THE BEST BEACHES OF ALGARVE
What makes the Algarve so special is the immense variety on offer, from welcoming beaches only accessible by sea, to large waterfronts that stretch for kilometers, white sands on the Algarve islands and dramatic rock formations and cliffs, among others.
Here is our suggestion of beaches to visit in the Algarve:
TAVIRA ISLAND
In the middle of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Tavira Island is one of the places to visit in the eastern Algarve.
The island has four beaches. Praia da Ilha de Tavira – or Praia das Quatro Águas, where there are no cliffs or rocks, but rather clean sand and a vibrant sea.
It has some bars and fresh fish restaurants, a campsite and is guarded throughout the bathing season.
Terra Estreita Beach is not secret but discreet, almost unknown to Algarve tourists. With warm waters and fauna and flora in good condition, it also has an extensive sandy beach.
As well as being a beach for naturists, the beach is also home to many chameleons and other wildlife, making this a place for everyone!
CABANAS DE TAVIRA BEACH
The source of Tavira Island is Cabanas Island, on a narrow but extensive spit of sand located in front of the village. From the long Cabanas riverfront you can see the artisanal fishing boats anchored in the Ria Formosa and the outfitting houses.
Wonderful and extensive stretch of clean sand, with transparent waters, ideal for fans of sport fishing. It has harmoniously aligned straw hats and several restaurants and beach bars.
Cabanas beach is known and recommended for windsurfing and sailing.
FÁBRICA BEACH
Considered one of the best beaches in the world, Praia da Fábrica – or Praia de Cacela Velha – is located at the foot of the beautiful and historic village of Cacela Velha, from where one of the most beautiful views of the eastern Algarve can be seen.
Large in size, this beach with calm, warm waters is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
It is a sandy islet created to protect the calm, shallow waters of the Ria Formosa from the advances of the sea.
Because it is isolated, this beach remains protected from major floods, making it a good choice for lovers of naturism.From the beach you can glimpse Monte Gordo Bay, the picturesque village of Cacela Velha, Tavira Island, Cabanas Island, the Algarve mountains and even Cerro de São Miguel.
Access to the beach is via a tiny pier, from where you can catch a boat to take you to the famous desert island with fine white sand and endless shores. Crossing the Ria by boat costs €1.50 each way.
MANTA ROTA BEACH
Located east of the Cacela Velha peninsula, at the eastern end of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Manta Rota is a very popular beach among Portuguese families. Its waters are calm, shallow and with a slightly higher temperature than the beaches to the west.
The sand is more than a kilometer long and is also quite wide, especially at low tide, offering plenty of space for children to play. It is a very clean beach, with a Blue Flag, and lifeguard supervision during the bathing season.
ARMONA ISLAND
Armona Island is an island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, close to the city of Olhão. In fact, Armona is the name of the western side of the island, as the eastern side is called Ilha da Fuseta. It is around nine kilometers long and one kilometer wide, and has just over 800 homes in a small village that started out as a fishing community.
Today, many of the residents make their living from the tourism industry. Although its name is of Celtic origin, the island only began to be inhabited in the 20th century. Many of the houses (most of them built in the 1970s) are now used only for holidays, while others have been transformed into cafes and restaurants. There are no hotels on the island.
FARO BEACH
Faro Beach is located on the Ancão Peninsula – an expanse of sand that stretches for several km, separating the lagoon system from the Atlantic Ocean. In the middle of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, this area is characterized by a dune range, formed by peninsulas and sandy islands that protect a vast area of salt marsh, channels and islets. The diversity of existing fauna and flora is one of the notable aspects.It is a beach frequented by thousands of bathers, attracted by the natural beauty, the temperate waters and the sun.
Access to Faro Beach is via a bridge, where car traffic or boat traffic can circulate. The river routes begin in Faro at Cais da Porta Nova (Portas do Mar).There is a large urban occupation on this beach and intense tourist activity during the summer. However, at the east and west ends of the beach, summer buildings are replaced by picturesque fishermen's and shellfish gatherers' houses, and the dunes and salt marsh dominate the landscape.
On this beach there are some restaurants where you can enjoy typical dishes from the area and a wide variety of seafood. Try the "Arroz de Lingueirão", a typical Algarve dish.
BARRIL BEACH
Barril beach is located roughly in the middle of Tavira Island, on a narrow spit of fine white sand. A pleasant place, where it is worth observing the fauna, especially the cava-terra mouths (crab typical of these areas) and, closer to the beach, the vegetation of the extensive dune fields, from which it is possible to smell a smell very similar to curry that comes from a small plant called perpetual-das-areas.
The beach support equipment was once an old tuna fishing frame. Here it is possible to find the original houses and some objects from the work, as well as the well-known “cemetery” of the anchors, which are located around the beach.
COVA REDONDA BEACH
Hidden between high cliffs, Cova Redonda Beach was once considered one of the best in Europe. Although there are other beaches in the Algarve more deserving of this distinction, no one can disagree that this one is, in fact, quite pleasant.
As it is little known, it is very quiet, being mostly frequented by guests from nearby hotels. It is also known as Praia das Gaivotas or Praia do Vilalara, in reference to the luxurious resort located just above. Compared to others in the Lagoa region, it is a medium-sized beach and offers a lot of space.
During the bathing season, part of the beach is provided with umbrellas and sun loungers for rent, and lifeguards are supervised.
MARINHA'S BEACH
Praia da Marinha marks the starting point of the 7 Hanging Valleys Walking Route: around 6 kilometers of stupendous rock formations among caves, capes and natural arches.
If you like walking, we recommend this trail, it will be difficult to resist a swim in the waters of these Algarve beaches: Praia da Marinha, Praia de Benagil, Praia do Carvalho, and Praia do Vale de Centeanes.
Just a few kilometers away is one of the Algarve's most popular tourist attractions: the Benagil Caves, an incredible and imposing temple entirely built by the hands of Nature. Benagil beach may be small in size but it is enormous in fame and natural beauty.