Blue Flag beach

Set around a kilometre east of the resort of Armação de Pêra is the Praia dos Salgados. It is really just one section of a massive crescent of beach that stretches from the resort, halfway to Albufeira.

Unlike the coast further east, towards Albufeira, with its cliffs and rock formations, Praia dos Salgados is backed by low sand dunes. These are criss-crossed with wooden boardwalks to keep this important conservation area intact.

The small beach of Praia do Castelo is located on the wonderful stretch of coast between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra (about 6km from the former). There are a number of small bays along the several kilometres of coast here, all of which have the same ochre coloured sandstone cliffs eroded into various rock formations; some more fantastical than others.

Located not far from the centre of the old part of Cascais is the little cove of Praia da Rainha. Literally translated as "The Queen's beach" the name is in honour of the last queen of Portugal, Queen Amélia, who frequented this beach.

Just along from the beach of Leça da Palmeira, past the Piscina das Marés tidal swimming pool is another stretch of sand - Praia de Fuzelhas.

Whilst much of the shoreline here is rocky, above the tide line is fine golden sand. When the tide does go out lots of rock pools are revealed making this a good spot for kids, with plenty of exploring to be done.

As a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities and the water quality is good. There are a cafes at each end of the beach here and a lifeguard service during the summer.

The beach of Três Irmãos is located at the eastern end of a huge stretch of sand which makes up Alvor beach. This end of the beach is home to some fantastical rock formations and it is from some of these that the beach gets its name. Translated, "Três Irmãos" means "three brothers" and this refers to three sea stacks that run across the beach.

Various other wind and wave worn rocky outcrops divide the beach here into further little sandy bays each with their own rock arches, caves and sea stacks. One of these bays is a beach in its own right - Prainha, meaning "little beach".

The crystal clear, shallow waters and silky soft golden sand make Praia de São Rafael one of the most popular beaches in the Albufeira area. The beach is just far enough away from the resort town to not be overrun, but close enough to be within easy reach (2 km to be precise).

Along with neighbouring Praia Dona Ana, the beach of Camilo is Lagos' (if not one of the Algarve's) iconic beach. Whilst Dona Ana may have the slight edge when it comes to outlandish, cohre rock formations and grottoes, Praia do Camilo shares the same golden sand and crystal clear, azure waters.

Across the river from Lisbon and again across the water from Setubal lies the Tróia Peninsula, a 20 km long spit of sand that stands between the Sado estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Comporta is located at the southern end of this spit with little but sand dunes and pine forest beyond.

Praia do Evaristo is far enough outside of the resort madness of Albufeira to retain an air of charm and remain civilised even in the summer! Backed by low, sloping ochre cliffs this pleasant sandy beach is dotted with large rock formations which are great for exploring and give it a slightly cosy feel.

Although Praia da Granja is often described as being in Vila Nova de Gaia it is actually right next door to Espinho, in the town of São Félix da Marinha. From Porto it is about 45 minutes drive to Praia da Granja.

The beach here is a fine stretch of sand, although the foreshore becomes rocky as the tide goes out. During the summer months there is a lifeguard patrol at Granja. Also, being a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities and good disabled access.