotel beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Albufeira 0.5 km

Praia da falesia

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Vilamoura 2 km

Praia dos Tomates

Tomatoes Beach

8.6

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Brown fine sand, Turquoise water

Portugal, Vilamoura 2.4 km

Ilha do Farol

8.6

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Bright fine sand

Portugal, Ilha do Farol 0.2 km

Praia dos Alemaes

8.5

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Brown fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Albufeira 0.8 km

Praia do Carvalho

8.5

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Bright fine sand

Portugal, Carvoeiro 3.7 km

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Beaches for families with children in Algarve

Praia de Cacela Velha

8.7

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access

Portugal, Cacela Velha 0.5 km

Praia da Fuseta Ria

8.5

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright sand

Portugal, Fuzeta 0.5 km

Monte Gordo

8.4

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Monte Gordo 0.7 km

Praia dos Tres Castelos

8.4

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Portimao 2.4 km

Barranco das Belharucas

8.3

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Brown fine sand

Portugal, Olhos de Agua 1 km

Praia da Alagoa

8.3

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water, Fine sand bottom

Portugal, Alto 1.6 km

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Nude (naturists) beaches in Algarve

Praia da Figueira

8.2

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque, Easy access

Portugal, Salema 1.5 km

Praia das Furnas

8.1

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Hortas do Tabual 2.2 km

Fuseta Island beach

Free entrance, Amenities beach, Bright fine sand

Portugal, Fuzeta 1.4 km

Praia do Barranco

7.8

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Bright fine sand, Turquoise pure water

Portugal, Ingrina 1.9 km

Praia Joao de Arens

7.7

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Alvor 2.7 km

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Beaches with shade in Algarve

Praia do Pau

8.2

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Porches 4.1 km

Praia do Cao Raivoso

8.1

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Porches 4.6 km

Vale Covo

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Carvoeiro 1.1 km

Praia dos Tres Castelos

7.7

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Carvoeiro 1 km

Praia da Balanca

7.4

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque

Portugal, Lagos 2.1 km

Praia da Vigia

7.3

Free entrance, Virgin beach, Picturesque, Easy access, Bright fine sand

Portugal, Patroves 2.1 km

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Attraction and Infrastructure

As for the main features of the beaches of Algarve, they are as follows:

The region's beaches are mainly wide, quite short and have a high level of cleanliness. The most common surface is fine sand of bright color.
Usually, entry into the water is moderately gentle, such beaches are 100.
The average distance from the road to beach in Algarve is less than 500 meters. 122 beaches are relatively easy to access, 2 beaches are difficult to access, which in most cases means that you have to walk a quite long distance, and 21 beaches are only accessible from the water. The latter include both island beaches and beaches with no land routes due to the natural borders.

The vast majority of Algarve beaches have the necessary amenities, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, beach cafes, showers and toilets.

Hundreds of beaches in Algarve attract every year not only relaxation lovers but also those travelers who prefer outdoor activities and, first of all kite surfers, surfers, kayakers.

So, let's see what activities you can do on the beaches:

Surfing. There is probably no person in the world who has never seen these talented boys and girls riding the wave. Whether you are a professional surfer or just an athlete with a brave heart, the beaches of Algarve will suit both of you, as this region is quite popular among surfers. There are about 33 beaches good suitable for surfing, choose carefully, don't miss the beach of your dream!
Kite or windsurfing. We know firsthand how difficult it is sometimes to find the right place for your favorite activity, especially if it is kite or windsurfing. So if you are a fan of these activities, then Algarve may be the right choice for you, as there are over 34 beaches popular among kiters and windsurfers. There will be a fair wind, we are sure!
Sea kayaking is an excellent alternative to long walks along the coast. Instead of being bored on the beach, you can go for a leisurely journey and discover the beauty of the neighboring coves, inlets and wild beaches. Remember, the main gems are always accessible only from the water. Kayaking is an excellent active lifestyle solution for both professionals and beginners. About 33 beaches in Algarve can be interesting for kayakers, the most popular are: Malhada do Baraco beach, Nossa Senhora da Rocha beach.

Do you love an active lifestyle but would prefer something other than water activities? Then on the beaches of Algarve you can actively spend time playing volleyball. Although this region does not have the privileged status of the volleyball capital of Portugal, it may well compete for this title because there are about 22 beaches where you can play volleyball.

For campers, important information is the availability of campsites in the region. There are such places near the 9 beaches of Algarve. 8 of them are a kind of wild camp, formed spontaneously by lovers of this type of recreation and did not have an infrastructure.

Latest reviews on Algarve's beaches

Praia de Quarteira

9 Pedro S

Fantastic beach. Good access. Its one from a string of beaches, all with good quality sand, generally little to no currents. The promenade, more than just access, makes for a great walk in the morning, afternoon or evening. Food-wise, there are many restaurants to choose from. Many hidden gems just 200-500m away from the beach. It can be busy in the height of summer and same goes for parking. At first glance the town can seem its just the beaches, but it offers a extraordinary base for so much more. I grew up there and still is one of my prime spots around the world and can't but keep coming back.

Praia de Carvoeiro

6 Natalya Kozlovskaya

This destination is quite popular among tourists and can get quite crowded. However, this can add to the vacation experience. Nevertheless, there are alternative locations to explore, such as Portimão, for those seeking a more secluded beach getaway.

Benagil Beach Praia de Benagil

8 Wanderlust Wayfarer

While the beach is decent, it's not the top contender among other beaches. Nevertheless, taking a trip to the cave is definitely worth it. It's not too difficult to swim to the cave, but it does require some swimming ability and physical fitness. For those who are not strong swimmers, I suggest renting a kayak to get there.

Praia do Castelo

10 Antonios K.

With its serene ambiance and picturesque views, this beach is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're collecting shells, lounging under the sun, creating sandcastles, taking a dip in the water, or sipping on a refreshing cocktail, there's something for everyone here. It's an ideal spot for unwinding and disconnecting from the world around you.

Praia da Salema

10 Hyejin Lee

This seaside spot boasts a classic beach setting with a lengthy expanse of sandy shore and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing onto the beach. The beach is flanked by rocky outcrops on both sides, which only add to the natural beauty of the landscape. For those who love to explore, a leisurely stroll past the rocky formations on the right is a must-do activity. However, it's important to time your walk according to the tides or come equipped with proper attire and swimming skills, as you may need to navigate over and around the rocks and may end up getting wet. Unfortunately, we had to cut our adventure short as the incoming tide was too swift for us to continue.

Praia de Vilamoura

6 Nolan Greyson

While not the most picturesque beach in the vicinity, it offers stunning vistas of the coastline. It appears that one can stroll endlessly in the direction of Faro.

Please note that lifeguards supervise 75 beaches in the region, but you should rely on more than just them, remember the elementary rules, as lifeguards are not on duty around the clock, even on equipped beaches!

Finding hotels in relative proximity to the beaches is usually fine. Many beaches have enough nearby accommodation, which gives good opportunities to choose the right place to stay.

The hottest month of the region is August - air temperature during this time warms up to 31.7°C and water up to 21.4°C in September. The coldest month is January - air temperature drops to 14°C and water to 14.8°C.

Do you know how many beaches there are in Algarve? In total there are 152 beaches and the most popular is Praia dos Pescadores.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main features of best beaches in Algarve?

When it comes to finding the best beaches in Algarve, the following aspects should be taken into account.

There are 152 beaches in total, of which about 64 can be called high-rated.

The best beaches in the majority:

Fine sandy / Best sandy beaches in Algarve (148 beaches)
Free to visit / Best beaches with free access in Algarve (143 beaches)
Located within settlements / Best natural beaches in Algarve (59 beaches)

They are also usually:

Easily accessible / Best beaches with easy access in Algarve (122 beaches)
With amenities / Best beaches with basic amenities in Algarve (93 beaches)
Crowded in season / Best beaches without crowds in Algarve (20 beaches)
With high cleanliness / Best beaches with perfect cleanliness in Algarve (133 beaches)

The best beaches in Algarve:

View all beaches in Algarve and create your selection by features

How to view only nearest to me beaches in Algarve?

To find the beaches closest to your current geolocation, click the Nearby Beaches icon in the search box. You will see the nearest beaches sorted by distance from you.

Note, that if you only want to see the beaches closest to you in Algarve, you must be in that area to get the correct results.

View nearby beaches

See also: View all beaches in Algarve and create your selection by features.

How to view all beaches in Algarve on map?

To view and filter by characteristics all beaches of Algarve, use the link below:

All beaches of Algarve on map (152 beaches)

What are all easy accessible beaches in Algarve?

Most of the beaches located in Algarve are easily accessible, but there are also hard to reach beaches among them. Use the filter to sort the beaches by access details (parking, distance etc.).

Popular categories of beaches in Algarve by access:

How to view all sandy beaches or beaches with other natural features in Algarve?

Use the "Main features" section of the filter in search results to see all the beaches with the feature you're interested in.

The most popular selections of beaches with natural features are listed below. Don't forget that you can create your own selection with any combination of features

Beach coverage and water

Natural scenery

Other popular categories

All beaches in Algarve with natural shade (8 beaches)

View all beaches in Algarve and select by features

How to find uncrowded beaches in Algarve?

The presence of crowds of tourists on the beach these days is becoming a mass character, and sometimes you want silence and solitude. Use the filter in search results to view the beaches in Algarve by occupancy.

Popular categories:

If the presence of a crowd on the beach is critical for you, pay attention to where you should not go in the season.

Highly crowded beaches in Algarve (8 beaches)

View all beaches in Algarve and select by features

Which beaches in Algarve are kid-friendly, good for relax, pet-friendly, naturist-friendly, camping-friendly?

The selections of the beaches in Algarve according to the recommended audience:

How to view all beaches by amenities details in Algarve?

Use filter in search results to select a beach according to your preference for amenities.

Popular beach infrastructure categories:

How to view all beaches by activity of interest in Algarve?

Use the "Activity" section of the filter in search results to view the selections of beaches by one or multiple activities. Below are a few popular selections that you can change as you like using our filter.

View all beaches in Algarve and select by activity

About Algarve

General information

Popular destinations

Alto

Manta Rota

Altura

Vilamoura

Corgo de Gondra

Fonte Santa

Quarteira

Ilha de Faro

Monte Gordo

Ludo

Cabanas de Tavira

Tavira

Armona

Hangares

Ilha do Farol

Acoteias

Olhos de Agua

Fuzeta

Arroteia de Baixo

Vale da Azinheira

Vale Rabelho

Albufeira

Patroves

Torre

Burgau

Carvoeiro

Sesmarias

Ferragudo

Luz

Portimao

Lagos

Barrancao

Armacao de Pera

Porches

Alvor

Pedra da Mina

Salema

Hortas do Tabual

Martinhal

Ingrina

Sagres

Vila do Bispo

Vale Santo

Arrifana

Carrapateira

Praia de Carvoeiro

Benagil Beach

Praia do Castelo

Praia da Salema

Praia de Vilamoura

Praia do Ancao

Popular types of Algarve beaches

Most beautiful beaches of Algarve

Nova Beach

Malhada do Baraco beach

Marinha Beach

Cova Redonda beach

Fontainhas Beach

Nossa Senhora da Rocha beach

Quitest and lonely beaches in Algarve

Vale do Lobo

Manta Rota Beach

Garrao Nascente beach

Verde Beach

Prainha Beach

Quinta do Lago beach

Sandy beaches in Algarve

Praia dos Pescadores

Praia da falesia

Tomatoes Beach

Ilha do Farol

Praia dos Alemaes

Praia do Carvalho

Beaches for families with children in Algarve

Praia de Cacela Velha

Praia da Fuseta Ria

Monte Gordo