Before I give you a list of the best beaches on the Algarve Coast, I first want to give you a little background. When we decided we were going to visit the Algarve coast, I was having difficulty deciding whether to stay in Lagos or Sagres. Ultimately, we decided to stay in Sagres and I am glad we did.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Lagos, it’s just a little more built up than I prefer. If you prefer more of a luxury resort with lots of options for things to do, then Lagos is the place for you. But, if you prefer more of a rustic, small town feel like I do, then Sagres is the place for you. I highly recommend staying at Mareta View Boutique Bed & Breakfast. The view from their sea view balcony rooms is breathtaking and you even get access to their sister properties pool.
A lot of my research before our trip was focused on the best beaches to visit. We rented a car so we could explore all the best beaches. Keep in mind that nudity is common on the beaches here, some more than others though. Here is my list of the best beaches on the Algarve Coast.
Ponto Ruiva
This was my favorite beach on the Algarve coast. We actually attempted to go there once and failed. We rented a compact car, not a SUV, and the dirt road turned quite sandy going uphill. So, we decided to turn around and not take the chance of getting stuck. The second time we tried a different route (taking your second right after Praia do Beliche) and got there with no issues and it was totally worth it! This beach is a popular surf spot, so there were a bunch of surfers there.
My husband & I went later in the day and decided to walk the beach. On our walk we noticed a lot of garbage and micro-plastics washing up, which breaks my heart a little bit. So, we decided to do a little impromptu beach cleanup on our way back up the beach. I encourage you to do the same if you encounter something similar on your next beach walk.
Praia do Beliche
We went early in the morning and basically had the whole beach to ourselves. We dug lounge chairs for ourselves out of the sand and read our books on a warm, quiet beach. As it got closer to noon, people started filling in. There are lounge chairs and kayak/paddle board rentals offered. There is even a private massage table set up for massages on the beach. At the bottom of the steps to the beach there is a little bar/snack shack set up to get food & drinks.
This is a great, big beach with plenty of room to spread out on and there are no dirt roads to get to this beach. If you are heading here from Sagres, stop at the pottery store, you can’t miss it. It is bright yellow with beautifully painted plates and bowls everywhere. If you are hungry, stop by Laundry Lounge in Sagres for some fresh food options.
Praia do Tonel
This was my favorite beach for sunset. We avoided going to the crowded fort for sunset. Praia do Tonel has a bar on the beach, or you can bring a blanket and enjoy the sunset from the beach or from the clifftops. Either way you’re going to get a great sunset!
Praia das Furnas
There are dirt roads to get to this beach, but totally accessible with a compact car. This was the most nudist of all the beaches we went to. If you are looking to shed some layers and go skinny dipping, this is the beach for you!
Praia do Camilo
This is a smaller beach right outside of Lagos with wooden stairs going all the way down. It was still very busy even slightly after high season, I would go very early if you want to experience this beach with less people. Off to the left of the beach there is a tunnel that takes you through to an even smaller beach. Back at the top of the stairs there is a restaurant and there are some trails that take you along the cliffs.
Praia de Benagil
Rent paddle boards from Taruga Benagil Tours and go explore the Benagil Caves. Make reservations in advance to guarantee your paddle boards. Unfortunately, while we were there the waves and currents were too rough for us to rent paddle boards. If you’re looking for some food along the way, I recommend stopping at Earth Shop & Café.
Praia de Marinha
We didn’t make it to this beach because we had a bus to catch, but have heard great things. Beat the crowd and go early, walk the cliffside for stunning views.
I hoped you enjoyed my list of the best beaches on the Algarve coast. If you did, check out My Guide to Lisbon, Portugal! Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly.
