Five fabulous beaches on the Algarve
With over 160 kilometres of coastline and with 300 days a year of almost guaranteed sunshine, the Algarve is blessed with so many great beaches. Here are five fabulous beaches of the sunny Algarve, made for relaxation, enjoyment and soaking up some sunshine.
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha near the town of Portimão is possibly Algarve’s oldest and best known beach. Recently it has been extended, but lost none of its appeal. If you like people watching, and then seeking out nightlife and entertainment when the sun goes down, this is the beach and town for you. A wooden boardwalk extends the full stretch of the beach, giving you easy access to numerous restaurants and bars. Because it is popular, Praia da Rocha can get busy during the main summer season.
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is a small cove near Lagoa, with a lovely beach that is surrounded by rocky honey toned cliffs, caves, outcrops, and aquamarine rock pools but is accessed by steep steps. With sea stacks and a double-arch rock formation out from the shore, this beautiful coastal spot is understandably popular with photographers.
At high tide the beach is rather narrow, but when the tide is out, you can explore and gain access to other adjacent coves. There are some very secluded beaches in this area. You can also take a boat trip to explore the nearby caves. The clear water is ideal for snorkelling and is a great beach for relaxing.
Faro Island
Faro Island has over time formed into a long sand spit. The Island is reached by a single road across a narrow bridge. The vibe is extremely laid back on Faro Island and you can enjoy two very different beaches. On the Atlantic Ocean side, it is more exposed with miles of clear sands. On the landward side there are calmer waters, and the Rio Formosa Natural Park, with its marine and wildlife. Faro Island is quite close to Faro airport; you will see planes crossing the Rio Formosa wetlands. The Ilha de Barreta close by is a remote stretch of shoreline, the beach being the start of the ‘barrier islands’. If you’re lucky, you will spot flamingos and terns amongst the prolific bird life.
Praia da Dona Ana
The beach of Praia da Dona Ana is only 200 metres long, accessed by a stairway that leads to beautifully clear water and rock formations. You can walk to it in half an hour from Lagos, or take the bus or car. Praia da Dona Ana is a beautiful beach to relax on and has a café built into the rocks to keep you supplied with food and drink. It is popular, so high season may not be the best time to visit its gorgeously thick sand.
Praia de Vau
Praia de Vau can be found between Alvor and Praia da Rocha. It has a horseshoe bay, and at low tide you can walk around the rocks to encounter several other coves and beaches. The natural beauty of this area of coastline is incredible. The yellow clay (argila) that is found around here, is reputed to be beneficial for arthritis and skin conditions, it is quite common to see beachgoers smeared in yellow mud!