The Algarve is mainly known for its climate and  beaches. As a matter of fact, this region of southern Portugal bordered by the Atlantic has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. 'Praia"is the Portuguese word for "beach".

We have been living in the region for several years now and have been long looking for the most beautiful places in the Algarve.

From Olhao to Aljezur, get ready to be amazed too by very different landscapes from the secret coves of Porches to the cliffs of the Costa Vicentina. Some beaches will remind you of Brittany, others of California, some are unclassifiable and are typical to the Algarve.

Discover the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve region to relax, sunbathe or have a drink at sunset.

Located in the municipality of Lagoa and Carvoeiro, near Porches, Marinha beach is our favourite in the Algarve. From the parking lot, look left and  walk down the steps to the beach but before that do not miss a viewpoint to the right and enjoy an incredible view of the cliffs and the beach below.

The most beautiful beach in the Algarve attracts tourists, strollers and idlers all year round  You can enjoy the sun in any season thanks to the large cliffs that protect the beach. In summer when the tide is high the beach gets narrower but is still worth a visit.

If sunbathing is not your cup of tea we highly recommend the coastal paths towards Benagil (on the right) or Porches (on the left). The path between Porches and Praia da Marinha is less crowded and really beautiful.

  If you like the region we offer the rental of a holiday apartment in Porches, near this amazing beach.

This beach is so beautiful ! More secret than Praia da Marinha, Cova Redonda beach is also located in the municipality of Lagoa,  in Porches. Our Algarve Beaches Apartment is just 300 metres from this amazing beach.

Walk down the steps and get to the beach awarded the most beautiful beach in Europe by the famous europeanbestdestinations.com.

There is a small bar on the beach in season, you can also rent a deckchair and have fun on the water. If you are looking for a chic and lounge atmosphere walk up the steps to Vila Lara hotel and enjoy a cocktail with a view of the impressive rock standing in the middle of the beach. 

The Costa Vicentina is certainly the most unspoiled and wild part of the Algarve. The beaches and landscapes are worthy of Ireland or Brittany’s from Sagres to Aljezur. Monte Clérigo beach in Aljezur is a little gem.

We recommend the road to Espartal : the show is stunning ! Before driving down to the parking lot, please stop on top of the hill to take photos of a small village of holiday homes , cabins , restaurants and cafes around the beach. It is a very popular spot for surfers in low season and a family beach in summer.

  The Villa Sound of the Sea in Aljezur is located less than 5 minutes away from this incredible beach.

Located in Porches this small beach offers an idyllic setting located in the middle of a natural area between Porches and Carvoeiro. In season a beach bar offers refreshments.

If you walk along the coastal path between our apartment in Porches and Benagil, the Praia de Albandeira will be an ideal stopover for a picnic.

Climb to the top of the cliff and discover the arch of Albandeira, sculpted by the sea ; at sunset the show is breathtaking.

This magnificent beach, located in Lagos in the west of the Algarve is very close to the city centre, there is a pay parking lot just above. The beach is connected to the other nearby beaches by tunnels dug in the cliffs.

The house on the right and its small private bridge is said to be the home of Monica Belucci, the Italian actress ; one can easily understand why she fell in love with the place…

It is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Praia da Faleisa is located between Albufeira and Vilamoura. It is a long, wild beach bordered by impressive Colorado-coloured ocher cliffs. There are several parking lots near the beach, you can also  walk to the top of the cliffs and enjoy the ocean view. 

Before walking down to Dona Ana beach in Lagos, do not miss the view of the coasts of Lagoa from the top of the cliff . The crystal clear water of this beach invites you to relax and swim with friends or family.

Praia do Carvalho beach in Lagoa is still one of the Algarve's secret beaches This small beach is located between Porches and Carvoeiro, a parking lot is nearby. The access to the beach is spectacular thanks to  a tunnel entirely dug in the rock.; bring your camera with you and immortalize the moment when you get to the beach. Lagoa has the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.

If you are looking for an apartment in this region we advise you to book our apartment located 300m from the beaches of Porches in Lagoa.

The praia do Barril beach in Tavira is so beautiful and wild but what makes it unique is how you get to it : a small train connects the parking lot to the beach in just a few minutes. At the terminal a former fishing village houses restaurants. The beach is ideal for families or just for a walk in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

We are in Carvoeiro (Lagoa) with a very beautiful beach in the centre of the village. This former fishing village is full of charm and attracts tourists from all over the world now. The little town is alive throughout the year and famous for its mildest winters in Europe. Today fishermen offer boat trips to the Benagil cave located not far from there.

Sao Rafael Beach is located outside Albufeira, the most touristy town in the Algarve. This beach has retained its natural environment and remains fairly confidential compared to the main beaches in Albufeira.

Senhora da Rocha is one of the icons of the Algarve, it takes pride of place on its rocky spur at Porches. The chapel is built on a thin rocky strip bordered by two magnificent beaches, Praia Nova and Senhora da Rocha beaches. You can enjoy the view of this monument from the beach. A tunnel links the two  beaches ; young and old alike love this secret passage.

This place is also the starting point of a path to Benagil and Carvoeiro Enjoy a nice walk in an unspoiled nature.

Our apartment in Porches is located just 300m from this beach. Contact us to know about its availability!

If the city of Sagres is famous for surfing and the famous Cabo Sao Vicente it is also an ideal destination for lovers of wild beaches. Praia do Beliche is located very close to the legendary lighthouse and will be a refreshing stopover if you are visiting the area. Access is via a staircase, a beach bar is open seasonally ; in winter it is a well-known spot for surfers.

The small island of Farol, a fairly confidential destination,will seduce you. The Ria Formosa islands have long and beautiful unspoiled sandy beaches. These are the only islands in the Algarve that you can reach by boat from Olhao (which is also worth a visit). Once there, you will find some nice shops, restaurants and alleys lined with neat and flowered holiday cabins. The change of scenery is total on this island where time seems to have stopped and life is so peaceful.

Porto de Mos beach is located in the district of the same name in Lagos, it faces due south and is bordered by high clay cliffs. There are restaurants and beach bars, a large car park and toilets. It is possible to see the coast up to Sagres to the west and Ponta da Piedade to the east. There’s always a quiet « corner » to be found on that beach even in summer..

Praia da Luz is a charming seaside resort located near Lagos. The fine sandy beach is a popular place for families and children. People meet in the centre of Luz for a drink or to enjoy local specialties.

The main beach of Sagres offers a pleasant setting at the foot of impressive limestone cliffs. Depending on the season, it is frequented by families or surfers.

Ferragudo is a fishing village located in Lagoa, just opposite  Portimao. This village is perhaps the most beautiful one in the Algarve and its sheltered beach at the foot of the castle is very pleasant. Praia Grande is a river beach located at the mouth of the Arade river, it is very quiet and perfect for children. 

Located in the west of the Algarve, the village of Burgau is enjoying growing success. The beach nestled in a small bay is splendid, it may remind you of the Canary Island or the island of Porto Santo in Madeira. If you are going to Sagres from Lagos do not miss this place!

Now our very last! Odeceixe beach is a big sandy beach that straddles the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions of Portugal; it is very popular with surfers and families.

Walk across the river bridge in Odeceixe village and enjoy the stunning point of view from the cliff overlooking the beach.

Book the Villa Sound of the Sea to discover the Costa Vicentina.