Beaches of the Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve has a quite stunning selection of beaches. Catering for everyone from the couple just wanting to relax and enjoy each other’s company, to groups of friends looking for beach bars, water sports adventure and adrenalin to families who need quiet, clean safe beaches – they are all here a plenty. This is the appeal of the Algarve, with its vast coastline and varying conditions; it can accommodate and satisfy every kind of holidaymaker.

The waters are warm and generally very calm. There are one or two places where the currents pick up but these are well marked with flags. All of the main beaches, are manned by lifeguards throughout the summer months keeping them as safe as possible. Many of the Algarvian beaches hold the blue flag award. This means they have been recognised for their cleanliness, their safety, and their facilities. The Gold award for good water quality is also much in evidence in this part of the world.

Great Family Beaches

Praia Verde

Eastern Algarve is home to Praia Verde. Literally translated as Green Beach, it is named after the Pine tree forest that skirts the sand dunes. A number of beach bars and restaurants make this beach a firm favourite among family holidaymakers looking for a relaxing day out.

Praia da Arrifana

Situated to the north of Lagos along the EN 124, just before you get to Aljezur, this lovely little beach, with incredible views, can be reached via a very steep narrow road leading down from the coast road. With not much parking available, this delightful area is rarely busy and makes the ideal picnic hideaway.

Praia da Luz

A firm family favourite, with slide and splash pool and a zoo nearby the area has attracted many British expat families. The beach itself is lovely with many restaurants, bars and cafes making it ideal for families of all ages. Well served by a bank and shops, it is little wonder that once here, people rarely venture too far.

Meia Praia

Literally translated as 'half beach', this long ribbon of sand skirts one of the biggest bays in Europe offering protection from the rough seas and making it particularly popular with families. Dotted with snack bars and restaurants, it attracts windsurfers and kite surfers. Other sports on offer here are paragliding, sailing, volleyball and tennis.

Praia da Galé

An escape from the busy town of Albufeira, its nearest neighbour, this beach takes you away from all that and transplants you to an area of comparative serenity. There are a few bars restaurants and shops to cater for the necessities but generally this is a much more peaceful location. With no cliffs or steep inclines to negotiate, the beach is easy to reach and the perfect setting for a relaxing family holiday.

Praia do Vau

Praia do Vau is one of the western Algarve’s most popular beaches. Calm good quality waters and direct, easy access to the beach, where there are sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, make it ideal for families with young children. The beach is served by a number of all day restaurants but be aware, it can get pretty busy in high season. It is a beautiful place though, so don’t let that put you off.

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Quiet Secluded / Romantic Beaches

Praia da Ingrina

Voted the tenth most romantic beach in the world, this Algarve beach is a mix of sand and stone amid awe inspiring natural beauty. A wonderfully quiet location offering complete privacy this beach is ideal for couples in love. Restaurants and bars are dotted around but not so many as to be intrusive and they serve up some great locally caught seafood as well as the more popular international dishes.

Praia de São Rafael

A stunningly beautiful natural beach environment consisting of rocks and cliff faces, the soft white sand contrasts beautifully with the light blue of the sea and the waters are very clean. There is little in the way of entertainment here or food and drink facilities so it’s very much a “bring your own” beach. Easily reached on foot with good parking nearby, it’s ideal for picnics and because it’s so clean, you’ll want to keep it that way.

Praia do Barranco

This beach offers calm waters and basic facilities for visitors. Accessed via a 5 km stretch of dirt track, only the most determined sun worshippers will make it to this beach and that’s the way the divers like it. Its abundance of marine life attracts underwater explorers from all over and these guys will walk miles to swim with the fishes.

Praia Figueiras

Another beach that delights in its privacy, this one offers very limited facilities but absolutely hits the mark if you’re after peace and quiet. You’ll need to be quite determined again though; the car park is a good 15 minutes walk away.