Algarve Beaches

Beaches of the Faro Region

The long strip of dunes that separates the sea from the Ria Formosa is a paradise for anyone who enjoys sun, sand and sea. With the advantage that visitors can choose from a necklace of separate islands, and have mile after mile of sandy beaches all to themselves.

Ilha de Faro - Linked to the mainland by a road, this island has a small nucleus of beach houses, restaurants and other tourist facilities.

Ilha de Barreta - This island is truly calm and solitary, thanks to the fact that there are no regular ferry connections. It is an excellent destination for anyone who has hired a boat or is lucky enough to have their own and who wants to enjoy the pleasures of sea and sand undisturbed by other holidaymakers.

Ilha do Farol - Apart from a few fishermen's cabins, there is nothing on these islands but sand...

Culatra - A former fishing village, until a few decades ago the houses of Culatra had wooden walls and thatched roofs. Fishing still goes on, and shell fish are harvested from the Ria. There is an extensive beach which is quiet, with a family atmosphere.

* Regular steam boat services run to the Farol and Culatra beaches from Faro (summer) and Olhdo (all year).

Portimao Region

Praia da Rocha may be the most famous resort in the area, but the beaches that extend all the way to Alvor have their own particular appeal.

Vau - A charming beach flanked by cliffs. Its calm atmosphere, iodine-rich waters and fascinating rock formations make it popular with families.

Joao de Arens - A small stretch of sand set among cliffs, rocks and islands, it is associated with a fearless shepherd immortalised by the writer Manuel Teixeira Gomes, a native of Portimao, in his book "Agosto Azul" (Blue August).

Tres Irmaos and Prainha - A series of tiny beaches separated by outcrops of ochre rock in which the sea has worn tunnels that offer an unusual means of access.

Alvor - A long beach that extends as far as the eye can see, until it reaches the Ria de Alvor estuary. An international tourism centre.

Costa Vicentina Beaches

Some of the beaches on the west coast can be dangerous especially for children and at high tide as the currents are very strong. They are however good for surfing and a board will carry you over the currents. As always please help tidy up the environment. Litter is left by the tides and other less civilized tourists and we ask that you clear away all your rubbish and help take some of the rest also. Many hands make lite work.

Odeceixe Amoreira Monte Glerigo Arrifana Bordeira Carrapateira Amado

Beaches of the Vila do Bispo Region

The coast which extends to the north and east of Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) is dotted with more than 20 beaches. Some are sandy coves hidden at the foot of cliffs, others broad expanses of sand that stretch away to the horizon. Each has its own particular charm. All invite you to discover them and to rediscover peace and solitude.

Murracao - A small beach with a broad stretch of sand.

Mirouco - An isolated beach. Access difficult.

Mouranitos, Barriga and Cordama - A series of broad beaches separated by cliffs but with access between them. Very quiet.

Castelejo - A beach surrounded by rock formations, just to the northwest of Vila do Bispo. Tourist facilities.

Aguia and Ponta Ruiva - Stretches of sand at the foot of steep escarpments. Little visited.

Telheiro - Pleasant, sheltered beach.

Belixe - Sandy beach at the foot of a small bay scooped out of the cliff. Calm.

Tonel - A sheltered beach with good views of the Ponta de Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent). Support facilities.

Mareta and Baleeira - Long beaches. Tourist facilities. Starting point for discovering the underwater delights of a coast dotted with caves and hollows.

Martinhal and Rebolinhos - Long beaches surrounded by a broad bay.
Scenic islets opposite the beach. Tourist facilities.

Barranco, Jose Vaz, Ingrina and Zavial - Sandy coves on the edge of little bays. Calm. Tourist facilities.

Figueira and Foz de Benacoitao - Small isolated beaches.

Salema - Located in a picturesque fishing village. Pleasant beach. Tourist facilities.

Boca do Rio - Stretch of sand along the bottom of a valley crossed by two gentle streams. Peaceful.

Cabanas Velhas and Almadena - Small and seldom-visited beaches.

Burgau - A typical fishing port looking out on the sea. Calm and family-oriented. Tourist facilities.