The beaches of the Algarve are consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Bordered by cliffs of yellow, red and orange hues and bathed in crystal-clear water, these incomparable beaches are among the most beautiful in Europe.
If you’re wondering where the best beaches in the Algarve are, the answer is simple: they’re undoubtedly between the towns of Albufeira and Lagos.
On this part of the Algarve coast, you’ll find crystal-blue beaches surrounded by yellow-orange limestone cliffs dotted with caves and caverns. These are what the Algarve is famous for, such as Praia da Marinha and Grotte de Benagil. But you’ll also find beautiful beaches on the Vicentine coast, a lesser-known part of the Algarve.
In this guide, you’ll find the 6 best and most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, as well as lots of tips for preparing your trip. The next time you’re in Portugal, be sure to visit one of them.
1 – Algarve beaches in southern Portugal: Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
Lagos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Among them, Ponta da Piedade, one of those places it’s hard to believe really exists!
Located around 3 km from downtown Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is probably the most beautiful coastline on the planet (according to the Huffington Post) and one of the most incredible beaches you’ll ever see.
With a stunning combination of majestic rock formations, sea arches, caves, ochre cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Ponta da Piedade is sure to take your breath away.
To get there, you can take the Ponta da Piedade promenade, known as the “Estrada da Ponta da Piedade”. At the end of the road, there’s a parking lot, public toilets, a restaurant, souvenir stores and a lighthouse (closed to the public).
From the top of the 20 m high cliffs, you can admire all the beauty of Ponta da Piedade, but we also recommend descending the 182 steps to get closer to the water for another viewpoint.
2 – Algarve beaches : Prainha (Praia do Caniço), Alvor
Located at the eastern end of Alvor beach, in the municipality of Portimão. Prainha, also known as Praia do Caniço, is home to the largest single rock formation in the Algarve. The beach is framed by immense ochre limestone cliffs and incredible rocky outcrops that divide it into several small coves, each with its own rocky arches, cliffs and caves.
Prainha is one of the Algarve’s most impressive beaches!
This Blue Flag beach has restaurants, toilets, seasonal lifeguards and beautiful views.
When you arrive at Prainha for the first time, you’ll be amazed! This surreal beach is a world away from reality. You’ll see…
3 – Benagil Beach / Praia de Benagil, Carvoeiro
You may have seen a photo of Praia de Benagil, considered one of the most incredible beaches in the world. It has become famous for its iconic sea cave.
Located in the small fishing village of Benagil, in the municipality of Lagos, Praia de Benagil would be just another hidden beach if it weren’t for the Algar de Benagil. It’s this astonishing cave on the left-hand side of the beach that gives it its originality.
The special feature of the Benagil cave, one of the “Top 10 coolest caves in the world”, according to the Huffington Post, is the perfect combination of golden-colored walls, a round hole in the ceiling and two magnificent arches.
Inside this spectacular grotto, you’ll see sunlight streaming through the ceiling. Then this light will reflect off the golden sand, combined with the azure-blue water that enters the grotto through the arches, you have a stunning page that appears before your eyes.
4 – Plage do Camilo / Praia do Camilo, Lagos
Located in Lagos, next to Dona Ana beach, Praia do Camilo is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos and the entire Algarve.
Access is easy and, once you’ve reached the top of the breathtaking cliff, you’ll have a hard time deciding whether to stay and enjoy the breathtaking view, walk along the path to the top of the cliff or go down the steps to put your towel down. In any case, everything is there for you to sunbathe and relax.
The picturesque Praia do Camilo is framed by majestic limestone rocks and offers stunning views, whether you’re on the cliffs, on the steps, on the sand or even in the water.
5 – Marhina Beach / Praia da Marinha, Lagos
Located in the Lagos region, half an hour’s drive from Albufeira, this award-winning beach has featured in numerous Portuguese guidebooks and advertising campaigns. The Michelin Guide has also ranked it among the ten most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Marinha beach is only accessible via a steep cliff path, and offers breathtaking views. Praia da Marinha is surrounded by imposing orange-yellow limestone cliffs, making it one of the least windy beaches in the Algarve. It also boasts magnificent sea arches, golden sand and crystal-blue waters.
Marina is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, but one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The contrast between the blue water and the cliffs is simply incredible!
6 – A good spot for surfers: Bordeira Beach / Praia da Bordeira
Also known as Praia da Carrapateira, this beach is immense and magnificent. It stretches for over 3 kilometers, making it the largest on the Costa Vicentina. In the past, it was quite isolated, frequented by a few naturists and fishermen on the vertiginous cliffs.
Today, it’s a major destination for surfers and very popular with Portuguese families. Although the Portuguese Naturism Federation considers it a beach where nude sunbathing is tolerated or common, the practice has become rare. Only occasionally are naturists seen at the northern end, near the rocks.
