The Golden Coast
One of the Algarve’s greatest assets-unlike most other resorts-is the abundance of beautiful, clean, sandy beaches. Whether you prefer long sandy stretches with ample facilities or tiny isolated coves, you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Although the beaches of the Algarve are consistently sandy, the cut of the coastline varies considerably.
To the west at Sagres you will find the cliffs high, stone hard and dramatic. From Salema to Lagos, Praia da Rocha and on to Albufeira, the cliffs are made mainly of fossil; thus they are softer and more subject to erosion. In this area you will find lovely coves, caves and grottoes, some of which are only accessible by sea. Imagine the wonderful feeling to be basking in the sun on a near deserted beach. However, you should never attempt to reach any of the grottoes or coves alone: the currents along the Algarve are deceptively strong.
The beaches along the eastern coast are much flatter and tend to shelve gently from land to sea. The colour of the cliffs starts to change from rich red to softer ochre. One of the attractions in the east is the small sandy islands where bathing suits are an option!!
But, remember, the Algarve lies on the Atlantic Ocean and therefore is subject to tides, unlike the resorts on the Mediterranean sea.
Click here to view map of Western Algarve Beaches
From Lagos To The West Coast
From early June to Sept many beaches have life guards and a safety flag which means:
- Green conditions suitable for bathing and swimming
- Yellow conditions suitable for strong swimmers only
- Red no swimming
- Chequered no life guards on patrol
Meia Praia
Easily the biggest of Lagos´ beaches, it curves around the edge of the bay all the way from Lagos Marina to the river estuary at Alvor. It is a long open beach, but with no natural shade or shelter.
Praia da Batata
This is the closest beach to the centre of Lagos town. It is by the little fort at the entrance to the harbour.
Praia Dona Ana
The most popular beach in the vicinity of Lagos, but it involves steep steps near the Hotel Golfino. It is backed and flanked north and south by cliffs. Because it faces east, the sand here is nicely sheltered from the wind. There are other smaller beaches off the road between Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade (towards the lighthouse).
Porto do Mós
In a small bay between Luz and Lagos, flanked by cliffs which usually give shelter and shade on one side or the other. There is a large parking area and beach access is easy.
Praia da Luz
Access couldn’t be easier to this curve of sand that starts at the front of the village and stretches eastward well beyond it. At the western end, sand gives way to rocks.
Burgau
The fishermen’s beach, right in front of the village is flanked by cliffs either side. Good for snorkelling and scuba diving. Parking near the beach is hard, so it is best to leave the car at the top of the village and walk down.
Boca do Rio
Access to the beach is easy, but it is tucked away. To find, turn off the EN125 at Budens. An alternative way is sign posted on the back road between Praia da Luz, passing through Burgau, to Salema. Scuba divers and snorkellers will want to explore the remains of a French man-of-war lying on the sea bed about 300 meters offshore.
Salema
In the Algarve’s southwest corner, the long stretch of sand right in front of Salema Vila has cliffs at either end. Popular with windsurfers and good for scuba diving and snorkelling. Parking is limited.
Martinhal
This big sweep of sand in a corner of Sagres bay is especially good for windsurfing as there is no shelter from the wind. Signposted on the left shortly before you enter the vila of Sagres.
Mareta
The best thing about this beach if you prefer sunbathing is that it is situated right in front of Sagres vila and is sheltered when westerly winds are blowing.
Tonel
Beach on the other side of Sagres headland from Mareta is exposed to westerlies and Atlantic breakers.
Arrifana
One of the few west coast beaches right next to a village. It is reached by taking the left fork of a signposted road which has it’s junction with the N268 just south of Aljezur. The right fork on this same road leads to the big beach at MONTE CLÉRIGO. Good for surfing.
Bordeira
From the village of Carapateira on the N268 between Vila do Bispo and Aljezur, a road marked by a sign symbolizing a pair of binoculars runs past O Sítio do Rio Restaurant and on towards this vast, spectacular expanse of sand.
Castelejo
From the center of Vila do Bispo take the road west and follow the signs. The road down to the beach is quite narrow and twisty so take care.
Amado/Carrapateira
Long white beaches pounded by the Atlantic swells. Great surfing and fishing. The turning for Amado is just before the Village of Carrapateira on the N268 between Vila do Bispo and Aljezur. For Carrapateira beach, turn left just after the village, past O Sítio dos Rios Restaurant and on towards this vast, spectacular expanse of sand.
Zavial
A rocky beach sheltered by cliffs. Turn left at off the N125 at Raposeira, the village before Vila do Bispo. The road forks left to Zavial and right to another cove much used by scuba divers and snorkellers called INGRINAS.