15 Best Algarve Beaches (Local Tips & Map)

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There are hundreds of beaches in Southern Portugal, but which ones are the best Algarve beaches – and why?

I spent a few months exploring on my own, reading reviews, and traveling with a Portuguese local (many hugs to Filipe for putting up with me!) to collect this list of absolute gems and lesser-known local favorites.

👉 My best advice for Portugal is this – get the hell out of “fast tourism” in Lisbon, rent a car, and head on a week-long road trip through the Algarve, where even the Portuguese go on vacation.

What you will find are beautiful beaches, mountains, tucked-away local restaurants, and amazing coastline walks that really embody what I love about Portugal – slow travel, small towns, good seafood, and warm people.

Simply put, when I miss home, and I want to slow down, I come to the Algarve.

Which part of the Algarve has the best beaches?

While opinions on the best beaches may vary depending on preferences, there are several areas in the Algarve known for their beaches, and I’ve listed the top 3 beaches in that area.

Pro Tip: To explore most of these beaches, you will need a car, as public transportation is a bit sucky in Southern Portugal. I like to rent in Lisbon, as it’s cheaper, and make the 3-hour drive down the coast to the Algarve.

My home base is usually Lagos, for the west coast cliffy beaches or Tavira area, for the east coast sandy beaches and islands.

☀️ Lagos

This little town is one of my favorites because it’s strategically located to some of the most famous Algarve beaches. Lagos as a town is super cute and lively, still showcasing some old-school Portuguese vibes and culture, local musicians, and food.

What’s more, there is a train from Lisbon to Lagos every day (takes about 4 hours), which makes it a good home base if:

• It’s your first time in the Algarve
• If you only have 2-3 days
• If you don’t want to rent a car (most of the most famous beaches are near the city)

🏖️ Best Algarve Beaches near Lagos
➡️ Praia de Dona Ana
➡️ Praia do Camilo
➡️ Marinha Beach

☀️ Arrifana

A hidden gem in the Algarve and not as touristy as Lagos, Arrifana is located in the Aljezur region on the far west coast, just 40 minutes from Lagos.

This area is recommended by locals because it’s more rural. In fact, it’s known mostly amongst the surfers of the world because of the consistent waves, wind, and insanely gorgeous cliffside coastline.

The village of Arrifana itself is small and has a relaxed vibe – a few traditional Portuguese houses, some delicious restaurants, and a couple of small shops. The area is perfect for folks seeking a peaceful getaway or an active surf beach holiday.

🏖️ Best Algarve Beaches near Arrifana
➡️ Praia de Arrifana
➡️ Praia de Monte Clerigo
➡️ Castelejo Beach

☀️ Faro

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is all about the long sandy beaches and slow, local Portuguese life. Because it’s mostly untouched by the world of Instagram, this region does not get as much love when we talk about “best beaches in the Algarve.” But it’s a GEM!

Logistics-wise, you can fly in and out of Faro Airport, as it is the only airport in the Algarve. You will still need to rent a car if you want to explore the beaches in this area (or others further west towards Spain).

🏖️ Best Algarve Beaches near Faro
➡️ Praia do Faro
➡️ Ilha Deserta
➡️ Ilha da Armona

These are just a few examples of the many wonderful beaches you can find in the Algarve. Each beach has its own unique charm, so exploring the region will undoubtedly lead you to discover your own favorite spot.

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15 Best Algarve Beaches

I organized these based on my favorites, starting with the best beaches on the west coast of the Algarve in the Aljezur area, down the coast to the famous southern Algarve beaches, and lastly, into the best east coast Algarve beaches.

For most of these beaches, the amenities like restaurants, bathrooms, loungers, and lifeguards on duty are all available in season (from May – November). If you are going to the Algarve off-season, you’ll have most of these beaches to yourself, but you’ll also need to hunt for restaurants or pack a lunch.

1. Praia da Zambujeira do Mar

Location: Google Map
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: Great beach for a day trip, but not enough to do or uniqueness for a night stay, especially with a few other options in the Alejezur area. I loved eating at Costa Alentejana for lunch and then spending the day lounging on the beautiful beach just a 5-minute walk down a few steps from the town.

2. Praia do Carvalhal

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: This is a nice little sandy beach between two cliffs if you’re staying on the west side of the Algarve. The beach has plenty of parking and a beach bar where you can get coffee and snacks. Another great beach to bring an umbrella, packed lunch, and spend the day!

3. Praia da Amoreira

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: At first, you’re welcomed by the huge shoreline, and you can walk for more than 30 minutes along the sea, and much more if you continue up the river that spills into the ocean (which may be the only place you can find warmer water to swim in in the Algarve). Best of all, there are only two buildings around the entire beach, and both are restaurants.

4. Praia di Odeceixe

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – Sometimes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: This is a very large beach between cliffsides as well. A small village and beach bar/restaurant are located right next to the beach. And randomly, an open-air wildlife center is close by, so you may get to see zebras and ostrich roaming around.

5. Praia De Monte Clerigo

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: Not really one beach, but a whole section of coastline at low tide, backed by soaring cliffs. In fact, you don’t realize how high up the cliffs you are until you turn a corner and see the beach down below. Beautiful sand and lots of surfing hire places, with a tiny village – I love the restaurant O Sargo for lunch!

6. Praia da Arrifana

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – Yes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: Super pretty beach surrounded by huge cliffs. Compared to others on the list above, it’s much smaller, and you do have to pay attention to the tide. To be fair, this is a surfer beach, so there are a lot of surf schools you can take advantage of. The village is super cool, a good place to lodge for a few days. One of the top restaurants I recommend in the area is O Paulo – reservation recommended.

7. Castelejo Beach

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: This is a big beautiful sandy beach, great for sunbathing, hiking, and surfing. There is a nice restaurant nearby, but otherwise, it’s pretty secluded. This is a great spot for sunset walks as well. From end to end, I think it took us about 30 min to walk the shoreline.

8. Praia do Beliche

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – yes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: Gorgeous beach with fine sand on the south end of the Algarve, near Sagres. There is access via stairs that start off quite gently and then become a bit steep at the bottom – either way, doable for most age groups and fitness levels. The cliffs are stunning, and there are caves to explore. There’s a cafe at the foot of the stairs and a restaurant, Carme, across from the carpark.

9. Praia de Dona Ana

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – Yes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: Probably one of the more popular beaches in the Algarve near Lagos, it’s the cliffsides that brings everyone here. The beach itself can be accessed by wooden stairs, and despite lots of people enjoying it, it has a lovely chilled-out atmosphere. When I went, there was a bit too much seaweed for my taste, but it is a beautiful beach. There’s a cafe bar that sells bottled water and ice creams, and you can hire sun loungers (€20 for two) under a canopy that delivers much-needed shade.

10. Praia do Camilo

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – Yes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: Super close to Lagos and Praia de Dona Ana, this is another beautiful popular beach. This is a great spot for sunrise if you can wake up early enough. During the day, the beach gets very busy, so it’s worth getting there early to get a spot. Activity-wise, there are plenty of things to do, from kayaking to boat tours to surfing.

11. Marinha Beach

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: This is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. I think the views from the walking trail & viewpoint above the beach are better than the ones from the shoreline. If you continue down the trail, you can see the famous Benagil caves and arches from above! There is a small trail down to the beach and a snack bar. I do recommend bringing an umbrella and watching the tide, so you can explore the far end of this beach.

12. Praia da Gale

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – Yes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: This is a long sandy beach, but my favorite spot is actually the Oeste section, which is a super small beach. That said, it’s surrounded by amazing little restaurants. My favorite spot for a sunset dinner is Villa Joya Beach Shack – reservation is recommended, as it’s close to being a Michelin-rated restaurant.

13. Praia de Faro Este

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: This is a big sandy beach that stretches for miles. If you’re staying in Faro for a few nights, this is the beach for you – very quiet, clear blue waters, and locals only.

14. Praia da Barreta

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – No, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: If you walk a little further east along Faro Beach (like 30 minutes further), you will eventually reach an end where there is a sea all around you. This is the local gem of Praia da Barreta, great for peace and quiet – you can see Faro in the distance and the ocean all around you. Definitely bring a packed lunch and spend the day. I also recommend bringing an umbrella if you can.

15. Ilha da Armona

Location: Google Link
Amenities: Parking – Yes, Loungers – Yes, Restaurants – Yes

My Tips For This Beach: You can get ferry boat tickets in the town of Olhao for about 2 euros and head to the small sandy Island of Armona. The walk once you land on the island to the beach on the other side is super cute – through a little town of small Portuguese local houses overrun by flowers. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the way, even small grocery stores where you can buy water and snacks.

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Best Algarve Beaches Map

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Where to Stay In The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is pretty large, and there are plenty of places to stay. Here are my top 3 city villages to stay in.

Lagos – Best Without A Car

Lagos is just a 4-hour train ride from Lisbon. There is always one change at Tunes, where you get on a more local train, but otherwise pretty seamless, and the cost is about $25 per person. I use Trainline to get tickets ahead of time.

This little town is one of my favorites because it’s strategically located near some of the most famous Algarve beaches. Lagos as a town is super cute and lively, still showcasing some old-school Portuguese vibes and culture, with musicians in every square.

📍Mid-Range Option: Casa Creativa Boutique Hotel – super cute and in the old town, so it feels like you’re in the thick of it.
📍Luxury Option – Alto Mar Inn – there are not really a lot of ‘luxury’ spots in Lagos old town because the houses are small and older, but this is a great spot!

Arrifana – Best For Wild Beaches & Stunning Cliffsides

A hidden gem in the Algarve and not as touristy as Lagos, the Aljezur region on the far west coast is just 40 minutes from Lagos.

The best town to stay in this area is Arrifana. Arrifana itself is a small town with a relaxed vibe – a few traditional Portuguese houses, some delicious restaurants, and a couple of small shops. The area is perfect for folks seeking a peaceful getaway or an active surf beach holiday.

📍Mid-Range Option – Birds of Paradise House – this is the type of spot I stay in when I go with friends!
📍Luxury Option – Salthouse Portugal Apartments – great for a bigger family or a romantic little getaway.

Tavira – Best For Local Feel & Sandy Beaches

Tavira is a charming town located in the eastern Algarve region of Portugal, just 30 minutes east of Faro. It is situated along the banks of the Gilão River and is known for its local vibe and beautiful architecture.

You will need a car to get to Tavira and to explore the sandy beaches and islands of the east coast of the Algarve. This is a great place to relax and sunbathe.

📍Mid Range Option – Casa Castor Forno – perfect for a family or couple.
📍Luxury Option – Sao Paolo Boutique Hotel – just take a peek at this one… stunning!

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How To Get Around The Algarve

There are really two main ways to get around in the Algarve – by renting a car or using public transportation. And renting a car can be cheaper than train tickets!

My recommendation (and the popular choice) is to rent a car – it’s best for exploring the Algarve, especially if you want to visit multiple towns, beaches, and tucked-away lookout points at your own pace.

Renting A Car

You can pick up a rental car at the Lisbon Airport or Faro Airport – it’s cheaper and easier than renting in the smaller towns. This is wild because in the USA, there is a surcharge for airport pickups!

This is what I use to check rental car prices:
➡️ Discover Cars ⬅️

The roads, especially the state highways, are super well maintained. There is a toll system that your car rental company will recommend you buy the toll tag for – it’s a good idea to do so.

Every gas station is state-operated and has clean bathrooms, huge convenience stores, and a big cafe and convenience store area – it’s called Colibri.

Public Transportation

There is a lonely little train that runs from one end of the Algarve to the other a couple of times a day. Otherwise, there is a network of buses (equally as lonely) and taxis that can take you from village to village. In some areas, particularly in the eastern Algarve, ferries are also available for transportation across water bodies.

Fun Fact: Uber is available in the Algarve, and most times will be cheaper than taxis.

During the peak tourist season (typically from spring to early autumn), public transportation services are usually more frequent and extensive to accommodate the higher demand. That said, it’s not the best. I recommend renting a car.

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Basics About The Algarve

✅ Geography: The Algarve is situated along the southern coast of Portugal, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline reminds me of Big Sur in California, but sunny all the time!

• It takes 2 hours to drive from the far west (town of Sagres) to the far east of the Algarve (border of Spain).
• It takes 3 hours to drive from Lisbon to the southern coastal towns of the Algarve (Lagos, Albufeira, Faro, etc).

✅ Climate: The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The region is known for its tons of sunshine, more than 300 days a year – so, a great spot to warm your bones!

• The best month to visit the Algarve is in the shoulder season. This is May, June, September, and October when the sun is not as intense (it can get into the 90s Fahrenheit / 40s Celsius), and the tourists are not as many.

✅ Towns: Popular towns and resorts in the Algarve include:

• Lagos – My favorite because of its cute old town and strategic location in the Algarve to visit both east and west coast beaches without driving forever.
• Albufeira – I’m least keen on this town because I find it a bit trashy and less authentic Portuguese – think pubs, strip clubs, and karaoke bars that cater to party life. But it’s an option, and the beach of Albufeira is pretty.
• Vilamoura – For the rich and fancy, this is where you go all out on 4 Seasons, like resorts or a honeymoon-like retreat!
• Tavira – Very close to Faro (the capital of the region), this cute little town is less well known, but a great home base to stay when visiting the east coast beaches and little islands of the Algarve.

✅ Food: The Algarve’s cuisine is all about seafood dishes. Some traditional dishes to try include grilled sardines, cataplana (a seafood stew), and Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice).

PRO TIP: The region is also known for its delicious oranges. You should always order orange juice with your meal whenever you can – you’ll notice it’s a bold orange color because the oranges are sweeter in the Algarve.

✅ Tourism: Tourism is a significant industry in the Algarve – there is a range of attractions and activities, such as water sports, golf courses, hiking trails, boat trips, and historical little fisherman towns.

✅ Nature: Besides its beaches, the Algarve is home to insane natural landscapes. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a protected area with a diverse ecosystem and is a haven for birdwatching.

The region also has opportunities for hiking in the Serra de Monchique mountains – which could be a trip of its own!

✅ Golf: The Algarve is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with numerous world-class golf courses available throughout the region. The combination of beautiful scenery, favorable climate, and high-quality facilities has made it a top golfing destination in Europe.

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FAQ: Best Algarve Beaches

The post has a lot of information on the best Algarve beaches and where to stay or how to get around, but here are some frequently asked questions outside of the general logistics.

What is the most picturesque beach in Algarve?

While there are many, as per the list above, here are the famous ones:

➡️ Praia da Marinha: Praia da Marinha, located near Lagos, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. It features dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and fascinating rock formations. I would say that this is the Instagram-famous beach that put the Algarve on the map for foreigners.

➡️ Praia do Camilo: Located close to Lagos, Praia do Camilo is a small and picturesque beach tucked beneath towering cliffs. Accessible via a steep staircase, it offers stunning rock formations, caves, and pretty blue waters. Just watch the tide.

➡️ Praia de Benagil: Known for its famous Benagil Cave, this beach near Carvoeiro features a captivating natural arch and beautiful rock formations. It’s a popular spot for boat tours and exploring unique cave structures.

What is the most beautiful part of the Algarve?

I think the most beautiful part of the Algarve, if you like rocky stunning beaches, is the beaches around Lagos – Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Marinha Beach. These are also really small beaches (and you have to mind the tide) and incredibly popular, so it can get crowded if you want to visit.

My favorite part of the Algarve is the west side – the beaches in and around the Aljezur area. Equally as rocky and impressive but less crowded and well-known. These include Praia de Arrifana, Praia de Monte Clerigo, and Castelejo Beach.

Is it safe to swim in the sea in the Algarve?

Sometimes, but not always. Remember that you are swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

The water quality and safety will vary depending on factors such as weather conditions, tides, and specific locations. It’s always a good idea to check local weather reports, warnings, and any posted signs or flags on the beach for information about the current conditions.

The west coast tends to be windy and great for surfing, so you will get huge waves and more choppy waters.

The south-central part of the Algarve is great, but you have to be careful with tides and weather conditions in specific areas.

The eastern part of the Algarve is probably the safest to swim in because there are long, calmer beaches.

Which part of Algarve is less touristy?

The eastern part of the Algarve, from Faro all the way to the border with Spain, is less touristy.

What you will find is a lot of locals, beautiful little authentic Portuguese towns and lifestyles, and a very unique type of tourist – little old people from France, Germany, and Spain who have discovered this gem of an area before most of us were born.

Which beach has the best white sand in Portugal?

I would say the three islands off the coast of the little town of Olhao have the best white sands in the Algarve. These include Armonia, Farol, and Culatra.

Which beach in Algarve has the best sunset?

The best sunsets will be on the west side of the Algarve, just due to the sun’s orientation. These are all the beaches from the town of Sagres on up the west coast and into the Aljezur region.

What is the richest part of the Algarve?

There are several areas that are renowned for their luxury and upscale lifestyle where soccer coaches and movie stars live. These little towns remind me of the richest parts of Santa Barbara, California. These areas include:

➡️ Quinta do Lago: Located in the municipality of Loulé, Quinta do Lago is an exclusive resort and residential area known for its high-end properties, golf courses, and beautiful landscaping.

➡️ Vale do Lobo: Situated between Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo is another prestigious resort destination offering luxury villas, apartments, golf courses, and a pretty coastline.

➡️ Vilamoura: Vilamoura is a popular tourist and residential area featuring upscale hotels, a marina, golf courses, and a wide range of amenities such as restaurants, shops, and little bars.

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Final Thoughts: Best Algarve Beaches

These are just a few examples of the many wonderful beaches you can find in the Algarve. Each beach has its own unique charm, so exploring the region will undoubtedly lead you to discover your own favorite spot.

I hate playing favorites, but if I must, I love Praia de Monte Clerigo because I had some amazing dates there, and Ilha da Armona because that part of the Algarve has the most local feel.