Portugal’s Algarve coast is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors year after year.
Set on the southwest coast of the European mainland, Portugal’s Algarve coast boasts stunning beaches, Atlantic breezes, and stunning weather conditions.
As one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Europe, the coastline welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
With various towns dotted along the coastline, there is something for every kind of traveller on the Algarve. Party lovers tend to flock to the lively resort of Albufeira, while families and older couples may feel more at home in towns like Vilamoura and Lagos.
On your Algarve itinerary, one thing is for sure: stunning sandy beaches will be there to welcome you. With that, here are the ten best beaches on the Algarve you need to visit.
10. Praia da Amoreira, Aljezur – a beautiful beach in the northwest
Located within the municipality of Aljezur in the northwest of the Algarve is Praia da Amoreira, one of the best beaches on the Algarve you need to visit.
Part of the Costa Vicentina natural park, this beautiful beach is popular among surfers and families.
Address: Portugal
9. Praia da Rocha, Portimão – one of the most popular beaches
Praia da Rocha can be found in the town of Portimão and is one of the most popular tourist beaches in the Algarve.
Backed by beautiful rock formations, this long, wide beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Address: Portimão, Portugal
8. Praia da Falésia, Albufeira – for fun in the sun
Another one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve is Praia da Falésia in Albufeira.
Attracting thousands of tourists every year for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, this beach is frequented by young holidaymakers.
Address: R. Claus Hollmann, 8200-593 Albufeira, Portugal
7. Praia Grande, Carvoeiro – for live music on the beach
This huge beach, located between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, is sheltered by large rocks, making it the perfect location for those who want to avoid huge waves.
Live music performances take place on the weekends. So, this is the perfect place to relax in the sun.
Address: Urbanização Barrocal, Silves, Pêra, Portugal
6. Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura – for a quiet and relaxed beach with stunning views
Backed by sweeping cliffs, Vale do Lobo boasts some of the most iconic scenery in Portugal.
Located in the affluent resort town of Vilamoura, this beach is quiet and relaxed. Frequented by celebrities, you might even spot some A-listers here.
Address: Estr. da Horta 423, 8135-107 Vale do Lobo, Portugal
5. Praia dos Alemães, Albufeira – one of the best beaches on the Algarve
Set in the lively town of Albufeira, Praia dos Alemães is a beautiful beach that will not disappoint.
This huge beach offers plenty of space, allowing both kids and adults to enjoy some fun beach games without getting in anyone’s way, perfect for a stop on your Algarve road trip.
Address: Forte de São João Aldeamento Mónica Isabel Beach Club, Beco do Forte de São João 313, Portugal
4. Praia de Odeceixe, Aljezur – a little slice of paradise
A tranquil haven, untouched by construction, Praia de Odeceixe in Aljezur is really a little slice of paradise.
Once voted among the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, the stunning beach is unique as it contains a river beach in the middle.
Address: Odeceixe, Portugal
3. Praia do Camilo, Lagos – a breathtaking hidden gem
In Lagos, Portugal beaches have so much to offer. This one, set in the beautiful and relaxed town of Lagos, Praia do Camilo is a magical beach that you must visit while in Portugal.
Surrounded by cliffs and rock formations, this beach is smaller than many others on this list. However, its quaint size makes this beach a hidden gem to discover.
Address: 8600-315 Lagos, Portugal
2. Praia da Marinha, Carvoeiro – for an iconic Portuguese beach
This hidden gem boasts all the most iconic features of Portugal’s stunning beaches.
With golden sands, crystal blue waters, and beautiful cliffs and rock formations surrounding it, this beach is a real hidden gem. In the past, it has been voted among the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
Address: Portugal
1. Praia Dona Ana, Lagos – the perfect place to watch the sunrise
Topping our list of best beaches in the Algarve you need to visit is the magical Praia Dona Ana in Lagos.
The perfect place to watch the sunrise, this beach is backed by gorgeous sandstone cliffs that add to the beauty of this golden strand.
Address: 8600-315 Lagos, Portugal
