29 of the Best Beaches in Portimao

Showing 21 - 29 of 29

  • Praia da Balança - Lagos
    ian_woodhead1 | BY-SA

    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.

    It...

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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 do Canavial and Porto Mos
    muffinn | BY-SA

    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.

    Canavial is a very different beach to its neighbours to the east; whilst it shares the same sandstone cliffs the similarities end there. You won't find any rock arches and stacks, just tall yellow cliffs. And this is quite a long beach as opposed to the tiny coves over the...

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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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  • 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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  • Praia do Porto de Mós
    Lacobrigo | BY-SA

    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...

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  • Praia da Luz beach
    Bengt Nyman | BY-SA

    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.

    The beach itself is...

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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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  • 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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Portimão

Portimão travel guide »

Located towards the western end of the Algarve, Portimão is one of the largest towns on this coast with a population approaching 40,000. As a tourist destination in its own right the town doesn't really...