Beautiful Beaches in Algarve to Visit

If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you must add Algarve to your list! It is such an incredible place filled with so many beautiful beaches, incredible views, and adorable towns. It’s literally paradise that is filled with both adventure and relaxation. You get the best of both worlds! There is so much to see and do for everyone. I spent three days traveling through the towns of Lagos, Sagres, and Carvoeiro and will be sharing the most beautiful beaches in Algarve to visit on your trip.

Lagos

Lagos is one of the most popular cities in the Algarve. There are so many things to do from relaxing on the beautiful beaches to eating at restaurants in the city center.

Things to do in Lagos

Praia Dona Ana

Praia Dona Ana is one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve. It’s surrounded by cool rock formations, golden soft sand and crystal clear waters. This beach is perfect for families and makes a great place to hang out and relax.

Praia da Camilo

Praia da Camilo is another beautiful beach. Don’t get discouraged by the 200 steps you have to climb down – once you get to the beach, it’s totally worth it! The beach is like a little hidden cove. The water is calm and the beach even has a tunnel that leads to another part of the beach. The rock formations protect the beach against waves which is why the water is super calm so it’s perfect for relaxing and swimming. This beach is also great for kayaking and snorkeling!

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade has a special place in my heart. This is where I got engaged. You can read all about my engagement story here. Ponta da Piedade has the most amazing cliffside views. It’s filled with rock arches and hidden grottos. The views are beautiful. You can explore by following the various pathways and staircases. You can also go on a boat tour to explore the grottos and rock archways.

Sagres

Sagres is the most western point of Portugal. It is the most popular for surfing, but there are also hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and amazing cliffside views.

Things to Do in Sagres

Cabo de São Vicente

If you are traveling to Sagres, you must visit Cabo de São Vicente. It is Europe’s most southwestern point and also known as The End of the World. Supposedly, back when Europeans thought the world was flat, they thought this place was where the world ended. The view is absolutely incredible. I do recommend bringing a sweater or jacket because it is super windy. They also have a lighthouse and museum you can visit too.

Ceramics Shop

As we were driving on our way to Cabo de São Vicente, we passed by cool ceramic shops. They easily stood out since their store front was covered in cool plates! I wanted to buy all the plates – they had such cool patterns and designs.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a beautiful resort town. And it’s no surprise that this is another Algarve town filled with picturesque beaches and great hiking trails.

Things to Do in Carvoeiro

Benagil Cave

One of the coolest things to do in Algarve is visit the Benagil Cave. It is a stunning sea cave with sunlight streaming through the roof. It is a natural wonder that you can only get to by water. You can paddle (kayak or paddle board) or take a small boat tour to the cave. Some people even swim, but it is about 200 meters from the beach so you must be a strong swimmer to reach the cave. I don’t recommend swimming since the tides and currents change quickly there. You can drive to the cave, but you will only be able to view the cave from above – there is no way to get inside the cave by foot.

The easiest way to get to the cave is taking a boat tour. These tours leave from the beach and last 2-3 hours. In addition to seeing the cave, you will also get to see other cool locations along the coast on the tour. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds! Please keep in mind that during the busiest times of the year like in August, the boat tours might not let you off the boat to explore the cave due to crowds.

Algar Seco

Algar Seco is one of the most unique places in Algarve. It’s filled with rock formations, caves and natural pools. And if you are adventurous, you should definitely add Algar Seco to your list for some cliff jumping! To get there, you can walk the Carvoeiro boardwalk. Throughout the boardwalk, you will be able to see more of the cliffside and views of natural caves.

Praia da Marinha

This is a popular beach in Carvoeiro. It’s a huge family friendly beach. It also has cool rock formations and coves for you to explore. There are several breathtaking viewpoints where you will be able to see why it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve. The contrast between the blue sky, orange cliffs, and crystal blue water is absolutely stunning. This beach is also perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and cliff jumping.

Here are some fun excursions to check out in the Algarve:

I hope you guys enjoyed my travel guide on the most beautiful beaches in Algarve! Feel free to ask me any questions if you are planning a trip!

Check out more of my Portugal Travel Guides: Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto

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