Despite being located within an easy walk of the resort of Quarteira the beach at Praia do Almargem is surprisingly unspoiled. Here, instead of high-rise seafront apartments you will find a backdrop of sand dunes and pine trees.
The beach here is among the most tranquil and laid back sections of the 15 km long stretch of unbroken fine, golden sand between Quarteira and Faro. This doesn't mean it is without facilities though, the Blue Flag award guarantees this. As well as the seasonal lifeguard service there are the usual sun-loungers and beach umbrellas for hire, not to mention beach volleyball nets. Praia do Almargem also has a good restaurant / bar with fresh fish dishes served overlooking the beach.
The beach is set at the foot of a wide valley carved by the Ribeira do Almargem river which runs into sizeable lagoon just the other side of the sand. This little lake behind the beach is home to a variety of flora and fauna including some rare and uniquely Algarvian plant species such as the alcar-do-Algarve (a form of rockrose) and tomilho cabeçudo (hammerhead thyme). The lagoon is also a good spot for birdwatching as it attracts various waterfowl.
