Algarve beaches
The Algarve is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations and not surprisingly so. Pick up any Portuguese brochure and see the pictures of a blue Atlantic ocean, clear skies and unspoilt beaches Algarve.
After all, you could spend weeks, months and even years exploring all the beaches in the Algarve. From west to east there's a stretch of coastline - over 200 kilometres of it - to suit everybody, from sheltered dunes to rocky coves, from tiny bays to vast stretches of open sands, from shallow lagoons to the crashing surf of the wild Atlantic. And from sunrise to sunset, in brilliant sunshine or welcoming shade, and throughout the seasons, there's a beach just for you.
Click here to view the Top 10 of Coolest Beaches.
Various Beaches Algarve
Some may like the more populated beaches Algarve like Praia da Rocha (just south of Portimao, one of the oldest and most well known) or one of Albufeira's beaches Algarve, which have all amenities nearby. Although busy during summer, there is always plenty of room for everyone. For those of us who want to experience an exuberant nightlife with trendy, fashionable beach bars, these are the places to go..... You may want to avoid the crowds and like to experience more peace and quiet and have a beautiful strip of white sand all to yourself, have a look at the Sagres area. Here you'll find the more secluded beaches Algarve with rugged shorelines and spectacular sea views.
Safe Beaches Algarve
Supervised beaches in Portugal have a system of coloured flags to let the public know about the swimming conditions
Family Beaches Algarve
As a rule of thumb, the beaches get wilder and windier the further west you go. Large stretches of flat sand, with shallow water ideal for toddlers and those who aren't strong swimmers, therefore tend to be east of Lagos, and include Meia Praia, Alvor, Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande (Salgados), Galé, Pescadores, Falesia and Ilha de Tavira. Most of the major beaches have lifeguards, and as always, common sense applies - follow the flags, watch the weather, and keep an eye on the kids.
Food at the Beach
A change in the law a few years ago saw the disappearance of many of the summer-only beach shacks, to be replaced by permanent restaurants complete with showers, toilets and lifeguard facilities. On some of the larger beaches in particular, it's hard to distinguish between the lookalike 'pods' - many serving the same, often fairly average, food. There are however some great beach restaurants, many of them long-established. Among the best are Bahia (Meia Praia), Rei das Praias (Caneiros), Arte Nautica (Armacao de Pera), Carlos (Praia Grande, Salgados), Evaristo (Evaristo), Sao Rafael (Sao Rafael), A Sardinha (Arrifes) and La Cigale (Olhos d'Agua).
Surf Beaches Algarve
Head for the wild west. Sagres is the Algarve's 'surf city' with a wide selection of training schools and surf shops supporting the best surfing beaches in the region. There's not much in the way of development once you 'turn the corner' past Cabo de Sao Vincente, but the waves get even better. Top surfing beaches include Carriagem, Amoreira, Monte Clerigo, Arrifana, Carrapateira, Amado, Castelajo, Beliche, Tonel, Mareta, Zavial and Lagos.
Watersports
Get the ultimate adrenaline rush of kitesurfing, parasailing, waterskiing or jet skiing. Hop on board a banana boat and splash through the waves. Hire a motor boat or pedalo and head off to explore the multitude of picturesque bays, secluded coves, tiny inlets and towering cliffs scattered along the coastline. Snorkel for fun and check out the marine life or even learn to dive - you'll never get a better chance, or enjoy it more, than in the clear blue waters of the Algarve. There are watersports concessions on most of the larger beaches, especially around Albufeira, Vilamoura, Lagos and Quinta do Lago.
Nude Beaches
Even if you want to be REALLY close to nature and walk around naked, there are plenty of nudist beaches iAlgarvel as well. Two official ones and plenty of unofficial nudist beaches Algarve. Over 70 Algarve beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag. This means that the water quality is outstanding, they are safe (often guarded) and clean. And you do not need to worry about bad weather while visiting one of Europe's nicest beaches, because the Algarve has more sunshine yearly than anyone could hope for and precipitation mostly falls in wintertime....
Naturist Beaches Algarve
There are currently three official naturist beaches in the Algarve - Adegas in Odeceixe, Ilha Deserta just off the coast of Olhao, and Barril on the Ilha de Tavira - but dozens more where nudity is accepted, or where all or part of the beach has become naturist in practice. They include Vale Figueira, Bordeira, Murracao, Barriga, Cordama, Beliche, Barranco, Zavial, Furnas, Cabanas, Pinheiros, Meia Praia, Prainha, Caneiros, Afurada, Praia Grande (Salgados), Armona and Cacela, as well as many secluded, unnamed coves and inlets
West Coast
The beaches Algarve of the west coast are a stark contrast and is more rugged with wild and majestic high cliffs that make access to the beach difficult though challenging. However, the steep trails that go down to these beaches Algarve are well worth the effort. The entire west coast known as Costa Vicentina is protected, which limits the construction, making it a treat for those visitors who seek the naturally isolated beaches, without all the action of the south coast beaches.
Accommodation
All our rental villas are located in the Algarve Portugal. All our holiday villas are not further then 30 minutes drive from the Algarve beaches. Some are located only a 100 meters from the beach Algarve, others have magnificent views of the beaches Algarve. It is your choice! But the beaches Algarve are always nearby!
Villas for rent
All our villas Algarve are unique and each one offers something special. You can choose from holiday villas located in orange groves, hilltop windmills with outstanding views, luxury villas and manor houses with tennis courts. It's your choice!
Show our villas AlgarveSpecial Offers
Did you just decide to pack your bags and rent a nice holiday villa in the Algarve? And are you looking for a bargain? Check out our last minute super deals for available weeks left in one of the beautiful holiday villas we offer. Book your private sun lounge now!
Show special offersCasa Alfanzina
Perfect villa if you want a peaceful location, but walking distance from buzzling Carvoeiro, and beach. 3 bedrooms, pool heating, nice secluded garden. Winter rental: € 1200 / month (minimum stay 2 months)
View villa details of Casa AlfanzinaQuinta Azul
Quinta Azul is nice villa for rent in the winter, For a couple or larger groups. Nice fireplace and main area can be easily heated. Close to golf, tennis, sea....
Show more about Quinta AzulThe top 10 Coolest beaches of the Algarve
Very often we get the question which beach to go in the Algarve, what is a nice beach with good sun beds, nice bars, good food, live music… Algarve Housing made a top 10 for YOU! From beach pools, sunset parties, sushi, Thai food, till DJ’s, live bands, lounge and relax…
Here you are, the 10 coolest beaches of the Algarve, Portugal:
Purobeach
Where: Vilamoura
Offers two places under the same name, one is beach side with direct access to the beach, relaxing atmosphere, with local DJ’s. The other is lakeside, in the gardens of Tivoli Marina Hotel
The beach side has 80 luxury teak beds, 26 hangover beds, 8 Nomad tents, 10 sofas on the beach, plus a massage area. I would say, enjoy!
No Solo Agua
Where: Vilamoura and Marina Portimao.
Both have every day sunset parties with DJ’s, lovely food, luxury sunbeds. Sushi, wraps, soups, cocktails, detox drinks and much more you find at No Solo Agua beaches. Relax during the day at the luxury sunbeds and the various lounge areas, and daily till 7 September, from 4/5 pm till 9.30 dance the ‘sun’ away with the DJ’s.
Not enough dancing? Dance parties with various themes will be held at the ‘club’ area from 10pm till 4 am!
No Solo Agua Portimao also has a luxury pool area.
Rei das Praias
Where: Ferragudo- Caneiros Beach
Splendid setting, of this restaurant and bar, with lush views over the Ocean, nice comfy seating at the beach. Lounge area with lounge music, and live DJ’s and party’s from 10 pm onwards in August 1,15, 29 and 5 September.
Duna Beach
Where: Lagos
With pool on the beach, with pool bar and luxury sunbeds. All nicely decorated with use of natural materials. Delicious food and drinks and nice pool bar. And last but not least magnificent views and secluded beach.
Club Nau
Where: Ferragudo-Praia Grande
Located at the bay of Ferragudo, Moroccan style beach/lounge bar, that serves lovely food and a wide variety of cocktails and drinks, with lounge music, and lots of live music in the evenings and Sunday afternoon. Due to the location, the sea is calm, with hardly any waves, so ideal for children.
Thai Beach Club
Where: Vilamoura-praia da Falesia
Avant-garde style beach bar, every day party’s and live music, with themes like Flower Party, Eyes Wide shut and Golden Party. Decorated in white and gold, this beach bar has an avant-garde style.. as the name of the beach bar will promise, and yes, they serve a wide variety of Thai food! You don’t like Thai food? No worries, they do serve other food as well!
Caniço
Where: Alvor, Complex of Prainha-Praia dos Tres Irmaos
‘One of the most scenic and romantic spots, that is what they say of this beach bar. The setting is breath taking, and views amazing. Built within cliffs and hovers above a picturesque cove. You need to take an elevator from the cliff top down through the rocks, to get there…fantastic!
The food is Mediterranean with Algarvian influence.
The Caniço bar is open from 10 am till early in the mornings, as also here are a variety of party’s with DJ’s and live music. With themes from hippy till chique.
Pedras Amerelas
Where: Gale (close to Albufeira)
Named after the yellow rocks/stones in front of the beach bar. Open all year. Enjoy some lovely food and drinks, and the magnificent sunset from the lounge bar, and have a delicious dinner in the restaurant afterwards. The lounge bar is open from 9 am till 2 am. In the summer they organise party’s in the sand, with hundreds of candles, how romantic!
Aqui há praia
Where: Island Faro
The beach bar is located at the peninsula of Faro, when you go to the airport Faro, just before you can turn left, and you will find this Island, and this fantastic beach bar, is next to the water sport centre (Centro Nautico). The lounge bar and restaurant serving steaks and a large variety of snacks. The interiors is white, white and white. Every Saturday there DJ’s and theme party’s and Sundays are famous for the acoustic sunset events. ‘Aqui ha praia’, means, here we have beach, as the beach of Faro Island is white, stretched, so large, you cannot see the end!
Xiri Beach Bar
Where: Island of Tavira
A short trip on the ferry (going every minute) from Tavira, you will reach the Island of Tavira, located in the Natural parque Ria Formosa. Here you will find the beach bar Xiri. The friendly owners, will give you a feeling of being home. The end of the day you can attend Zumba, fitness, dance and yoga classes, and sportive activities as volley ball and football. Fridays there will be live music and combined with cocktails and tapas. Sunset parties with saxophone acts in a relaxed ambiance and lovely Mediterranean food.
Algarve Housing is THE villa rental company of the Algarve, Portugal. For best holidays in the Algarve. Contact me for any further information regarding luxury villas Portugal.
