Being a coastal area, the Algarve has numerous beaches, most of them being beautiful, with the nature around preserved or sparkly white sand, with water temperatures that reach 23 Celsius degrees or little above in the summer, making them great relaxing places to both tan and soak in the warm water. Ahead, we offer you the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, that are worth a day visit. 

1.    Marinha Beach, Lagoa

This famous beach serves as a postcard for the region, since its natural beauty cannot go unseen. Surrounded by large rock formations, it has been considered one of the top 100 most beautiful beaches in the World. Before going down the rock path to enjoy your day at the beach, take a moment to appreciate the amazing view on top and maybe take a picture to make your own postcard of your Algarve holidays. 

Location here.

2.    Island of Armona beach, Olhão

As the name indicates, this beach is located in an island, surrounded by Ria Formosa in one side and the sea in the other, therefore there is the need to take a ferry or boat to reach it, many departing from Faro, Olhão and Fuzeta. The beauty of this beach remains on the fact that is largely unknown to tourists, so it comes with a degree of privacy, and also the extended stretch of sand, perfect for a walk. The fact that it remains between one of the richest faunas and floras in Portugal, Ria Formosa, only adds to the wonder this place has to offer. 

Location here.

3.    Praia da Falésia beach, Albufeira 

The name signifies cliff beach and it’s appropriate to describe the looks of this place, surrounded by large red cliffs topped by innumerous plants, in its Albufeira side, while in the Vilamoura side, to where it stretches, you’ll find a wide beach and shallow water. The beauty of the beach itself combined with the metamorphosis of its looks from one region to the other makes it quite an enjoyable stroll and a good place to visit. 

Location here.


4.    Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa

This beach resembles strongly too many you can find in Italy, like Puglia, because its surrounding is made up by natural formations and a colorful village, that was once house to the fisherman and nowadays makes up for mostly holidays houses. Though it’s not as private as others listed, the atmosphere makes up for it, with bright fishing boats surrounding the area contemplating the historical meaning of the place. It’s definitely worth a day visit, so you can explore both Carvoeiro and the beach. 

Location here.

5.    Três Irmãos beach, Alvor 

Located near Portimão, this beach got its name from the three rock formations that inhabit the place and are deemed as the three brothers. It combines a wide beach with surrounding cliffs and a number of caves that are safe to be explored and will make the delight of the curious ones. 

Location here. 

6.    Carvalho beach, Lagoa

This beach is quite small, a feature that doesn’t take away from its natural beauty. Like many here listed, it’s surrounded by cliffs, with the addition that those cliffs reach the water and therefore allow you to dive from them to the clear sea below. It also features a couple of caves that make the wonder of the more explorer souls. 

Location here. 

7.    Rocha beach, Portimão

This beach is a popular tourist destination so, in the summer, you can expect to see lots of people around. The attractiveness comes from the scenic scenery that it provides, with cliffs hanging around the borders and rock formations standing in the sea, providing for views that are not easily forgotten. 

Location here. 

8.    Ilha Deserta (Barreta Island), Faro

The name literally means desert island and that is exactly what you can expect from this beach. Near Faro’s coast, this island is inhabited and only reachable by boat, which makes it all more private and perfect for people who are not found of too much confusion.  At one side you can see a lighthouse that still functions and the other, sand and more sand, as there are no other buildings in it. You can both bath in the river that separates this beach from the coast or in the sea, walking along the minimal dunes to do so. You can find regular boats or rent a private boat, in Faro, to reach this wonderful place. 

Location here. 

9.    Dona Ana beach, Lagos

This popular beach is home of a translucent sea that allows you to see the seabed, for the best part of it. It’s quite small both in width and in length, with gigantic rugged cliffs serving as natural turrets surrounding it from land side. It has beautiful views, both from a top position to a down one and is a great daytrip for you to take. 

Location here. 

10.    Quarteira beach, Loulé

Located in an old fishing village turned tourist hang out, this beach is wide, with white soft sand, offering a great infrastructure and beach support, with bars, snack bars and restaurants all around, mostly frequented by Portuguese tourists. You can also rent a sun hat for half or a full day. It’s perfect for someone who wants to align total comfort and easiness, because of the backup structures, while also getting to assimilate a beautiful natural view. And just for the record, Quarteira has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Algarve. 

Location here.