Beach tourism in the Algarve
Every year the Algarve is visited by thousands of tourists who come in search of the most beautiful beaches and the best summer temperature and bathing destination. Come and discover the most popular beaches.
The 6 beaches to visit in the Algarve
1. Marinha Beach in the Algarve
Praia da Marinha is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve to visit. It is located (see map) near Lagoa and is easily accessible.
Photos of the beach are often used to promote visits to the Algarve, but you’ll be surprised by its beauty when you visit it in person.
Its turquoise waters with golden-coloured sand and impressive rock formations that include a double maritime arch, the so-called Arcos Naturais.
It’s a perfect beach for diving, snorkelling and admiring nature.
Praia da Marinha – image taken from: VisitAlgarve
How to get there
- About 15 minutes by car from the town of Armação de Pêra, the best way to get to Praia da Marinha is via the EM530-1 in the direction of Porches.
- After the EM530-1, take the Estrada do Poço Santo until you reach the EM1154.
- Continue along the EM1154 until you reach Estrada da Marinha.
2. Discover Benagil Beach in the Algarve
Benagil beach, located (see map) in Lagoa, is known not only for its beauty, but also because next to it is the Benagil grotto, a beach inside a cave illuminated by the sun’s rays through a hole that has formed in the ceiling.
You can visit this beach by boat or kayak, but swimming is a less safe option.
At the top of the cliff where you can see the algar from above, there is a path that you can follow that leads down to the beach.
Praia de Benagil – image taken from: Pinterest
How to get there
- By car you can take the N125 road to the village of Benagil. There are car parking spaces available near the beach, but during the summer months and at busy times, spaces can get full.
3. Visit Dona Ana Beach
The Dona Ana beach in the Algarve (see map), already considered one of the most beautiful by various organisations, is known for its unique landscape that has inspired many painters.
You certainly won’t regret visiting this beach, as the cliffs and rock formations are strangely shaped but also protect you from the wind.
Before arriving at the beach, you can enjoy the view from the lookout point and better understand the sculptures formed in the middle of the sea.
Praia da Dona Ana – image taken from: EnAlgarve
How to get there
- Take the N125 at the Lagos exit to Rua Professor LuÃs de Albuquerque.
- Turn right towards Estrada da Ponta da Piedade and then left towards Alameda Dr Armando Soares Ribeiro.
- Continue until you reach Praia Dona Ana.
4. Get to know Praia da Falésia
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon by the Sea” and known for its 6 kilometre long coastline from Vilamoura east to Albufeira west (see map), it is one of the beaches you really can’t miss.
The Algarve’s Cliff Beach, with its crystal-clear water and very soft sand, is a great place to cool off in summer.
From the beach you can enjoy the view and get a sense of the real height of the cliffs, which about half of the beach in the direction of the Albufeira region is protected by cliffs of red and orange sand.
Praia da Falésia -image taken from: Iberian Escapes
How to get there
- You can get there by car or on foot, it’s a long walk from Albufeira but it’s doable.
- By car, from the historic centre of Albufeira, you’ll have to take Avenida dos Descobrimentos, then EM526, take Estrada do Toy70 and then Estrada das Açoteias.
- Enter Rua da Falésia and continue until you reach Praia da Falésia.
5. Carvoeiro Beach Algarve
When you visit the small beach of Carvoeiro (see map) you’ll realise that it conveys the essence of the Algarve.
The beach is part of a fishing village that still retains that spirit even though the boats are now used for sightseeing.Â
Unlike the other beaches, this one has immediate access to the local village with everything you need to spend a whole day at the beach.
Praia de Carvoeiro – image taken from: Travel in Portugal
How to get there
- Via the National Road 125 (N125) or the A22 motorway, depending on your location.
- Once in Carvoeiro, follow the signs to the beach.
- By regular buses linking Carvoeiro to other cities and towns in the Algarve, such as Lagoa, Portimão and Albufeira.
6. Visit Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha beach in the Algarve (see map) is a large, wide and long beach that stretches along the Praia da Rocha tourist complex to the Portimão marina.
It is essentially known for having many water sports options as well as several bars along its kilometre-long stretch of beach.Â
It’s undoubtedly the beach in the Algarve that even when you visit in July and August there will always be a place to put down your towel.
Praia da Rocha – image taken from: Blog Spot
How to get there
- From the Portimão Museum, follow Estrada da Rocha until you reach the beach.
- The route is about 1.5 kilometres long.   
Alternative activities in the Algarve
If you want to take a break from the beaches, you can always visit Aquashow in Quarteira, an ideal water park for an equally fun day out.Â
There are outdoor attractions, the main one being Europe’s largest water rollercoaster, Mammothblast and Aquakids with a maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour, and indoor attractions offering multiple experiences such as a spa, tornado, adventure island and children’s pool.
The park is open from May to September, tickets can be purchased online with a 10% discount or at the park’s ticket office and prices vary depending on age from €24 to €34.
Aquashow – image taken from: traventiaÂ