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The Algarve as a tourist destination – Beaches: all you need to know

2 – Find out all you need to know about the best beaches in the Algarve!

The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is regularly voted as the best beach destination in Europe.

What makes Algarve beaches so special is the huge variety on offer, from cove beaches only accessible by the sea, to enormous stretches that go on for miles, to white sands on the Algarve islands and the rock formations and cliffs.

Praia do Cabeço / Retur

 

The Cabeço Beach, also known as Retur given the nearby tourist resort, lies in the eastern Algarve, around 6 kilometres from Castro Marim.

The long sandy beach stretches for long distances in both directions. This is the perfect beach for anybody seeking the calm of these waters, practically without waves and with a temperature perfectly suited to bathing.

How to get there:

Praia da Manta rota

 

Praia de Manta Rota is located in the bay of Monte Gordo, in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António.

The extensive sand line invites you to play soccer, racquets, volleyball or rugby, to make constructions in the sand or to fly a kite.

When the sea it is low tide, you can walk for dozens of meters in the sea before you are forced to swim, making it the perfect beach to take small children.

How to get there:

Praia do Barril

 

Praia do Barril is located on the island of Tavira and is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing beaches in the Algarve, with its silvery white sand and transparent blue sea. You can either walk the last kilometer of the route to the beach or take the picturesque mini train.  Which grants you a formidable view over the island.

How to get there:

Praia da Fuseta

 

Praia da Fuseta is located on Fuseta’s Island, which separates the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve from the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful island enjoys a sea of enviable quality.

Take the boat to the island and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

How to get there:

The most visited islands departing by boat from Olhão  Armona – Farol

 

You can only access this islands by water taxi or ferry, with regular boat trips taking place throughout the day and very reasonably priced. A water taxi from Olhão marina is the fastest way to get there, but also the most expensive.

How to get there:

Praia do Ancão

 

Praia do Ancão, located near Quinta do Lago, is one of the best beaches in the Algarve because of its size. Since it is a beach with a huge amount of sand, people find themselves spaced far from each other, which ensures there is always space for you to lay down your towel.

How to get there:

Praia do Garrão

 

At Garrão, the line of cliffs gives way to huge dune fields that stretch all the way to the sandy barrier islands of the Ria Formosa, not very far from here. The beach runs along two valleys separated by a low cliff: the Dunas Douradas Lagoon lies in the valley to the west, while the smaller, ephemeral Garrão Lagoon is to be found in the valley to the east. Both these wetland areas are fresh water, a rarity on this coast and greatly appreciated by many species of aquatic birds.

How to get there:

Vale do Lobo

 

For a taste of the high life, head down to Vale do Lobo beach located within the heart of the Golden Triangle. You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy the lifestyle down in Vale do Lobo and this has to be one of the best beaches in the Algarve for some celebrity spotting.

The beach has a number of famous restaurants, including Maria’s, Julia’s and Sandbanks, all serving up a glamorous beach experience.

How to get there:

Rocha Baixinha

 

Rocha Baixinha Beach is a peaceful area in the far east of the long Falésia Beach and a favorite destination for many of Portugal’s politicians. Very close to the Vilamoura Marina, one of the major points of attraction on the Algarve, this Beach is divided into two areas – West and East.

How to get there:

Praia da Galé

 

Located between the extensive beaches of Salgados and Armação de Pêra, Praia da Galé is very easy to find and is divided into two distinct areas, which makes it a great place for those who want more of their beach in the Algarve.

How to get there:

Praia da Marinha

 

Marinha beach is considered to be not only one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe but also as one of the 100 best in the world and it is not hard to see why!

Located along the coast between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, this beach is one of the gems of the Algarve and boasts golden sands, clear blue waters and some of the most amazing cliffs and rock formations around.

How to get there:

Praia da Rocha

 

Praia da Rocha is the main beach for Portimão and has been a popular destination for visitors. This is a huge, wide and long beach, that runs all along the front of the Praia da Rocha resort up to the Portimão marina. There are some beautiful rock formations along the beach, hence the name which means beach of the rock, but it is the sheer size and options for sports, surfing, boat trips, cafes, restaurants and even nightclubs on the beach in the summer, that make this a real hit with all ages.

How to get there:

Praia Dona Ana

 

Praia Dona Ana, like all beaches in Lagos, is incredibly beautiful. The bizarre cliffs and rocks that surround this beach offer fantastic landscapes.

How to get there:

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