You might adore the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s busiest, most vibrant and lively beaches, packed with happy holidaymakers, noisy and fun. Or you may prefer something a bit more laid back and relaxed, with fewer crowds and more space to soak up the magnificent coastal views. In this post we take a hike around seven of Portugal’s secluded beaches, each a glittering jewel set on the world-class Algarve coastline. Let’s explore.
Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
Perfect when you want to experience laid-back beach days in a truly stunning setting, you’ll find Praia da Marinha on Portugal’s rugged Atlantic coast a stone’s throw from the lively city of Lagoa. There’s an excellent golden sandy beach surrounded by the region’s typical honey coloured cliffs, the star of many an inspiring holiday snap, along with magnificent rock archways and stacks eroded over millennia by the winds and waves.
A star of many a TV ad across the world, the sand is only accessible via steep steps. This in itself keeps a lot of people away. At high tide there’s just a slim strip of sand to lounge on but low tides reveal more remote sandy beach treats to discover along the coast. Just be careful not to get trapped by the tide when the waters rise. Like many of the area’s beaches there are boat trips on offer to explore nearby caves and grottoes, a safer way to have adventures than risking getting cut off by the incoming tide.
- Absolutely stunning scenery with striking limestone rock formations
- A Blue Flag beach thanks to its cleanliness and high environmental standards
- Part of the Algarve Coast protected area with rich marine biodiversity and pristine beauty
- Named after the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Marina, which no longer exists
- Loved for excellent water sports and water activities
Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos
Gorgeous Praia da Dona Ana is also on the Algarve coast, this time close enough to the town of Lagos for rock ‘n’ roll. Surrounded by towering cliffs and with some striking rock formations set out to sea, perfect for Instagram, you can walk there from the town in just 20 minutes. Once you get there you have a dizzying footpath and steep steps to follow down the cliff, not for the faint hearted but offering magnificent views every step of the way. A haven for sunbathers, swimmers and snorkellers, there’s even a sweet little bar selling drinks and snacks. Visit the beach off-season for true seclusion, or make your way there at sunset or sunrise for an even more magical experience.
- Rich in varied marine life
- Surrounded by stunning golden cliffs
- Ideal for photography
- Difficult enough to access to keep it quieter than many beaches in the area
Praia do Beliche, Vila do Bispo
Another Algarve legend, this time on the southern Algarve, Praia do Beliche delivers lots of drama with its gorgeous sweep of golden sand, attractive cliff backdrop and lush green surroundings, nestled between rocky arms sweeping out to sea and perched on the country’s most western tip. The pretty town of Sagres is on the doorstep, a treat in itself.
A beach offering many faces, the flat area with shallow waters is loved by families and little kids because it’s so safe. There’s great swimming and also excellent snorkel experiences to enjoy, along with exciting sea caves to wander around in. Away from the flat sandy area the sea gets more lively, creating big swells good enough for surfing. And there’s a little nudist area as well, which puts enough people off to keep the beach relatively quiet!
Like so many of Portugal’s best beaches you’ll need to navigate steep steps to reach the sands. Once you’re there you’ll find a neat little beach eatery serving food and drinks so there’s no need to leave the beach for refreshments.
- Unusually secluded for such a popular region
- Incredible clifftop views of the Atlantic ocean
- Strong winds, big waves, and popular with surfers
- Near the ancient Fortaleza de Beliche 16th-century fortress
- Perfect for watching a wide variety of exciting sea birds
- Part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park protected region of natural beauty
- In a wider area that’s brilliant for hikers
Praia do Carvalho, Lagoa
As you can probably tell by now, the Lagoa region is one of the best places for coastal seclusion and quiet days lounging next to the sea. Take Praia do Carvalho, yet another Algarve beach delivering an escape from the worst of the holiday crowds. The huge cliffs all around the beach mean the wind is kept away and the waters are nice and calm, perfect for top quality swimming.
Yes you guessed it – like so many beaches here, access is via a steep flight of steps actually cut into the cliff side. Then you go through a spooky tunnel cut through the solid rock to reach the sands. No wonder this amazing beach is more or less deserted off-season and attracts relatively few people even in the height of summer.
- One of the Algarve’s most secluded beaches
- Adventurous access through a cool tunnel, a well-loved part of the experience
- Great for swimming and snorkelling
- Stunning rock formations to blow your mind
Praia da Senhora da Rocha, Lagoa
Because Praia da Senhora da Rocha sits between towering cliffs it’s another beach where the fierce winds don’t reach, keeping the water nice and calm. Perfect for a swim, it’s also known for exciting boat excursions to see the many dramatic grottoes and sea caves. Look west to see the lovely Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha with views so good you’ll be unable to resist taking a string of photos.
A beach with plenty of cool facilities nearby, it comes with parking, places to eat and a variety of water sports. Unusually for the cliff-lined dramatic coast, it is also wheelchair accessible. Crowded in the height of summer, it calms right down outside the season to give you the peace and calm you crave.
- Once a sanctuary for local fishing boats
- Look west to see the tunnel carved through the promontory, linking Praia da Senhora da Rocha with Praia Nova
- Deep, warm waters to swim in
- Surrounded by fragrant juniper and wild olive trees
- Plenty of rustic appeal
- Great for nature lovers and bird watchers
Carvoeiro Beach, Lagoa
Carvoeiro Beach is actually in Lagoa town centre, set between dramatic sandy cliffs of golden rock. As the town’s main beach, loved by locals, it’s a popular choice with visitors because it’s just so handy. Spring and autumn are the best times for a secluded experience, when the loos, showers, snack hut, bars, restaurants, jet ski hire and pedalo hire are a lot less mobbed. If you like, try your hand at diving with the help of one of the diving schools. It comes with calm seas and, unlike many Algarve beaches, it doesn’t have the steep steps that typify beach access here. It’s even wheelchair accessible.
- The picturesque village of Carvoeiro sits in the background
- Walk the Carvoeiro Boardwalk and visit Algar Seco caves
- Close to legendary Benagil Cave with boat trips to book
- Saunter along the breathtaking Carvoeiro boardwalk for a scenic treat
- Lovely views of the whitewashed fisherman’s houses and colourful local fishing boats
Praia do Paraiso, Lagoa
Another piece of spectacular Algarve beach eye-candy, Praia do Paraiso is also handy for Lagoa, just along the cost from the main Carvoeiro beach. This laid back little cove is yours via a long flight of steps that makes its way down the high cliffs to the cliff-surrounded sands. There’s a small car park and no facilities, which helps keep it calmer and less crowded.
- Relatively hidden, relatively unknown, no lifeguards
- Incredible sunset views
- Famously clean, clear waters
- Rock pools to potter about in at low tide
- Caves to discover
- Most of the sand disappears under the water at high tide, but people happily sunbathe on the rocks
That’s just seven of a zillion beautiful beaches along the Algarve coast, some packed solid with merrymakers and others as quiet as it gets. Which will you visit on your Portugal day trips?
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