4 of the Best Beaches in the Algarve

May 12, 2019

I’ve been visiting the Algarve for the last 12 years and my family have a second home over there. One of my favourite things about this area of Portugal is its beautiful beaches – and the 300 days of sunshine that you get to enjoy them!

From tiny secluded coves surrounded by caves to vast expanses of sand backed by dramatic cliffs, the Algarve has got it all when it comes to beaches. Whether you’re looking for a lazy day sunbathing, a stunning spot for a coastal wander, or somewhere quiet to spend a few moments, this holiday favourite has got you covered.

Here’s where you can find some of the best beaches in the Algarve. From famous favourites to some lesser-known gems, here are some perfect patches of sand to add to the itinerary for your next trip.

Best beaches in Albufeira

I’m starting off my beach round up with one of the Algarve’s most popular resorts, especially with British tourists. Albufeira has beautiful beaches, plenty of places to eat, and a pretty old town where you can wander the cobbled streets (when you’ve had enough of beach hopping of course!).

Praia dos Pescadores

The beach at Albufeira Old Town is large and sandy with a lift down from the top promenade to the beach and plenty of room for sunbathing. There’s also a round beach bar on the sand which looks lovely but I haven’t tried yet.

Praia dos Pescadores, or Fisherman’s Beach, has a lively, bustling atmosphere and is suitable for couples, solo travellers, and families. When you’re ready for something to eat and/or drink, it’s easy to pop to Albufeira and grab something in one of the many bars and restaurants in the resort.

It can get busy here during peak season, but there’s plenty of room so you should be able to find a patch of sand to leave your towel. Sun beds and parasols can be hired for the day.

Praia da Oura

If you’re visiting the Algarve for a hen or stag do, or you’re a little bit younger, then Praia da Oura is the beach for you. It is the main beach for the strip and is surrounded by beach bars, although it’s a bit of a steep climb to get back up to them, so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

The beach tends to be very busy in the middle of the day but quieter in the morning and late afternoon as people are going out and sleeping off the night before. I took a solo trip here for sunset one evening and it was lovely and chilled.

Best beaches in Olhos de Agua

Olhos de Agua is my parents’ favourite resort in the Algarve and it’s easy to see why. It has a traditional fishing village feel with fishing boats, traditional restaurants, and narrow streets.

If you’re staying nearby in Albufeira then it’s easy to reach Olhos de Agua by car or public transport and it has a more laidback feel than the larger resort.

Olhos de Agua beach is quite a small sandy beach with boats and beach huts at one end. It’s located down a hill, past the bars and restaurants.

We went for a late night stroll on this beach following dinner in the town.

Praia do Castelo

We have stayed near this resort for a couple of years. It’s quite small with a beach, a couple of hotels and a couple of restaurants and it is popular with German tourists.

The main beach at Praia do Castelo is nice – there is a cafe set into the cliff above the beach and the scenery is stunning.

Hunkemoller swimwear — Swimwear from Hunkemoller

But my favourite beach is just around the corner from the main one. If you walk around the cliffs to the left of the main beach, you’ll find a hidden gem, accessible by a steep cliff path.

This little cove was absolutely deserted when we got there, so it was like a private beach just for us.

Praia de Pera

This is a huge sandy beach and we like to walk from one end to the other which is a couple of miles, while dipping our toes in the cool Atlantic Ocean. I think even later on in the season, the size of this beach will mean that you’ll be able to find some space with a bit of privacy.

Don’t forget to grab an ice cream or a cold drink at the other end before you set off back.

Just keep your eyes peeled for the naked locals that like to sunbathe on this beach!

So that’s it – my favourite beaches in the Algarve. Are there any beaches that you think should be included?

Let me know and I’ll pop them on my itinerary for my next trip to the Algarve.

Places to stay in the Algarve

Tours from Albufeira

Here are some tours that you can do near to Albufeira. This section contains affiliate links. These don’t cost you anything but I will earn a little bit of commission if you do decide to book one.