Blue Flag beach

Despite being right next to the main Lisbon - Cascais road, the "Marginal", Praia das Avencas is somewhat tucked away under the steep cliffs which overlook this beach. For this reason, unless you are actually looking for the beach you are unlikely to notice it.

Vilamoura beach is a decent sized strip of golden sand set between the Marina to the west and Quarteira harbour to the east. It is relatively developed although nothing like the scale of Quarteira next door. In fact it has a much more open feeling with plenty of space between the nearest apartment blocks.

The Vale do Lobo is one of the Algarve's premier and exclusive resorts. Located within the so-called 'Golden Triangle' it is known for its upmarket hotels, high end golf courses and pristine beaches.

Directly in front of the Vale do Lobo resort is the long sandy beach. Stretching for just over a kilometre the beach is backed by the typical Algarve ochre-coloured cliffs.

Given the long stretch of golden sand that lies in front of Quarteira it is little surprise that the resort was one of the earliest to be developed on the Algarve coast.

Along with the neighbouring Praia do Cais da Solária, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to Lagos' town centre. Just a few minutes walk from all of the town's amenities this is the easiest option around. On the flipside this means it does tend to get busy fairly quickly during the summer months.

The beach is just across the main Avenida dos Descobrimentos from the town and can easily be spotted by the large plaza with a statue of São Gonçalo of Lagos that stands overlooking the Praia da Batata.

Praia da Franquia is one of Vila Nova de Milfontes main beaches. Tucked away from the coast on the northern bank of the River Mira, this is probably the most sheltered beach in the area. This makes it a great family beach, as do all the facilities such as a lifeguard service and beach cafe / bar etc. Praia da Franquia also benefits from being located close to the town.

Given its sheltered aspect water sports such as windsurfing and canoeing are particularly popular here. 

Praia Grande (big beach) is the main beach of the little Alentejo resort of Porto Covo. In keeping with such a pretty village the beach is equally charming with a wide stretch of golden sand backed by high cliffs.

Here at Praia Grande the Atlantic Ocean appears particularly blue and clear. It also picks up all of the swells meaning the waves here are often good for surfing. To keep things safe there is a seasonal lifeguard service to watch over the bathing area.

Despite being located within an easy walk of the resort of Quarteira the beach at Praia do Almargem is surprisingly unspoiled. Here, instead of high-rise seafront apartments you will find a backdrop of sand dunes and pine trees.

Monte Gordo is the Algarve's closest resort to the Spanish border. As such it attracts a mix of Portuguese, Spanish and international visitors drawn by the expansive golden sand beaches and the casino.

The sleepy seaside village of Zambujeira do Mar is set within the Costa Vicentina and Sudoeste Alentejano Nature Park towards the southern end of the Alentejo coast. A huddle of whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs overlook this fantastic beach from the cliff top.