Portugal's Algarve has some of the best beaches in Europe for swimming, for photos, and for an epic hike. An easy 3-hour drive from Lisbon, exploring the coastlines from the West Algarve to Lagos to Faro and all the fishing villages and beach towns along the way.
Renting a car is by far the best way to see this entire area, and we found both driving through and between the different cities and most parking to be quite easy and manageable. And like on any road trip, make sure you have cell service in case of emergencies, and get an eSIM for Portugal if your phone doesn't cover the area.
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1. Praia Do Vale Centeanes / Centeanes Beach
Before coming to Portugal, I had not heard there was so much seaweed here - some beaches had so much of the seaweed that there were only small pockets of open water to swim in. Praia Do Vale Centeanes was the only beach in the Algarve that we found completely clear - no seaweed at all and nothing but soft golden sand and clear water. On the day we took The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, we ended at this beach - and loved it so much we came back the following day.
Overlooking the beach is O Stop Restaurant, the perfect place for a sunset dinner with an ocean breeze. On our last night in Portugal, we sat here all evening ordering bottle after bottle of Vinho Verde and whole fried fish. We found easy parking on the street right behind the restaurant and the beach.
Where To Stay Nearby: Tivoli Carvoeiro - This cliffside hotel near Centeanes pairs sweeping sea views with pools and a spa.
What To Do Nearby: Benagil Caves and Marinha Boat Trip - Depart from nearby Carvoeiro for a boat ride past coastal caves and the dramatic arches of Praia da Marinha.
2. Praia Da Marinha
The view looking down onto Praia Da Marinha is probably the most iconic spot in the Algarve - and it's easy to see why with how stunning the view is, and how this beach is often ranked in lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
There is a large parking lot just above this beach, making it one of the easier places to see and spend time at.
Where To Stay Nearby: Vila Alba Resort - A quiet coastal resort by Albandeira, a short drive from Marinha, with spacious suites and a spa.
What To Do Nearby: Benagil Cave Kayak Tour from Marinha - Paddle from Marinha with a local guide to see Benagil Cave and the limestone coastline from the water.
3. Praia de São Rafael / Rafael Beach, Albufeira
This small, sandy beach is perfect for renting chairs and an umbrella for a day to stay in one place, just a short drive from Albufeira town. The cove here has calm, perfectly swimmable water and pink seashells to hunt for. Just above the beach is Restaurante da Praia de São Rafael, which kept us flowing in to-go Spritzes for the day, and also has a full-service restaurant overlooking the beach and water, one of our favorite spots throughout our Portugal holidays.
There is a parking lot at the top and it’s a short walk down to the beach.
Where To Stay Nearby: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve - Stay near São Rafael at this polished resort with several pools, a spa and landscaped grounds.
What To Do Nearby: São Rafael Caves Kayak Tour - Launch directly from São Rafael for a guided paddle past small coves, sea caves and rugged coastal cliffs.
4. Praia Dos Paradinha / Pirate Beach
Just next to Praia Sao Rafael, is the tucked away Pirate Beach. The rock formations on this beach are especially cool because they feel more interactive, with towers of rocks creating mazes in the sand on the far side of the beach and caves you can walk through. Look closely at the cave here and you will see endless seashells and fossils embedded into the rocks. Tucked away against the cliff is even a small, lush waterfall.
Where To Stay Nearby: Kimpton Atlântico Algarve - This resort near São Rafael offers a comfortable base for exploring the neighboring coves, plus pools and a spa.
What To Do Nearby: São Rafael Caves Kayak Tour - Start at nearby São Rafael Beach to explore the surrounding caves and tucked-away coastline by kayak.
5. Ponta Do Piedade / Point of Mercy
Ponta Do Piedade is more of a cove than a beach, but the view is so stunning that it is not to be missed, and is just a few minutes from the center of Lagos. The most popular way to explore this area is by boat, kayak, or paddle board - with tons of tours available. Or you can walk down the stairs to the center of the grotto and hop on the grotto tour boats running right here.
The stairs down to the grotto (and then back up) have around 200 steps, so take that into consideration regarding your physical abilities.
Where To Stay Nearby: Cascade Wellness Resort - A spacious resort within walking distance of Ponta da Piedade, with pools and a spa for winding down after exploring.
What To Do Nearby: Ponta da Piedade Boat Cruise - Board in Lagos to weave through the coastal rock formations and see Ponta da Piedade from sea level.
6. Praia Do Camilo / Camilo Beach
Camilo Beach is one of the Algarve's most iconic views, but even with an expected amount of crowds, this beach is still so perfect to spend some time lying on the sand and swimming. The cove here is so protected, the water was the calmest we saw anywhere in the Algarve.
The beach is divided into two sections - make sure to walk through the cave on the left side of the beach for a second cove that we enjoyed even more than where you initially descend. Again, there is a staircase of around 200 steps to get to this beach.
Where To Stay Nearby: Cascade Wellness Resort - Stay near Camilo and Dona Ana at this resort with three outdoor pools and a peaceful clifftop setting.
What To Do Nearby: Ponta da Piedade Boat Cruise - Cruise from Lagos past Camilo and Dona Ana toward the sandstone arches and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade.
7. Praia do Carvoeiro, Carvoeiro
Praia do Carvoeiro is a picturesque beach located in the heart of the fishing village of Carvoeiro. Surrounded by golden limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses, this beach has a postcard-perfect setting with an almost Italian Amalfi Coast feel.
The sandy beach is great on its own. You can also book a Benagil Cave boat tour from nearby Portimão; check the operator’s departure point before heading out. Alongside the beach, the town is one of the more charming we found in the area, with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops, and the Carvoeiro Boardwalk that goes along the coastline up both sides of the hills for views like these.
Where To Stay Nearby: Tivoli Carvoeiro - A scenic cliffside stay near Carvoeiro town with ocean-view dining, pools and a spa.
What To Do Nearby: Benagil Caves and Marinha Boat Trip - Leave from Carvoeiro Beach for a guided boat trip to Benagil Cave and the arches of Praia da Marinha.
8. Praia De Benagil
Praia de Benagil is a small, protected beach resting between towering cliffs near the village of Benagil. Besides the beach itself, one of the main draws of Praia de Benagil is its proximity to the iconic Benagil Cave, one of the most well-known sea caves in the world. The cave is known for its dome-shaped roof and natural skylight. Book a licensed boat tour or guided kayak visit and check current maritime restrictions before going; swimming into the cave, landing on the sand inside, and unguided kayak access are prohibited under the published navigation rules.
The beach here is accessible by car, with parking nearby, or as part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail.
Where To Stay Nearby: Vila Alba Resort - Base yourself by nearby Albandeira at this coastal resort, a drive from Benagil and Marinha.
What To Do Nearby: Benagil Cave Kayak Tour from Marinha - Join a guided kayak outing from neighboring Marinha Beach to approach Benagil Cave from the sea.
9. Praia Do Peneco, Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira is the party destination for the Algarve - if you want to drink, dance, and stay out late - this is the town you want to be in. We happened to walk into a massive music festival right on the beach one of the nights we were here! Park outside the old town and walk down the path - including massive outdoor escalators - into the mazing streets of Old Town Albufeira.
In Albufeira, don't miss Cafe Mané for the most incredible breakfast and coffee, and Alfredo's for an Italian dinner in the coziest space - they were some of our favorite restaurants in the Algarve!
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Sol e Mar - This adults-only hotel sits directly above the beach beside Albufeira Old Town, with sea-view rooms.
What To Do Nearby: São Rafael Caves Kayak Tour - Head to São Rafael, west of the old town, for a guided kayak trip around Albufeira’s coastal caves.
10. Praia Da Falesia / Falesia Beach
Falesia is the longest beach we saw in all of the Algarve - the sand and uninterrupted coastline looks like it goes on for miles, with sections of umbrellas for rent dotting the sand, but plenty of room to bring your own. The deep red and orange cliffs reminded me of the rock formations in Bryce Canyon, Utah and are unlike anywhere else we saw in The Algarve. Before walking down the stairs, perched at the top of the cliff, there is a full restaurant you can either sit down at and enjoy a full-service meal with a view, or take drinks and snacks to go.
Where To Stay Nearby: PortoBay Falésia - Stay above Falésia’s red cliffs at this popular hotel with beach access, gardens and indoor and outdoor pools.
What To Do Nearby: Vilamoura Dolphin and Cave Tour - Depart from Vilamoura Marina to explore coastal caves and look for wild dolphins offshore.
11. Praia Do Carvalho / Carvalho Beach
Carvalho is a small cove tucked between cliffs, that you have to walk down steps carved into the stone through a small cave to access. There is a large rock peninsula perfect for sunning if part of the beach is in shadow.
Do not get food at the O Carcaca Truck right above this beach. I never say this... but it was really that terrible.
Where To Stay Nearby: Tivoli Carvoeiro - A comfortable Carvoeiro base for the drive to Carvalho, with clifftop views and pools overlooking the coast.
What To Do Nearby: Benagil Caves and Marinha Boat Trip - See this stretch of coastline from the water on a Carvoeiro departure toward Benagil and Marinha.
12. Praia do Burgau / Burgau Beach
Burgau might be the cutest fishing village in the Algarve, with white-washed, blue-accented buildings reminiscent of Greece. Burgau beach is usually significantly less crowded than other areas of the Algarve, and the small town center is known for its cafes and tranquil vibe.
We got caught in a rainstorm here and ended up spending hours eating and drinking at Love Burgau, a lovely cafe and bar known for the specialty sourdough pizza - and this pizza was SO GOOD. I'm honestly still thinking about it.
Where To Stay Nearby: Hotel Praia do Burgau - Stay in Burgau itself at this relaxed hotel with an outdoor pool and easy access to the village beach.
What To Do Nearby: Ponta da Piedade Boat Cruise - Drive to Lagos for a boat trip around Ponta da Piedade’s cliffs and grottoes, an easy addition to a Burgau beach day.
13. Praia Da Arrifana, Aljezur
Out in the West Algarve, the beaches have a completely different feel - and the area is referred to as "The California of Europe." Brandon and I were both born and raised in a true California beach town, and as we were driving down The West Algarve from Lisbon, we pulled up to the beach cafe Magic Cactus, and it instantly really did remind us of home: the crispness in the air, the cactus and agave on the beach, and even the salty smell, all felt just like being in Southern California.
Praia da Arrifana is a large beach near the town of Aljezur known for its rugged beauty and popularity with surfers.
Right above Praia Da Arrifana is the designy but laid back Cal Arrifana Restaurant - which had some of the most beautifully plated dishes we had anywhere. If you're in Aljezur, also don't miss Tamrab Thai - the dinner here was so good we came back two nights in a row.
Where To Stay Nearby: Arrifana Destination Boutique - This small hotel is a walk from Arrifana Beach, with outdoor pools and a laid-back terrace.
What To Do Nearby: Arrifana Surf Lesson - Learn the basics with Arrifana Surf School, with equipment included and the meeting point confirmed for your season.
Want to See them all? Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Hiking Trail
The trail spans from Praia Do Vale Centeanes through to Praia Da Marinha and covers some of the most beautiful sights in the Algarve over a 4-mile stretch. We took this hike extremely leisurely, slowly moving all day with stops on every beach, every viewpoint, and every opportunity for snacks. To take the trail to the end and then back to where you started, it is 8 miles total - but the real trick is to get to the end, and then call an Uber to take you back to where you began. See the details on All Trails here. Make sure you have a travel eSIM for Portugal to call an Uber to circle back to the beginning!
Download The Google Map Of All Spots Here!
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