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7 of the best beaches on the Algarve.

Praia do Carvoeiro
 

Praia do Carvoeiro is located by the pretty town of Carvoeiro. Originally a small fishing village, it is now a popular resort for holiday makers.

The small bay is surrounded by cliffs with the town as the backdrop. The town is a selection of mainly white washed houses, but many display the colourful traits that make this a picture perfect location.

As this is a bay, the ocean is normally calm making it an ideal location for families and those wanting a more traditional Algarve holiday.

However the water does get deep very quickly, so beware if you are just planning on paddling or have children with you.

Amenities available

There are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in the area, as the town literally meets the sand.

Sun loungers are available to hire in the summer.

Water sports such as jet skiing, kayaks and boat tours are available from this beach.

Parking

There is no designated parking for the beach, which means you will need to find parking nearby on the roads away from the centre, but be aware this beach can get very busy in the summer.


Image by Rui Parreira from Pixabay

Albufeira beach

Albufeira is probably one of the best known resorts on the Algarve. The beach can get very busy during the main summer months, but it is easy to understand why, with its fine, gold sand and clear, clean water.

The town itself is very touristy with many bars and a lively nightlife, there is also the old town, which is a little more traditional.

There are a selection of beaches in Albufeira, it is just a choice of which one you would prefer.

Amenities

There is a wide choice of cafes and restaurants easily accessible from the beach.

Sun loungers are available to rent and there are a selection of water activities including an inflatable water park which is open during the summer.

Lifeguards are on duty during the main summer months. 

Parking

As Albufeira is a large tourist town, there are plenty of parking options, but these are at a cost.

If you park at the top of the cliffs or in the old town you are able to use the Albufeira old town escalator to access the beach below.


Albufeira beach. Photo credit: Lotus Villa Albufeira

Praia Senhora da Rocha
 

Praia Senhora da Rocha Is a small, sheltered cove located between Albufeira and Portimao.

Whilst it is one of the smaller beaches in the Algarve, it is no less stunning, with a wonderful sandy beach and a calm, clear sea. This stretch of beach is set between dramatic cliffs.

At the end of the western cliff is Nossa Senhora, a small white chapel with stunning views.

If you want to visit the next beach there is a tunnel though the cliff that links it to Praia Nova.

Amenities

There are public toilets, a lifeguard in the main summer months and a restaurant.

Whilst this beach has only a few amenities, it is ideal for a more relaxing visit.

Parking

There is free parking located next to the promontory of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, with a short walk down to the beach.

During summer it may be worth getting there early to find a spot, otherwise it is parking on the roads nearby.


Praia Senhora da Rocha. Photo credit: Por do sol holiday apartment

Praia de Odeceixe
 

Praia de Odeceixe, also known as the first beach of the Algarve as it is situated on the border of the Algarve and the Alentejo. This stretch of sandy beach is where the river Seixe meets the ocean.

The stand out features of this beach are that there is also a river beach, so you can choose whether to use the ocean or the river and a lack of buildings nearby, means you can truly appreciate the natural area.

To the south of the main beach is a small cove with a sandy satellite beach called Praia de Adegas which has been designated a naturist beach.

Amenities
 

There are showers and toilets available and a lifeguard during the summer months.

There is a small village with cafes and restaurants nearby.

Parking

Praia de Odeceixe. Photo credit: @patricia_rocha94  on Instagram

Praia da Marinha
 

Praia da Marinha is located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro, in the Lagoa area of the Algarve.

This beach has soft golden sand and a calm, clear sea due to the protection of the rocks and the cliffs.

This beach is perfect for snorkelling, though there are no shops on the beach so you need to bring your equipment with you.

This beach may not be suitable for small children or those with mobility issues as it is accessed via a long flight of steps.

One of the best aspects of this beach is before you actually access it, there are amazing views of the rock formations including the famous M rocks (or the love heart)

Amenities            

                      
There are sunbeds for hire during the summer months and a life guard on duty.

There is a café/restaurant and some small shops near the parking area.

Parking

There is a car park at the top of the cliff and you walk down the steps to the beach.


Praia da Marinha. Photo credit: @julie_soul on Instagram

Praia da Falésia

Praia de Falesia is located in the Albufeira district of the Algarve, between Vilamoura and Olhas de Agua and has a beautiful sandy beach almost 7 km in length, so you will always be able to find a space, no matter how busy the beach becomes.

This beach gets its name from the cliffs, Praia da Falésia, which means 'cliff beach'.

There are cliffs all along the stretch of sand. They vary in height and colour. The course range from from white to deep red.

These cliffs are made from sand and clay, which washes away with the rain, ensuring there is always a supply of sand and giving the cliffs their stunning appearance with the grooves and gullies eroded into them.

Amenities

During the summer there are lifeguards on duty and there are wooden walkways that run along the beach.

There are sunbeds available and cafes and toilet facilities on certain parts of the beach.

But the local towns have a greater variety of amenities.

Parking

There are a number of car parks available in the area, but these can become full in the summer months, arriving early is recommended.


Praia da Falésia. Photo credit: @goldentravelroute on Instagram

Praia Dona Ana

Praia Dona Ana is located between the town of Lagos and Ponta da Piedade. At only approx. 160 metres long this is a small beach, so can get very busy during the summer months.

Though small the beach is beautiful, surrounded by cliffs which ensure that you are generally protected from any winds, and prevents the sea from becoming rough and provides some shadow from the sun in the later afternoon.

The beach has golden sand, however there are a lot of shells on this beach, so suitable beach footwear is recommended. The water is clear and calm, making this ideal for families, though beware the access is via a long set of steps, so not suitable for those with mobility issues and difficult for small children and baby prams.

Amenities
 

There is a bar/restaurant on the beach and during the summer there is a lifeguard and sun beds are available.

The beach is accessed by a flight of steps, there is no disabled access to this beach.

Parking

There is parking available at the top of the cliff but this is limited. Arriving early is recommended.


Praia Dona Ana. Photo credit: @toptravelgetaways on Instagram

Where to stay

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Author bio:
Jenny Lovett moved to Portugal in 2018 and together with her husband John bought a derelict Manor House in a small rural village, (which they are are still renovating).
Loving life in Portugal and everything about the country, she set up the Portugalholidays4u.com website.

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