What Are The Best Secret Beaches On The Algarve?
The Algarve is located on the southern coast of Portugal and is one of the most popular beach destinations for tourists in Europe. With over 160 kilometres of beautiful beach to discover, the coast is the Algarve’s main tourist attraction and is famed for its sun-drenched beaches. Finding a nice quiet spot to enjoy the view and relax may seem like an impossible task, but the Algarve has many secret and secluded beaches nestled away between the towns and villages. Whether you would prefer a peaceful day watching the waves or fancy marvelling at the local wildlife, there’s sure to be a secluded beach close by to where you’re staying.
Where Are The Best Secret Beaches THE Algarve Has To Offer?
Praia da Bordeira, Carrapateira
Set at the mouth of the Ribeira da Bordeira, the Praia da Bordeira beach features limestone cliffs and rolling sand dunes that spread inland to as far as the village of Carrapateira. This beach is largely popular with surfers from all over Europe thanks to the high winds. Sit back and relax on the sand and watch the surfers take to the waves or admire the lengths that local fishermen go to by sitting on the cliffs with their fishing rods.
Praia da Marinha
This beautiful stretch of beach isn’t far from the town of Lagoa. When the tide is high, the beach only offers a thin stretch of beach but when it goes back out you can explore the rock pools that are bursting with marine life. Voted one of the top 100 beaches in the world, Praia da Marinha doesn’t get very busy thanks to the steps you have to descend down to get to the golden sand. If you’re looking for a space to get away from it all on holiday at one of the best secret beaches Algarve has, this is the beach for you.
Ilha da Barreta, Faro
The only way to get to this beach is via boat, which you can board at Cais da Porta Nova regularly throughout the day. Ilha da Barreta is a secluded stretch of beach which sweeps across 11km. This beach is the beginning of a further stretch of beach known as ‘barrier islands’. Ilha da Barreta also boasts some amazing protected marshlands and natural parks that is inhabited by flamingos. This beach is ideal for people looking for some peace and quiet and something a bit different.
Praia do Ancão, Almancil
Enjoy crystal clear water and soft sand at Praia do Ancão. This beach is close to the busier beaches in the area, but this is where the locals and upper-class Portuguese residents relax. Even though it is secluded, there are still a few bars and restaurants nearby and various water sports activities to try your hand at.
Praia da Vale Figueira, Aljezur
If you’re a keen nature enthusiast, the Praia da Vale Figueira beach may be what you’re looking for. Full of natural beauty, this beach is one of the most preserved beach sites in Portugal. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb to the cliff top for stunning views, all whilst enjoying the peace of the empty beach below. The get to this beach, however, you will need to head down an unpaved and narrow path, so go prepared with everything that you need to spend a full day on this amazing beach.
Praia do Carvalho, Lagoa
Praia do Carvalho is a wonderful beach with stunning golden sands and classic crystal clear waters. The breathtaking cliffs provide the perfect backdrop to a day of sunbathing. Though this beach lacks facilities in terms of restaurants and shops, it’s the perfect spot to bring a picnic and relax. Getting to this hidden gem isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds as there’s a car park located just at the top of the cliffs.
Praia do Paraíso, Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a fantastic part of the Algarve to explore, particularly if you want to see the quieter side of this tourist hotspot. Praia do Paraíso referred to as the second beach of Carvoeiro, and therefore a lot quieter on the whole. This beach is situated at the case of towering cliffs, and the luscious sand is only accessible when the tide goes out. There are also rock pools for any snorkelling enthusiasts. Praia do Paraíso can be reached via the cliffside road from Carvoeiro, it’s about 400 metres from the main beach.
Where Will Your Trip Take You?
Now you’ve discovered our selection of the best secret beaches Algarve has to offer, get ready to explore them all! For the adventurous, there’s nowhere quite like Ilha da Barreta only accessible by boat, or how about head to Praia da Bordeira for surfing if you love trying watersports on holiday. The Algarve really does have it all, so sit back and relax while you take in the outstanding views on your next visit.
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