Praia do Tonel sits alongside the jutting Ponta de Sagres on the very southwesterly tip of Portugal. This dramatic location is exposed to the full force of the Atlantic Ocean and as such is a popular spot with surfers. If there isn't a wave here then there probably isn't one anywhere.
The beach at Tonel is a generous sweep of golden sand backed by steep cliffs that vary from soft, red sandstone to the hard, sheer rock of the headland. But this is the beginning of the Algarve's west...
Prainha das Poças sits in the shelter of the imposing cliffs of the Ponta da Sagres. This provides a good deal of shelter from the worst of the Atlantic wind and waves.
The beach here is a pretty little stretch of soft, golden sand, but it is worth noting that at high tide this completely disappears leaving nothing but rocks.
Despite being next to Sagres' main beach, Praia da Mareta, Prainha das Poças never gets busy. The main reason...
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...
Continue northwards along the coast from Praia do Castelejo for around ten kilometres and you will arrive at the village of Carrapateira, which is little more than a collection of surf shops, a grocery store, a small market, a pavement café and a bakery.
Surfers flock to this part of the Algarve, drawn by the consistent swells that regularly hit the fantastic beaches of Amado...
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...
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...
The quintessential Algarve village of Vila Do Bispo with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and peaceful cafes sits almost at the extreme southwest corner of both Portugal and Europe. It is a small village, but caters well for...
