TOP PORTUGAL BEACHES BLOG

Our 6 favourite beaches in the Algarve, Portugal!

TRIED & TESTED

We spent an unforgettable 2 weeks travelling Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, in a
campervan. It was a fantastic and fun way to explore this beautiful region which we think has some of Europe’s finest beaches. There are more than 100 to choose from, many Blue Flag! With more than 300 days of sunshine a year and mild winters, it’s an all-year-round destination.

The Algarve has stunning rugged cliffs, spectacular caves, long sandy beaches and picturesque coves reminding us of our native Cornwall, but in the sun! We enjoyed our adventure so much it inspired us to visit it many times after. There are beaches to suit all, so here’s a list of some of our favourites from our tour of the Algarve.

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1. TAVIRA ISLAND
Our first stop was near the southern border of Spain and Portugal on the Algarve, on our journey to TAVIRA ISLAND (sand spit) which is part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. A short 10-minute pedestrian ferry ride and small walk through pine forest takes you to this gorgeous 11 km long sandy beach with turquoise waters that reach up to 22 degrees Celsius by September. The beach is popular in season, but you can easily walk to quieter spots with a picnic! Once an area for tuna fishing, the fishermen’s huts have been tastefully converted into restaurants and cafes. There are toilets, sunbed hire and paddleboard and kayak hire. It’s especially great for families.

2. SAN RAPHAEL BEACH

Next stop was near Albufeira and we headed to SAN RAPHAEL beach. The red/orange cliffs, golden sand and beautiful rock formations make this a fantastic setting. Sunbed hire is on one side of the beach and paddleboard and kayaks are available. Snorkelling is great here but watch out for hidden rocks and currents!

3. FALESIA BEACH

The next day we headed to 6 km long FALESIA beach and strolled along the long, sandy beach backed by stunning, red cliffs that stretches from the east of Albufeira to Vilamoura.

4. PRAIA DO CAMILO
From here we moved on to the old walled town of Lagos and then Praia do CAMILO, a sandy beach surrounded by stunning rock formations reached by 200 wooden steps. We visited at low tide and arrived early as it can get busy, but it was perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The nearby cliffs of Pontade Piedade have fantastic views.

5. MARETA
We travelled on to remote and barren Sagres, the SW tip of Portugal. If you are into surfing, it’s the perfect location with MARETA beach, a golden sandy beaches generally sheltered from the winds by the towering cliffs. The sight of local fisherman perched crazily high on the cliffs of Sagres, with their rods dangling over the edge in precarious positions, will forever be in our memories.

6. PRAIA DE ODECEIXE
Our last destination, at the top part of the Algarve, was PRAIA DE ODECEIXE, on the mouth of the river Seixe. With stunning scenery, the ocean is an all year round destination for surfers. The calm lagoon and sandy riverside are perfect for families, swimming and paddleboarding. Not technically The Algarve, but too good to miss!

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