The closest beach is Praia da Luz in Luz. By car it is just a 5 minutes drive and you could even walk along the beautiful fishermen´s trail within 30 minutes.

The beach itself is a lovely stretch of fine sand which gently slopes into the usually calm sea. This not only makes it a safe place for families with children but makes the water feel a little warmer close to shore. In addition there is a lifeguard service during the summer.

As a popular resort there are no shortage of facilities here with a good choice of cafes and restaurants lining the sea front. During the summer months there is plenty going on, in and out of the water. It can actually get a little on the busy side but when the tide is out there is always a quieter spot further up the beach. This section of the beach has more rocks so is ideal for snorkelling, or rockpooling when the tide is out.

To the east the beach is dominated by high cliffs which culminate in Rocha Negra - the "Black Rock". This section of cliff stands out from the neighbouring sandstone and is formed of basalt which was deposited by an ancient volcano in Monchique 150 million years ago.

A little further along the coast to the west, next to the fort, is a much smaller (and quieter) beach. This little beach (Prainha da Luz) is quite sheltered and is great to swim and snorkel off the rocks at high tide.

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Lagos

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Meia Praia is the biggest beach of Lagos. It stretches for about 4,5 kilometres, which makes it great for long beach walks. Due to its size, you will always be able to find a spot. It is located not far from the town of Lagos. From the beach you also have a great view over the town.

 

Praia da Batata is the closest beach to the town of Lagos. It is relatively small, compared to Meia Praia or Dona Ana. Due to the proximity to the town, the beach is usually quite crowded. There are also a number of water sports that you can enjoy here, like kayaking.

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Praia da Dona Ana is also a famous beach in Lagos. It appears on a lot of photographs of the Algarve, especially in the past. It used to be a relatively small beach, but in 2015 the municipality performed a beach reconstruction to enlarge the beach. While the beach is indeed bigger nowadays, some people say that the beach lost the charm it once had. Still, the beach is visited by many people and offers nice views.

 

Praia de Porto do Mós is a big beach, located between the centre of Lagos and Praia da Luz. The beach is more than a kilometre long. It is backed by impressive cliffs and is known for its good waves. Praia de Porto de Mós is the best beach for surfing in Lagos. It is a great place to escape the crowds of the town beaches of Lagos, while still being quite close to the town.

 

Praia do Camilo is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area of Lagos. It is backed by stunning rock formations and the water is crystal clear. The water is also very calm, which makes it perfect for swimming. This beach is a real paradise. Access is via a long stairs. The only downside of visiting this beach is that you also have to go back up the stairs again.

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Heading West (Burgau-Sagres)

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Praia do Burgau is a beach near the village of Burgau. It is a popular destination in the summer months. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and the village of Burgau is built into them. This gives the beach its stunning scenery. 

 

Praia das Cabanas Velhas is a hidden beach west of Burgau. Because of its remote location, there are relatively few visitors. It is usually pretty quiet on this beach. Furthermore, there are many small rocks on the beach, both on the sand and in the water. Great to visit if you would like to find some peace and quiet. 

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Praia da Salema is a popular beach near Budens. Its most unique feature is the presence of several dinosaur footprints which are very well preserved. In addition, it is a great beach to relax. 

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Praia das Furnas is an unofficial nude beach. The beach is small and frankly quite hard to reach. If you love nature or would like to tan everywhere, this is a great place to be. 

 

Praia do Zavial is a large beach near Raposeira. The beach is mainly popular among surfers, and a favourite among local surf schools. In addition, the scenery around the beach is fabulous, making it a beach well worth visiting. 

 

Praia da Ingrina is a small beach next to Zavial. The beach is relatively quiet, because of its secluded location. It is a great spot to enjoy the Algarve. Behind the beach there is a restaurant with a fabulous view over the beach. 

 

Praia do Beliche is surrounded by huge cliffs and has a remote feel. The scenery here is really beautiful. It is one of the most popular beaches in Sagres for surfing. Still, the beach is less crowded than many other beaches. Its wild and remote feeling makes this beach a true gem. That makes it worth climbing the numerouse stairs :)

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Westcoast

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Praia da Cordoama is a stunning beach, surrounded by several big black cliffs. It is one of the longest beaches on the west coast of the Algarve. The beach is very popular among surfers.

 

Praia do Castelejo is a wonderful beach just south of Praia da Cordoama. The beach is surrounded by imposing black rock formations and has big waves. Praia do Castelejo is mostly popular among surfers. 

 

Praia do Amado is an amazing beach surrounded by a stunning scenery. The waves on this beach are big and consistent, which makes this beach one of the most popular beaches for surfing in the Algarve.

 

Praia da Arrifana is a long and narrow beach near Aljezur. The beach lies in a small bay and is surrounded by stunning scenery. It attracts many surfers, due to the great surf conditions on this beach.

 

Praia da Bordeira is one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast. It is very big, both in length and width. The beach is actually the longest beach in the municipality of Aljezur. The combination of a stunning beach, a remote location and wild nature make this beach a true gem.

 

Praia de Monte Clérigo is located right next to the small village of Monte Clérigo, which has many colourful houses. This gives the beach its character. You can also find some restaurants in the village. Furthermore, you can find some rock pools on the beach, making this a popular destination among local families. The beach is also popular among surfers.

 

Praia de Odeceixe is perhaps the most famous beach in the northwest of the Algarve. The beach has the shape of a horseshoe and is surrounded by a river, Ribeira de Seixa. You can either swim in the sea or in the river.

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What to do:

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Hiking

What many people still don't know: The Algarve is a true hiker's paradise.

Especially in spring and autumn, conditions are ideal for unforgettable nature experiences.

Casa Canavial is located directly on the long-distance hiking trail Rota Vicentina and the Fishermen's Trail. Numerous versatile coastal walks with spectacular views start right on the doorstep. The walks lead along one of the most beautiful and best-preserved coasts in Europe.

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Towards east you will find the "Seven Hanging Valleys Trail", it is a not-to-miss hike in the Algarve. This 6-kilometer route is known for its breathtaking scenery. lt offers spectacular views of the rugged coast, limestone cliffs, picturesque beaches, and natural caves.

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The Serra de Monchique is only a few minutes away by car. A perfect hiking area! It is known for its lush vegetation and richness of species. From the peaks of Fóia and Picota you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Algarve landscape from above. 

 

Mountainbiking

It is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the low season, to explore the region by mountain bike.

The Serra de Monchique is a great area for trail biking. The mountains offer many routes for all tastes and abilities. You alternate between lush green eucalyptus forest, flowering meadows with gnarled cork oaks, along the flanks of gorges and through orange groves.

But also along the coast you will find numerous trails along the cliffs with spectacular views, varied terrain and beautiful spots for an extended break on the beach.

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Bike rental and guided tours: Algarve Sports Land or BicaBikes in Luz

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Watersports

At the top of the list of sporting activities is, of course, surfing. It is possible all year round and both beginners and professionals will find a spot with the ideal conditions. Numerous surf schools offer courses and rent equipment all year round. 

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But even beyond surfing, it's never boring at the seaside. For example, how about paddling through the caves on a SUP at sunrise or discovering the secret beaches in a canoe? There are also great offers for kitesurfers, anglers and divers. If you've always wanted to see dolphins in the wild, you're sure to find what you're looking for on a guided boat tour.

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Recommendation: Salty Wave Surf School, The Surf Experience - TSE, Amado Surf Camp, Nowhere2far - Sunrise SUP Tours, Bom Dia Boat Trips

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Kids Activities

Parque Aventura - high rope courses

Zoo Lagos

Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos - Science museum for kids

Slide & Splash, Aqualand Algarve - Waterparks

Aquashow Indoor Waterpark

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Charming Villages

Ferragudo - Ferragudo is a traditional fishing village with whitewashed cottages, flowers, hillside streets, and cute boats.

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Olhão - traditional Portuguese fishing village, famous for its large fish market and busy harbor. It is a great place to mix with locals and enjoy fresh seafood.

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Aljezur - is a small market town divided into halves. The first half is dominated by the ruins of its hilltop Moorish Castle from which there are exceptional views over the surrounding countryside.

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Silves - Silves is a charming Algarvian town rich in history and influenced by both Roman and Moorish cultures. An impressive red brick castle from the Moorish era dominates the city. It is the largest and best-preserved castle in the Algarve.