12 Best Best Beaches in Burgau

Praia do Burgau is a lovely little sandy beach located in the small (and relatively unspoiled) fishing village of Burgau. The beach is backed by high, sloping cliffs and all but disappears when the tide comes in. Roughly halfway between Sagres and Lagos the beach isn't too far off the beaten track and is well worth a visit. It can however get fairly busy during the summer. You'll find most things you need in the village and along the beachfront, with a few cafes and bars here. Finding somewhere to park can be a little more of a challenge though!

Despite being located about halfway between Sagres and Lagos the sleepy little village of Salema has largely escaped the ravages of tourism. This is partly because this part of the coast falls just within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

The little holiday resort of Praia da Luz is located about 6 kilometres to the west of Lagos. Once a sleepy fishing village, Luz has largely hung up its nets with the beach being the biggest earner these days. Since the 1980s the resort has expanded rapidly around the sandy beach which is now backed by rows of whitewashed apartments and villas, and a palm-lined promenade. It has to be said that despite all the development Praia da Luz still retains plenty of charm.

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.

Praia do Canavial sits just to the west of Lagos' famous Ponta de Piedade. This is the other side to all the much-photographed and well known coves with their iconic rock formations and calm, crystal clear waters.

The little cove of Praia da Balança lies just within the shelter of the rocky Ponta da Piedade headland. This whole stretch of coast is defined by the eroded sandstone rocks which have been moulded into a variety of shapes over the milenia. Sometimes referred to as the "Costa de Oura" (Golden Coast) there are any number of rock arches, sinkholes, pinnacles, caves and grottos between here and the harbour at Lagos. This area is where all the guide book cover photo of Lagos are taken.

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.

Praia da Dona Ana is often cited as the best beach on the Algarve, in fact it was even described as the 'best beach in the World' by magazine Condé Nast Traveller. That's quite a lot to live up to! 

Dona Ana beach is the classic Algarve cove; nestled between the sandstone cliffs on the eastern side of Ponta da Piedade, it is sheltered from the breeze but catches all the day's sun. This section of coast is sometimes referred to as the Costa d'Ouro (Golden coast) on account of the yellow/red cliffs that line it.

Praia dos Pinheiros is another of the amazing Lagos beaches which lie in the shelter of Ponta da Piedade. This is probably one of the most secluded little coves along this stretch of coast and access is courtesy of a steep stone stairway hewn into to the sandstone cliffs.

To describe the little cove of Praia do Pinhão as a hidden gem might be going a little to far, but it is certainly a gem, and by Lagos standards somewhat hidden.

Tucked away at the bottom of the steep ochre cliffs that stretch along the coast towards Ponta da Piedade the beach at Praia do Pinhão is only really obvious to those who are looking for it. It is accessed by a steep stone stairway that makes its way down the cliff in a series of terraces.

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.