The COVID-19 pandemic prevents gatherings. So, discover the right sand on the 20 best beaches in the Algarve and avoid huge crowds.
Every summer, the Algarve is full of national and international tourists who fill the most diverse beaches, from Cabo Carvoeiro to the River Guadiana. However, this year, the COVID-19 pandemic promises to drastically alter the Algarve landscape. So, more than ever, we need to head south and there’s nothing better than finding out where the best beaches in the Algarve are.
Wide, extensive and secluded areas, where privacy reigns and where you don’t need to fear crowds or gatherings. If you are only thinking about your holidays, make a note of the best secret beaches in the Algarve and their capacity and have a good holiday!
1 – Carvalho Beach, Lagoa
A stone’s throw from Carvoeiro, you’ll find one of the Algarve’s best kept secrets. To access Praia do Carvalho, you have to walk along a dirt path along the ravine and, after parking, go down a ladder and cross two tunnels carved into the rocks until finally reaching this delightful sand hidden between the cliffs and with a sea. blue out of sight.
2 – Barranco Beach, Vila do Bispo
Absolutely stunning, this really is one of the best beaches in the Algarve. A stone’s throw from Porches, Praia do Barranco is a little paradise.
The best way to get there is by boat, or by walking along the paths from Praia da Albandeira. Whichever route you take, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
3 – Ponta de João de Arens beach, Portimão
Perhaps there is no Algarve beach that gives you a greater sense of privacy and exclusivity than this beach, which is strange considering that it is located between the bustling Praia da Rocha and Praia do Vau.
The path is difficult, with the boat being the fastest and safest way to get there. The beach is small, surrounded by cliffs with very high cliffs, in a stunning natural setting, which helps make Ponta de João de Arens one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
4 – Barranquinho Beach, Lagoa
Next to Barranco beach is Barranquinho, a small beach that can only be accessed by sea, on foot or by jeep, as there is no road connecting Barranquinho beach to the rest of the world.
If you are going for a walk, then we advise you to start from Praia da Marinha, because on the way between the two beaches you will find dreamlike landscapes and the effort of the journey will be compensated by the sight of Praia do Barranquinho, a piece of paradise by the sea.
5 – Praia Grande, Santa Maria, Lagos
In the vicinity of Lagos, is definitely one of the best beaches in the Algarve. To get there, you have to follow the road that goes to Ponta da Piedade, turning left on the last path.
Then you can go down to the beach on trails that were created by the passage of vacationers. The road is long and hard, but it’s well worth it!
6 – Praia dos Salgados, Albufeira
After crossing the famous and luxurious Herdade dos Salgados, you will come across a route of golden dunes that make up the scenery of this beach. After the dunes, you will find the Lagoa dos Salgados, where it is possible to observe several protected migratory birds, such as the red heron or the stilt.
7 – Culatra Beach, Ria Formosa
To reach this beach, you only have to go by boat, but it’s a trip that’s worth it, as you’ll find a glimpse of a calmer and more secluded Algarve. You can see the busy fishermen as they untangle their nets and bring fresh fish to the island.
The beach, in turn, looks more like an almost deserted sand with warm and calm waters. In addition, you can observe the flora of the dunes and the species of birds that pass by, as well as enjoy the natural sandy pools.
8 – Arrifana Beach, Aljezur
The blue flag, the 500 meters of sand, the perfect waves for surfing, all contribute to making Arrifana less and less a secret. However, compared to the most famous beaches in the region, Arrifana remains one of the best beaches in the Algarve. Maybe even the best.
9 – Praia Verde, Castro Marim
It is one of the beaches that best represents the Algarve scenery and is located between the beaches of Alagoa and Cabeço, sheltered by a pine forest, which gives a greenish tone to the landscape.
As the beach is quite extensive, there is no lack of space to spread your towel and relax for a few hours.
10 – Camilo Beach, Lagos
To reach this beach, head towards Ponta da Piedade, climb a wooden staircase, walk through an area of woods with typical plants of the Algarve’s Barrocal, and then be dazzled by the beauty of Praia do Camilo.
After descending about 200 steps – something that can be more complicated when returning home -, you will find the sand protected by jagged cliffs and very calm waters of one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
11 – Amoreira Beach, Aljezur
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and owes its formation to the mouth of the Aljezur stream.
It has a vast beach, so it is ideal to visit this year, as there is space for everyone here, always keeping the physical distance.
12 – Fontainhas Beach, Lagoa
In the list of the best beaches in the Algarve, the calm Praia das Fontainhas could not be missing.
It is known for its golden sands and clear waters, which result in a setting of true charm and tranquility so desired during the holiday season.
13 – Praia da Barrinha, Faro
Almost as if it were hidden in the limits of the Ancão Peninsula and only accessible by boat, from the Faro pier, or on foot through the long wooden walkway of Avenida Nascente in Praia de Faro, Praia da Barrinha is one of the treasures Algarve’s secrets that deserve your visit.
14 – Andorinha’s Nest Beach, Albufeira
The more adventurous will enjoy Praia do Ninho de Andorinha. You can get there after walking along the trails that start at the beaches of São Rafael and Coelha or by boat. Definitely one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
15 – Coelha Beach, Sesmarias
Access to this beach is on foot, through agricultural fields, where you can see several olive and carob trees. There are also wooded areas rich in zimbo, executioner, mastic and dwarf palm.
Situated between the beaches of Guia and Galé, is this pleasant sand, with golden cliffs that protect visitors from the wind. There are also galleries and caves to visit. An idyllic and peaceful place for a quiet and peaceful holiday.
16 – Barreta Island, Faro
This is a super reserved beach, with more than 10 kms in length, white sand and calm waters that invite you to take a dip. With Blue Flag and surveillance, this is still one of the nine official naturist beaches existing in our country.
17 – Praia do Homem Nu, Faro
Although it is a beach very frequented by naturists, its name refers to the story of a shipwreck, in which the only survivor was a man who washed ashore naked.
It is located at the western end of Ilha de Tavira, between Praia do Barril and Barra da Fuzeta, and it is a deserted and wild sand, one of the best beaches in the Algarve and that offers all the seclusion and privacy.
18 – Benagil Beach, Lagoa
Well known for the Algar de Benagil cave, this beach is sheltered from the wind by a cliff and is one of the best kept paradises in the Algarve. It is located in a sloping valley near a fishing village.
For some years now, the beach has become more extensive. To access the famous cave, you can rent a canoe or a boat to benefit from this tour.
19 – São Rafael Beach, Albufeira
5 minutes from Albufeira, is this quiet beach, with cliffs and crystal clear water. Very quiet, its rocks give it privacy and modesty. Blue Flag and quiet, this “Golden Beach” offers rest, environmental quality and the protection of marine biodiversity.
20 – Bordeira Beach, Aljezur
Very close to the village of Carrapateira, from which there is access by a tarmac road, the beautiful Praia da Bordeira has a very spacious sand that increases considerably in size at low tide, making it one of the largest in the Algarve. Here flows a stream that sometimes forms a pond, appreciated by children.
With little influx of bathers, Bordeira is much sought after by surfers and bodyboarders.
@ Ekonomista
