The Algarve

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).

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 Algarve resort of Armação de Pêra is located around 15km to the west of Albufeira. Set in a wide bay you won't be surprised that Armação de Pêra is something of a beach-lovers paradise. Those holidaying here are well catered for by the resorts many cafes, bars, restaurants, supermarkets and more than a few ice-cream shops.

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.

Manta Rota is part of a long sweep of fine sand that arches from the frontier town of Vila Real de Santo António, on the Spanish border, to Praia de Cabanas in Tavira. The beach at Manta Rota sits on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, an important wetland where a host of migratory birds, and other wildlife, are found in abundance.

You'll find plenty of space at Praia da Manta Rota even though it is a popular beach, especially amongst locals. The beach is backed by low sand dunes which seem to go on for ever, adding to the feeling of space.

The border town of Vila Real de Santo António sits just across the Guadiana river from the Spanish town of Ayamonte. In years gone by this was on the main route from the Algarve to Spain with the only the 20 minute ferry ride shuttling visitors back and forth. This is still the nicest way to travel between the two towns / countries but since the 1990s there has been a four lane suspension bridge a couple of km up the river.

Praia do Evaristo is far enough outside of the resort madness of Albufeira to retain an air of charm and remain civilised even in the summer! Backed by low, sloping ochre cliffs this pleasant sandy beach is dotted with large rock formations which are great for exploring and give it a slightly cosy feel.

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.

Praia da Cordoama is one of several beaches that form a long sandy stretch along the coast just west of Vila do Bispo. Cordoama is by far the longest of these beaches but at low tide this doesn't matter as it joins together with neighbouring Castelejo and Barriga to form a huge sandy beach.

Praia do Beliche sits just to the south of the towering, and curiously level, cliffs of Cabo Sao Vicente. This provides not only a spectacular backdrop but also a little protection from the powerful Atlantic swells that pummel the coast further north. This does not mean there aren't waves here - on the contrary. It is one of Sagres' best surf beaches with the waves often a little more manageable than at the other beaches around the headland. The 40 metre high cliffs also provide some shelter from the winds that Sagres is notorious for.