Popular

Most of these beaches are in proximity to the resort towns and popular with families. Many are close together making beach hopping a favorite activity for a couple of days.

Marinha
This is the classic photo one always sees when googling “Beaches Algarve” and for good reason – dramatic rock formations, steep cliffs with contrasting colors of the ochre hills compared to the blue ocean & sky, it’s no wonder this beach is a popular destination, many who may simply come for the photo opportunities alone.

Meia
Close to Lagos town and busy, but long and wide enough to maintain space, this 6km, flat beach makes an excellent destination to take in a nice long run – 1 hr. round trip.

Alvaro
Open, expansive beach located in a resort area. Several restaurants and snack bars dot the land, making it easy to spend the day out.

Albufeira
Another long, open flat beach characteristic of the area, only this one has some dramatic cliffs and hills overlooking the beach in one particular area. Some even come for mountain biking.

Less Crowded

If quiet beaches are more your scene, make some time to explore the area and head to the west coast away from the busy resort towns.

Tonel
On the far western tip lies Sagres, a dusty surf town offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean with a few sleepy spots for accommodation and restaurants if you want to stay a couple days to get your surf on.

Beliche
If you’re en route to see the views of San Vicente you may as well stop by this quiet beach even if only for a quick dip in the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The soft sand, blue water and steep cliffs are enough to make you want to stay a while and there’s also a small restaurant with a grill if you get hungry.

Amado
Laid back and popular with surfers, but not over run with the general public. Good spot for beginners to practice their pop-up or to take in surf lessons, 2 snack bars ensure simple comfort.

Bordeira
Views, surf, long, flat and open make this quiet beach another great running spot. There’s also a snack bar so you can’t go thirsty, but the Casita do Cabrita is just up the road so plan to eat lunch there and hope they have the Stone Bass.