What are the best beaches in the Algarve?
The best beaches in the Algarve combine golden cliffs, crystal-clear water and well-preserved sands. At the top sits Praia da Marinha, in Lagoa, often voted the most beautiful in the Algarve and one of the loveliest in the world, with rock formations that trace two heart-shaped arches. A few minutes away lies Benagil and its famous sea cave.
| Beach | Municipality | Coastline | Feature | Blue Flag |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia da Marinha | Lagoa | Centro | Cliffs and arches | Yes |
| Benagil | Lagoa | Centro | Sea cave | — |
| Praia de Dona Ana | Lagos | Barlavento | Carved cliffs | Yes |
| Praia da Falésia | Albufeira | Centro | Long beach, ochre cliff | Yes |
| Praia da Rocha | Portimão | Barlavento | Long urban beach | Yes |
| Ilha de Tavira | Tavira | Sotavento | Island sands, warm sea | Yes |
| Praia de Monte Gordo | V. R. Sto. António | Sotavento | Wide sands, warm water | Yes |
Praia da Marinha and Benagil: the Algarve postcard
Praia da Marinha is the icon of the Algarve: golden cliffs above turquoise water, reached by a stairway, with excellent conditions for snorkelling. A few kilometres away, the Benagil sea cave is a cavern with an opening in the roof — since August 2024, it can only be visited from the sea, by boat or guided kayak (swimming in is banned). See our complete Benagil guide.
The cliffs of Lagos: Dona Ana, Camilo and Ponta da Piedade
Lagos, in the Barlavento, has the most spectacular set of cliff beaches in the Algarve. Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are living postcards, with carved cliffs and a sheltered sea, perfect for snorkelling. Meia Praia, next door, offers kilometres of sand for watersports. See the accommodation in Lagos.
Wide sands and the Sotavento: Falésia, Rocha and islands
For those who prefer endless sand, Praia da Falésia (Albufeira) and Praia da Rocha (Portimão) add up to kilometres of sand. To the east, the beaches of the Ria Formosa — Ilha de Tavira and Monte Gordo — have the warmest, calmest water in the Algarve, ideal for families.
Costa Vicentina: the wild surf beaches
For those after untouched nature, the Costa Vicentina, in the far west, is the opposite of the tourist beaches: wide sands, rugged cliffs and Atlantic swell. Praia da Arrifana and Praia do Amado (Aljezur) are among the best in the country for surfing, with schools and consistent waves almost all year round. It is a protected area (Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park), so building is limited and the landscape stays wild. To stay nearby, see the accommodation in Aljezur and Sagres.
Blue Flag: how many Algarve beaches have one?
In 2025, the Algarve totted up 85 coastal Blue Flag beaches (plus one inland), spread across 13 municipalities — the largest number in Portugal, alongside the North. Albufeira leads the country with 26 awards (25 beaches and the marina). The Blue Flag, awarded by the ABAAE, certifies the quality of the bathing water, safety, services and environmental management, and the list is reviewed every year.
Sources and references
- ABAAE — Blue Flag, 2025 awards — https://bandeiraazul.abaae.pt/galardoados/galardoados-2025/
- Algarve Portugal Tourism — Praia da Marinha — https://www.algarveportugaltourism.com/lagoa/praia-da-marinha.html
- Algarve Daily News — New rules at the Benagil Cave — https://algarvedailynews.com/news/23968-new-rules-mean-access-to-the-iconic-benagil-caves-is-limited
Original editorial article by Maré Algarve, based on official sources (ICNF, ABAAE/Blue Flag, public climate data) and on our experience of holiday rentals in the Algarve. Prices and availability vary — always check each property's page.