Blue Flag beach

Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the longest beaches in the Lagos area, stretching for well over a kilometre; only Meia Praia on the other side of the town is bigger. This is yet another fine Algarve beach and provides a quieter alternative to Lagos' often busy beaches. Here you will find the same golden sandstone cliffs, fine sand and clear blue sea. There is even a choice of beachside cafes and restaurants along with all the facilities one would expect from a Blue Flag beach. However, at Praia de Porto de Mós you will also find plenty of space.

Just around the small headland of Ponta do Altar from Praia do Pintadinho is the little cove of Praia dos Caneiros. Backed by the high ochre sandstone cliffs that are so associated with this section of the Algarve coast. Around 100 metres off the northern end of the beach is the Leixão da Gaivota ("Seagull's Leap") - a steep sided islet which is home to various bird species including white herons, silver gulls and white-faced cormorants.

Praia Pintadinho sits just beyond the mouth of the River Arada and is largely outside of the shelter from the breakwaters that protect Portimão. Whilst the sea may be slightly more lively than Ferragudo's other riverside beaches Praia Pintadinho still benefits from the same perfect golden sand along with the added bonus of a Blue Flag award.

This popular beach has plenty of facilities for a family day at the beach including a restaurant and sunbed hire. There is also a seasonal lifeguard service to ensure safe bathing throughout easter and the summer.

Praia do Molhe is another of Porto's beaches along the Foz district of the city. Like neighbouring beaches, Molhe is a mixture of coarse sand and rocks with its own beachfront cafe. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the beach (and where it gets its name) is the stone jetty which runs out from the beach. This was built to protect the bathing waters here from the northerly swells.

Just before you reach Ericeira from the Lisbon direction there is a deep valley through which the river Lizandro flows. At the mouth of the river ("Foz") is a wide sandy beach that extends inland, along the banks of the river for some considerable distance.

The beach at Foz do Lizandro is actually the biggest patch of sand in the area. This feeling of space is further added to by the fact the beach is not backed by cliffs. Instead there is a low headland to the south and behind the river meanders through a hilly landscape.

Praia da Poça, also known as São João do Estoril, is a popular little beach at the start of the Estoril - Cascais coast. As with all the beaches along this stretch there is the wide promenade running behind, with a couple of places to eat. 

Access at Praia da Poça is good. Just a short distance from the N6 "Marginal" road and about halfway between São João and Estoril train stations, getting here is easy too.

Set between the resort towns of Cascais and Estoril is the little strip of sand known as Praia das Moitas. The beach is actually located closer to Cascais but is very easily reached from Estoril train station by walking along the promenade that links the two resorts.

The first thing to know about Praia da Conceição is how to say it. The 'Praia' part is easy - just say as 'pry-a'. However, the Conceição is a little more of a challenge to those not familiar with Portuguese. Probably the best approximation for an English speaker would be along the lines of 'con-say-shown', with the last part rhyming with 'clown'.In case you were wondering the name comes from a nearby chapel - the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dos Inocentes.

The Praia de Santa Eulália is located a little over 4 km to the east of Albufeira. It is something of an upmarket resort beach as the meticulously landscaped gardens to the rear of the beach will tell you. You will find rows of palm trees interspersed with aloes and other exotic plants along with areas of neatly trimmed grassy lawn.

The beach itself is a good-sized stretch of golden Algarvian sand flanked by low, pine-covered ochre cliffs at either end. The water is the typical clear azure you would expect on this coast making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Located on the lovely stretch of coast between Albufeira and Armação de Pera is the charming little Praia da Coelha. Translated this means "Rabbit beach" although the only rabbit of any note here is the one on the sign.

To get to the beach involves a short walk along a footpath through assorted greenery. There are olive trees, bamboo groves and ancient carob trees which all lead you towards the wooden stairs down to the beach. Once on the beach you won't be disappointed; there are the same golden cliffs, crystal clear azure waters and perfect sand as the neighbouring beaches.