26 of the Best Beaches in Albufeira

Showing 11 - 20 of 26

  • Praia do Castelo
    Beeston | BY-SA

    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.

    Whilst Praia do Castelo cannot boast any rock arches or sea stacks it is all the same a very pleasant spot offering everything an...

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  • Praia do Evaristo
    stavros1 | BY-SA

    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.

    As a Blue Flag beach you can be sure of clean water and a good standard of amenities. Praia do Evaristo has a lifeguard service during the summer months along with lounger, parasol and...

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  • Armação de Pêra
    Praia dos Salgados
    Filipe Rocha | BY-SA

    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.

    Beyond the sand dunes lies the Salgados Lagoon...

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  • Armação de Pêra
    Praia da Gale
    Peter Etchells

    For those of you who are staying in the somewhat hectic resort of Albufeira, Praia da Gale offers a welcome respite. Located to the west of Albufeira, the beach runs around the bay of Armacao de Pera to a quiet, unassuming town that boasts just a few cafes and restaurants and a supermarket.

    The beach itself is easily accessible. There are no cliffs and steep steps to negotiate just the occasional ramp to help you across the dunes....

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  • Praia da Marinha
    Can Stock Photo / ccaetano

    Praia da Marinha is the archetypal Algarve cove. Clear turquoise waters lap up against the orange limestone that forms the cliffs and iconic rock formations that have graced the covers of a hundred holiday brochures. The beach itself is fairly small and sandy, but what has saved it is what it doesn't have. Despite being located in the middle of the Algarve coast, Praia da Marinha lacks the facilities and most importantly, the easy access of other Algarve beaches. To get to the beach involves...

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  • Armação de Pêra
    Praia da Senhora da Rocha

    This sheltered little cove is located just to the west of Armação de Pêra. The beach here is very different to those in the resort itself, instead of endless low sand dunes Praia da Senhora da Rocha is flanked by high sandstone cliffs which protect it from the wind. 

    This sheltered aspect hasn't been missed by local fishermen and boats are still pulled up on the sand. In fact much of rear of the beach is given over to small fisherman's...

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  • Armação de Pêra
    Praia Nova
    Rsantus | BY-SA

    Praia Nova is one of the lesser known beaches in the Armação de Pera area. Neighbouring the popular Praia da Senhora da Rocha these two beaches are in fact joined by a tunnel which has been cut through the headland that separates them.

    The beach here is sheltered by the high cliffs, which also means there are quite a few steps down to the beach. It is important to note that these cliffs are unstable in places and rock falls can happen. Therefore it is advised that you avoid sitting...

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  • Vilamoura beach
    Valter Jacinto | BY-SA

    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.

    Given its location between resorts on the Central Algarve it is no surprise that the beach is popular. In fact during the summer it is positively heaving. If you are...

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  • Armação de Pêra
    Praia de Albandeira - Pirata
    Muffinn | BY-SA

    The beach of Praia de Albandeira lies roughly midway between the resorts of Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. It is set in a part of the Algarve coast that is home to many little coves and bays etched into the yellow limestone cliffs. All these beaches are home to the same crystal-clear water, golden sand and wonderful (and sometimes weird) rock formations.However, each beach has its own character too. As a bonus, despite being located between resorts, much of this coast has not suffered from...

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  • Praia de Benagil

    Set at the bottom of a deep valley by the fishing harbour of Benagil there's lots to explore here. Caves and rock formations abound.

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Albufeira

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Central on the Algarve coast and only 40 minutes away from the Faro airport, Albufeira has been the most popular holiday destination in the south of Portugal since the 1970s. Originally a...