10 Best Beaches in the Algarve You Must Visit

One of the best things to do in the Algarve is to visit the beautiful beaches. Algarve is a popular beach destination with beautiful white sandy beaches, incredible rock formations, crystal clear turquoise waters, and exciting water activities.

All beaches in the Algarve are free to visit, so another great reason to add Portugal to your bucket list.

We recommend you spend at least 3-4 days in the Algarve and enjoy the magical sunrises and sunsets, swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkel, or relax on the stunning beaches.

We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Use the map at the bottom of this post to find the best beaches in Algarve, Portugal.

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When is the Best Time to Visit Algarve Beaches?

Portugal is the perfect all year round destination, with beautiful and sunny weather. During the day, temperatures can be between 12-25°C.

The best time to visit the Algarve beaches is in autumn (September and October) or spring (April and May).

The summer months are the peak season in Portugal when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Alternatively, you can visit the Algarve in winter if you are on a budget and want to avoid the crowds.

Good to know
In Portugal, the water is cold almost all year round. But if you visit the Algarve when the weather is warm, you’ll enjoy a refreshing swim.

Recommended post → Ultimate Portugal Itinerary

Best Beaches in the Algarve

1. Praia do Camilo

Portugal has many beautiful beaches, but in our opinion, the best beach in Algarve is Praia do Camilo. Start your day early and catch a magical sunrise in Algarve.

Camilo Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the center of Lagos. As Praia do Camilo is a popular attraction in Portugal, we recommend arriving at sunrise when it is less crowded than during the day.

Book a boat trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos via Viator or GetYourGuide.

TIP
If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.

From the free parking lot, it’s about a 10-minute walk down the gorgeous 200 wooden steps to the beach.

Allow enough time to take creative content! Because the Golden Hour is a favorite time for photographers, you’ll probably have to wait a few minutes to take photos on the wooden steps. Then, enjoy the stunning view of incredible rock formations surrounding the beach and crystal clear emerald water.

Good to know
There is a small tunnel between the cliffs, which leads to another small beach.

See also → Things to Do in Algarve

2. Praia de Dona Ana

The Praia de Dona Ana is one of the closest beaches to Lagos, popular with locals and tourists alike. You can easily combine it with a visit to nearby Praia do Camilo.

Praia de Dona Ana is one of the best beaches in the Algarve for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You can enjoy the beautiful views of its crystal clear green water and magnificent rock formations from above.

Rent a paddleboard in Lagos.

3. Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is the most famous tourist attraction in the Algarve, located between Portimão and Albufeira in Lagoa.

One of the best things to do in the Algarve is to take a cliff walk along Praia da Marinha, which leads to the beautiful Arco Natural heart-shaped rock viewpoint. Afterward, walk down the steep stairs to the picturesque Marinha Beach. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around and then visit the nearby Benagil Beach.

Join a Benagil Caves and Praia de Marinha Boat Tour.

Good to know
Arrive early as parking spaces will quickly fill up later.

4. Praia dos Três Irmãos

Tres Irmaos Beach is one of the most underrated beaches in the Algarve, but well worth a visit. Spend a few relaxing hours on the beach enjoying the sun and swimming, then continue exploring the Algarve.

You can also combine your visit with other beautiful nearby beaches, such as Praia de Alvor, Praia do Vau, and Praia da Rocha. Then explore the charming old town of Portimão.

Join a Pirate Ship Cave Cruise.

We were disappointed during our visit because the water level was too high, and we couldn’t walk to the spectacular limestone rock formations.

5. Praia de Benagil

One of the most popular attractions in Portugal is the Benagil Cave, which has a unique hole at the top. You can rent a kayak or SUP, join a boat trip, or swim to the Benagil Cave. Due to high waves and a changing tide, we don’t recommend swimming to the Benagil Cave!

If you’ve already been to the Benagil Cave, you can chill out on the Praia de Benagil Beach. As it is one of the best beaches in the Algarve, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a dip in the cool water.

Book a Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.

6. Praia de Albandeira

Praia de Albandeira is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, popular for its unique rock formations. Visit Albandeira Beach and enjoy the stunning views from above, and then relax on the beach.

TIP
Take a boat trip around the Algarve and see the best beaches from a different perspective.

Keep reading → Things to Do in Porto

7. Praia do Carvoeiro

Praia do Carvoeiro was one of our favorite beaches in the Algarve, the perfect place to watch the sunset. Take a few hours to explore Carvoeiro, walk along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, and enjoy the views from Algar Seco.

Join a small group boat tour from Carvoeiro to the famous Benagil Caves.

TIP
If you use a drone, beware of the seagulls!

8. Praia do Pinhão

Are you looking for a less crowded beach in the Algarve? Then visit Praia do Pinhão in Lagos, which is easily accessible by walking from Dona Ana Beach (15-20 minutes) or a short drive.

TIP
Rent a scooter for more days and visit the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. It costs around 20-25 EUR per day to rent a motorbike.

Join a guided scenic quad tour.

9. Praia dos Estudantes

Praia dos Estudantes is a small beach that has become popular because of its magnificent view of the bridge.

As it’s a short walk from the car park and only a few steep steps down, it’s worth a quick visit.

Good to know
There was a lot of seaweed on the beach during our visit.

Read our → Lisbon Guide

10. Praia da Falésia

Don’t miss Albufeira in your Algarve Itinerary. You can walk around the picturesque old town, enjoy the nightlife, try water sports, and explore the beautiful beaches. Praia da Falésia is a fantastic sandy beach with white and red limestone cliffs. This beach is more than 6 kilometers long, perfect for a romantic walk.

Book a Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour from Albufeira via Viator or GetYourGuide.

TIP
From Albufeira, take a short 30-minute trip to Ferragudo, one of the most beautiful villages in the Algarve.

Where to Stay in the Algarve

You can stay almost anywhere in the region, with plenty of options, even if you have a camper van.

The best places to stay in the Algarve are Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Sagres, Portimão, and Faro. These are our recommendations.

Map of the Best Beaches in the Algarve

What to Pack when Visiting the Algarve Beaches

Quick-dry towel
Swimsuit
Hat
Flip-Flops
Biodegradable sunscreen
Camera gear
GoPro or Waterproof phone bag
Mosquito repellent
Water
Snacks

Tips for Visiting the Best Beaches in the Algarve

The best time to visit the beautiful beaches of the Algarve is at sunrise and sunset.
Always lock your car, and don’t leave valuables out of sight.
Take plenty of water and snacks.
There are no entrance fees to beaches in the Algarve but bring cash.
Spend as much time as possible in Portugal and enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Algarve.
Petty theft often happens on beaches.
Always keep an eye on your valuables while swimming.
You can easily walk along the beach at low tide, but be careful at high tide!
The best way to visit the beaches is by car or scooter.

We hope you found our guide to the best beaches in Algarve useful and will inspire you to visit some beautiful beaches. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

10 Best Beaches in the Algarve You Must Visit