Sun. Sea. Summer. What do these three words have in common? They’re all great in the Algarve.
Portugal’s southernmost region is internationally recognised for having a delightful climate all year round, due to the country’s contrasting terrain, which changes from mountains to countryside and on down to the sea; and, of course, for the rugged coastline that forms countless indescribably beautiful beaches.
We have put together a short list for you, detailing some of the Algarve’s most beautiful – and hidden – beaches. An itinerary that you won’t want to miss for your holiday this summer!
Amoreira Beach, Aljezur
The mouth of the Aljezur Stream is responsible for creating this beautiful natural gem of a beach.
Amoreira Beach boasts a huge stretch of sand both on the seashore and along the bank of the stream (Amoreira-Rio). If you come here as a family, it’s worth knowing that as the tide goes out it creates some lovely safe pools that will delight the little ones.
Another recommended activity at this beach is birdwatching. There is a marshland habitat on the north bank of the stream, where you may spot animals and birds such as otters, grey herons and kingfishers.
Tip for a good photo: there is a viewpoint at the opposite side of the beach that overlooks the whole of Amoreira Beach from the stream all the way to the sands.
To reach Carvalho Beach, you have to go along a dirt track in a ravine with a rather steep slope. The track ends at a small parking area where you can leave your car. There is a stairway down to the sands that leads you to two natural tunnels in the rocks, so fun is guaranteed for kids and grown-ups alike.
Ponta de João d’Arens Beach, Portimão
This little beach is located between Portimão and Alvor and can only be reached by going down a cliff or, when the tide is out, by walking along Barranco das Canas Beach. The setting here is heavenly: the colour of the water is stunning, the sand is a feast for the eyes, and you have almost total privacy, making it an appealing spot for nudists.
Manuel Lourenço Beach, Albufeira
Manuel Lourenço Beach is a little hideaway where the sand forms a small cove in between cliffs that are so perfect they look like they were created by an artist rather than by nature.
Although quite small, this beach is perfect if you are looking for a different experience, such as snorkelling. All you need are a mask and a snorkel and you can observe the beauty of the marine life when the tide is out. Another good way to spend your time at Manuel Lourenço Beach is to go for a walk along the cliffs. The short walk to Evaristo Beach gives you the chance to see some magnificent scenery.
Tip: Go at sunset for picture-postcard perfection.
Manuel Lourenço Beach is a little hideaway where the sand forms a small cove in between cliffs that are so perfect they look like they were created by an artist rather than by nature.
Although quite small, this beach is perfect if you are looking for a different experience, such as snorkelling. All you need are a mask and a snorkel and you can observe the beauty of the marine life when the tide is out. Another good way to spend your time at Manuel Lourenço Beach is to go for a walk along the cliffs. The short walk to Evaristo Beach gives you the chance to see some magnificent scenery.
Barril Beach is great for chilling out. But take our advice and spend the whole day there! You have to make a rather unusual trip to get to this thin strip of soft, white sand: first, you cross a footbridge over one of the channels of the Ria Formosa; then you catch a mini-train to ride to the beach, a distance of about one kilometre. What a unique experience! You can see the fauna, such as the bocas (a typical crab) and the vegetation covering the extensive dunes, and you can even smell a slight aroma of curry in the air, which comes from the curry plants growing there. An old tuna-fishing storage facility was converted into a beach support facility, and the original structure is still visible today. Take the opportunity for a photo-shoot next to the cluster of big anchors in the immediate vicinity of the beach.
