The most beautiful beaches in the Algarve

Get out the sunglasses, put on your swimming costume and take your beach towel with you! We're taking you to explore the Algarve's most beautiful beaches. Portugal's south coast is packed with beaches, each more beautiful than the last. Praia da Marinha, Praia do Tonel, Praia do Camilo... They all have a charm all their own and will make you want to lounge on their stretches of fine sand until the sun goes down. Some of the Algarve's beaches are tiny, accommodating only a handful of people, while others stretch for dozens of kilometres. With so much to choose from, even the most picky beach-goers will find THE beach that meets all their expectations. Follow the guide as we present the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve!

Some will discover this beach during a hike along the coast, while others will drive straight to it. Praia da Marinha is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, and indeed in Portugal! It's an incredible setting in which to take the plunge and cool off. The special feature is the natural double arch cut into the rocks. Kayak enthusiasts will love crossing them and then relaxing on one of the beaches on this incredible site. If you're on land, don't hesitate to walk a few extra metres to observe this natural curiosity from the Mirador dos Arcos. The largest beach on this tourist site is Praia da Marinha. It is surrounded on either side by 2 other beaches: Praia da Mesquita and Praia do Pau.

People often come from far and wide to surf on this Portuguese beach. Praia do Tonel is one of the must-see beaches for experienced surfers. Located at the extreme south-western tip of Portugal, it benefits from magnificent waves coming directly from the Atlantic Ocean. At the foot of immense cliffs, its large golden sandy beach is sure to please. If you're feeling sporty, don't hesitate to jump into the water and "feel the waves", while others can relax on their towels and watch the fascinating spectacle of the windsurfers. And if you feel like joining them, the surf school located not far from the beach will be delighted to introduce you to the sport. And in a few years' time, you'll be the one other visitors come to admire!

When you come to explore the Algarve region, you won't want to miss the area's most visited tourist attraction: Ponta da Piedade. It's simply AMAZING! Numerous footpaths allow visitors to discover all its beauty. On the sea side, you can explore the area in a small boat, kayak or paddle. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the little secret coves for a spot of sunbathing. But there's also a must-see beach in Ponta da Piedade: Praia do Camilo! This beach is often photographed as promoting the Algarve's most beautiful landscapes. And once you're there, it's easy to see why... Surrounded by cliffs, you'll instantly marvel at this white sandy beach and its turquoise blue waters. You won't be able to resist taking a dip for long!

Another must-see spot that's bound to be on your itinerary is the Benagil cave. This cave contains one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve! Often overrun by tourists from all over the world, we advise you to go there in the early hours of the morning, using a kayak. That way, you can have this incredible place all to yourself. Accessible only by sea, you'll plunge into the darkness before coming face to face with this beach that has appeared out of nowhere! Illuminated by a natural shaft of light, there's something... "magical" about this place.

Just outside the Algarve's capital, Faro, lies one of Europe's most beautiful lagoons. The Ria Formosa Lagoon Natural Park boasts superb landscapes whose colours change throughout the day. Shades of blue, green and beige cover this beautiful landscape. The lagoon is a paradise for birds, and its superb islands are also a delight for humanoid visitors. There are six islands in the lagoon, all natural except for one, which is man-made. Ilha Deserta, ilha de Tavira, ilha Culatra, Praia do Faro, ilha Armona and ilha Cabanas... They all have large stretches of white sand and translucent waters. Perfect places to spend sunny afternoons basking in the sun! Not to be missed if you're in the area...