Bridge over the Water
Most people visiting Portugal go for beach holidays in the Algarve. But which are the best beaches? From the hot summer season to the more temperate shoulder seasons, these are my top 5 Algarve beaches:
5. Meia Praia – Located on the Baia de Lagos, Meia Praia beach is a classic stretch of sand that is popular for sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, and other water sports. The massive beach spans 5 kilometers from the Lagos Marina to the Alvor Estuary. There are bars along the sand if you get thirsty.
4. Praia de Marinha – Located just over 4 kilometers from Portimao, the beautiful Praia de Marinha beach rests at the base of steep cliffs and is accessible only by a staircase. The sand is pure and the water crystal clear, and the beach is a great place for sunbathing and snorkeling in the Algarve.
3. Ilha da Barreta – Just off the coast of Faro, the Ilha da Barreta is truly one of the top 5 Algarve beaches. Its stunning wildlife and location off the coast of the mainland make the 10 kilometers of sand feel like one of the most remote beaches in the world. You can get there by boat from Faro.
2. Praia da Rocha – This picturesque beach is nestled between rocky orange cliffs and boasts of golden sand and stunning rock formations in the sea. The 2-kilometer Praia da Rocha is located in the western Algarve between Portimao and Alvor.
1. Praia Ilha de Tavira – A few minutes’ boat ride from Tavira, the Praia Ilha de Tavira is the best beach in the eastern Algarve, and definitely one of the top 5 Algarve beaches overall. Also called Praia das Cascas, its sandy stretch is popular with people taking day trips from Faro to Tavira.