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23 of the Best Beaches in Silves
Showing 1 - 10 of 23
- Portimão
Consisting of nearly two kilometres of sand punctuated by jagged rock formations rising from the sea and backed by steep limestone cliffs, Praia da Rocha was one of the first places in the Algarve to be developed for tourism. As a result it is not the prettiest of towns. Purpose-built multi-storey apartment blocks dominate the cliffs behind the beach while discos, casinos, bars and restaurants line the main street, the Avenida Tomas Cabreira...
- CarvoeiroCan Stock Photo Inc. / mike66
Once, just a typical Algarve fishing village nestled in a valley and flanked by high limestone cliffs, Carvoeiro is now a popular, ever expanding resort town. That said the beach is still the focus of the town and this area retains much of its charm. Whitewashed, terracotta-tiled villas and cottages cling to the cliff sides forming a kind of amphitheatre with all eyes on Carvoeiro's prime asset - the beach. The Praia do Carvoeiro is a smallish sweep of fine golden sand sheltered by high,...
- CarvoeiroCan 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...
- Carvoeiro
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.
- FerragudoJose Goncalves | BY-SA
Praia da Angrinha is Ferragudo's other beach, after Praia Grande. Located just beyond the headland that is home to the fort of São João de Arade the beach here sits on the bank of the river Arade looking across to the marina at Portimao.
Angrinha is actually the closest beach to Ferragudo town, just a couple of minutes walk along the riverfront and past the lifeboat house. It is a pleasant stretch of fine sand backed by low dunes and the outskirts of the town. Given its position on...
- PortimãoJoseolgon | BY-SA
Situated on the eastern shores of the mouth of the River Arade - just across the water from Praia da Rocha and Portimão - is the wide sandy stretch of Praia Grande. Literally translated as "big beach" this is the larger of Ferragudo riverside beaches.
The northern end of the beach is defined by a small cliff on top of which is perched the 16th century fort of São João do Arade. Originally built to defend the coast from pirates the fort is now a private residence.
Praia Grande...
- CarvoeiroCan Stock Photo Inc. / LianeM
Wide sandy beach backed by large cliffs. Easily accessible by wooden steps. Great spot for snorkelling or just soaking up the sun
- Armação de Pêra
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...
- Armação de PêraRsantus | 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...
- Albufeira
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).
Set in a pretty bay, flanked by tall ochre coloured limestone cliffs São Rafael is reminiscent of many of the beaches along this stretch of Algarve coast. The beach is home to an array of wonderful rock...
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Silves travel guide »
Silves is an attractive town with a rich history built on the banks of the River Arade. The river was navigable in historical times and represented an important link between the hinterland and the coast. The town, which is...