Freemaps
Things to Do:
Beaches
 
Warning: Do not leave personal items unattended on the beach or in parking lots.

FREEMAPS' Favorite Beaches!!!:

In and Around Alvor:
 Alvor Beach - One of our favourite beaches in the Algarve . Over 2.5 kilometres of golden beach, with some first class beach restaurants. Even in the summer it is possible to find a quiet corner. At one end are the rocky outcrops of Prainha beach, with the caves to explore at low tide, and at the other the dunes and river break between Alvor Beach and Meia Prai beach. All types of water sports and beach activities can be found here as well as beach beds to rent. It is still has idyllically quiet parts.Within a stones throw of the lovely of village of Alvor ( a 10 minute walk) with many fabulous restaurants and shops to spend the rest of the day. Idyllically quiet from October to March. Like paradise. On Alvor map.



Prainha Beach - Seen from above this is one of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve, you will encounter many postcards of this view. It is actually reached through the Prainha Holiday Complex, (going down the winding stairs to the beach) or by walking eastward (as you face the water walk as far as you can to the left) as you can go along the Alvor Beach. A fascinating myriad of hollowed out rock formations and little eddies of tide pools. Kids love to explore this beach. On Alvor map.

Meia Praia -

Often this beach is only found by the Portuguese, since there are no signs. Drive to the middle of this beach where it is practically uninhabited (except in the very, very high season). The water is usually calm and beautiful here. This is great for families, as there are huge spaces for kids to run around and have fun, but be a bit careful as there are no lifeguards on duty except in the peak season. It is almost like being alone on a desert island.

Plenty of parking in lots along the roadside... There are lots of typical beach restaurants, at either end of the beach.

Easy to get to via the public road through the Palmares Golf Club, or through the road past the old railway station. Best avoided in July and August when there can be lines to drive out of the beach between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. As an alternative way back, you can take the public road back to the 125 highway through the Palmares Golf Club to avoid the traffic. This road through Palmares Golf involves a lovely picturesque 10 minute country drive and comes out at the 125 road, at the small village of Odiexe . On Lagos map.


 

In and Around Albufeira:
Forte sao Joao beach - Also known as the Monica Isabel beach because of the overlooking hotel. This beach is situated in the centre of Albuferia, walking distance to the strip and the Old town. It is a lengthy beach ideal for long walks or jogging along the front. The beach has several restaurants overlooking the sea where you can choose from a light snack or a daily fresh fish. There is also beds and umbrellas to hire for the day which is a good idea if you have children or you just want to get out of the hot summer sun. As well, there is a life guard on duty. Even though the beach is very popular with the locals and tourists alike, you will always find room on this beach. On Albufeira Old Town Map.

 
St. Eulalia Beach - On the outskirts of Albuferia; on the road to Olhas da Agua. This beach is very clean and well-managed. There is parking space right out front which makes it much easier if you have children! You can hire sunbeds on the beach and umbrellas. There is a restaurant serving snacks all day and it has a large sunny terrace if you just want to enjoy the view. This beach is great for taking long peaceful walks along the front to Olhas Da Agua. This is a popular beach so it is always better to get there early in the summer time to get the best spot. On Albufeira Old Town map.

 In and Around Armacao de Pera:

Gale Beach

- One of the great ‘almost undiscovered’ beaches of the Algarve . In the summer quite busy but not overcrowded. You can go to the wooden beach bar restaurants (full service) which are very friendly, to see Joao or Jose, for a coffee, snack , icecream or full grilled fish meal! . You can walk all the way to Armação de Pera beach from here, about 7 kilometers, and quite a few people do this exercise on a regular basis. Cool rocky coves at the end of the beach. Sun bed hire plus lots more. The FREEMAP will tell you all about the equipment available. Great in the winter to take the dogs on long runs, (officially not allowed, bring water, poop and scoop please!) really long and great huge waves in the winter) Off season, after September the beach is almost deserted. Again paradise fo for the walker or beachcomber! Parking is not bad even in the summer.



 
Family Friendly Beaches:

Ilha de Tavira- The most popular sandspit beach with some fourteen kilometres of soft sands that attract families and a young crowd. There are two access points to the beach. From Pedras del Rei, you can walk across a causeway or catch a ride on a minature railway. Alternatively, regular ferry boats depart from the jetty at Quatro Aguas.

Praia dos Barcos - Known as the Fisherman's beach, this hugely popular tract of sand is best known for its colourful fishing boats stationed at one end. Right in front of the town's old quarter, the beach is reached through the tunnel next to the tourist information office. On Albufeira Old Town map.

Praia da Rocha- One of the most famous and impressive beaches in the Algarve, this beach is a vast blanket of golden sand set against a spectacular backdrop of cinnamon coloured cliffs. Very crowded in the summer, it is a beach to see and be seen. Yummy cafes and restaurants line the top of the cliffs, offering a wide variety of gastronomy options for every type of traveller. On Praia da Rocha map.


Secluded Beaches:

Praia da Marinha- Topped by a delightful coastal path, this is one of the least visited of the cliff-backed coves in Central Algarve. Benagil. Just outside of Carvoeiro. On Carvoeiro map.

Praia da Odeceixe- This is a spectacular setting, up in the Northwest corner of the Algarve. Its sheltered, crescent-shaped beach is just a short drive from Odeceixe and even in the summer it is wonderfully uncrowded.

Watersports & Activities Beaches:

Sagres- Plenty of soft sands offering water sports are to be found around the Western town of Sagres.

Praia do Armado- One of the Portugal's premier surfing venues and its surf school enjoys international reputation. Sitting well off the beaten track, this beach also attracts families and the rock pool at low tide is often of special interest to children. Carrapateira.

Praia do Figueira- This beach is popular with youngsters and windsurfers. There are also excellent dive sites nearby such as Boco do Rio to the East. The beach lies right in front of the village of Salema.

Spectacular Beaches:

Praia de Dona Ana- Perhaps the most photographed of the Algarve's beaches, this distinctive cove with its rock pillars and caves is best visited out of season. Easily reached by car and public transportation, about 25 minutes walk from the centre of Lagos. On Lagos map.

Praia de Sao Rafael- This highly picturesque cove beach is studded with sandstone pillars. It offers ideal snorkelling territory and is often also popular with families. On Albufeira Montechoro map.


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