The hundreds of beaches in the Algarve
A visual journey through hundreds of Algarve beach photos captured over the years. We continually update our collection with fresh images and the latest information.
South of Portugal coast has more than 133 beaches for you to discover!
The Algarve beach map was created to help you get to know all the existing beaches along the Algarve coast, from Vila Real de Santo António at Portugal’s southernmost border with Spain, through the best-known beaches, the most secluded beaches, to Odeceixe, on the Algarve coastline border with Alentejo. See the list of Algarve beaches below and get to know the main characteristics of each one… there are over 133 beaches in southern Portugal to discover!
Algarve West coast beaches (Costa Vicentina)
Western Algarve (Costa Vicentina) covers the Algarve’s westernmost beaches into Alentejo. Here the beaches are a little more wild, rugged, and less crowded, facing the Atlantic and often windier—ideal for surfing.
Canal Beach in Aljezur, Algarve presents an enchanting panorama of small rocks, rhythmic waves, and the vast ocean, culminating in the distinctive silhouette of Ponta da Agulha rock on the horizon.
From Cordoama viewpoint, an awe-inspiring panoramic view unfurls, just as it was in August 2003. Despite the passing of years, the landscape maintains its timeless beauty and splendor, a testament to nature’s enduring majesty.
Sagres Point (Ponta de Sagres) is a natural spot, featuring the iconic Sagres Fortress (Fortaleza de Sagres), the great compass rose embedded in the ground (the Rosa dos Ventos), and the small 14th-century chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça.
The panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the stark cliffs, and the raw power of the sea crashing against the rocks make Ponta de Sagres a must-visit location for anyone traveling to Portugal’s Algarve region. The area is also a paradise for bird watchers as it’s a prime location for observing migratory birds.
Windward Algarve Beaches (Sagres to Armação de Pêra)
The Windward Algarve spans the coastline from Sagres to Armação de Pêra. This stretch is a harmonious blend of natural beauty with diverse landscapes ranging from towering cliffs to expansive sandy shores. The presence of both tranquil bays and open beachfronts. With popular spots like Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Praia de São Rafael.
The serene vista encompassing Balleira in Sagres, with the majestic Martinhal Beach tracing the distant horizon.
Burgau beach
Alvor Beach
Spanning 3.3 km to the east of Meia Praia. Features a natural wooden walkway on the west, juxtaposed against the limestone caves to the east.
Beaches of Central Algarve (Galé, Falésia, Vilamoura)
Central Algarve, stretching from Galé to the breathtaking cliffs of Praia da Falésia, and from Vilamoura to Cabo de Santa Maria, offers a diverse coastal experience. This section captures the essence of Algarve’s renowned charm, combining picturesque coves with golden sands. Beaches like Praia da Falésia stand out for their iconic red cliffs. Close to major cities like Vilamoura and Faro, these beaches have excellent facilities, water sports offerings, and a plethora of dining and entertainment options.
Praia da Rocha
Galé beach
Barranco, Olhos de Àgua beach
Starfish at Falésia rocha Baixinha beach
Condor de Vilamoura, boat trips. Thanks to its proximity to the marina, Falésia Beach provides easy access to boating trips and a sailing club, offering an exhilarating way to explore the stunning Algarve coastline from a different perspective.
The nearby sailing club CIMAV and Vilamoura SAILING indeed adds an extra layer of adventure to your stay at Falésia Beach. Catering to nautical enthusiasts, this club provides sport sailing activities that can make your beach vacation even more thrilling. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner looking to try something new, these sporting opportunities offer a unique way to engage with the sea. Here, you can harness the wind, navigate the waters, and experience the thrill of sailing.
Vale do Lobo beachesOne notable feature of the beaches in Vale do Lobo is their close proximity to the golf courses, resulting in a seamless transition from sandy shores to the adjacent grassy areas of the golf course. As you move closer to the golf course, you will encounter stretches of beach where the sandy coastline meets the manicured fairways and greens of the golf course. This creates a fascinating contrast between the traditional beach environment and the well-maintained landscape of the golf course.Vale do Lobo is also renowned for its famous 16th hole on the golf course. This particular hole is widely recognized and admired for its challenging design and stunning views, adding to the allure of the area.
Beaches of the Eastern Algarve (Leeward) – Ria Formosa to Vila Real de Santo António
The beaches of the Eastern Algarve, stretching from the idyllic Ria Formosa to the historic city of Vila Real de Santo António, close to the Spanish border, are distinguished by their calm and warm waters. Protected by barrier islands and a vast lagoon system, these beaches forego the rugged cliffs typical of other parts of the Algarve, featuring gentle dunes that seamlessly blend into the horizon. The coastal landscape here is complemented by picturesque fishing villages and unique salt pans, painting a serene picture of the Algarve’s traditional coastal life.
Quinta do Lago Beach, accessible via a bridge, is just a short 500-meter walk away. This convenient bridge connection provides easy access for visitors to reach the pristine shores of Quinta do Lago. As you make your way across the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the tranquil beauty of the beach, with its soft sand and sparkling waters. The proximity and accessibility of the beach allow for a seamless transition from the charming resort area of Quinta do Lago to the natural splendor of the coastline.
Deserta Island Beach, also known as Ilha Deserta, is a pristine paradise situated in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, near Faro, Portugal. This island is uninhabited, providing visitors with a secluded and unspoiled coastal experience.
Access to Deserta Island is typically by boat, offering a sense of adventure as you embark on a short journey across the shimmering waters.
Fuseta Barra Nova beach
Cacela Velha town and the Fábrica beachCacela Velha charming town located in the picturesque beach, with whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, overlooking the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Algarve beaches in hundreds of images
Algarve beaches in hundreds of images
Breathtaking landscapes and diverse beauty of Algarve, as we present a kaleidoscope of a hundred mesmerizing pictures. From sun-kissed beaches with turquoise waters to rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, each frame captures the essence of this enchanting region.
