Cacela Velha Beach, Ria Formosa” by Xabier Cañas, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Marvellous beaches Algarve
Nina
Ocean Camper CEO
Ocean Camper CEO
The south of Portugal — Algarve & southern Alentejo — offers Europe’s highest density of marvelous beaches: golden limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and wild Atlantic dunes.
With an Ocean Camper van 🚐, you can wake up near the ocean (using legal stops), start early to beat the crowds, and launch a SUP board 🏄♂️ on calm mornings.
This guide reveals the best beaches — plus smart tips on tides, parking, winds, safety, and sustainable travel 🌍.
Tides: Small coves vanish at high tide (e.g., Camilo). Check Faro tide times and go early for calmer water & easier parking.
Wind & Swell: Breezy? Pick cliff-sheltered coves like Albandeira or Carvalho. Surf day? Choose west coast gems like Amado.
Facilities vs Wild: Comfort seekers love Praia de Faro and Arrifes where you find restaurants, WC and SUP/surf rentals; nature lovers prefer beaches like Boca do Rio with no facilities.
Access: Some beaches require stairs or tunnels — wear proper shoes.
Safety Flags: Follow Portugal’s beach flag system and look for Blue Flag beaches for lifeguards and accessibility.A pristine sandbank in the Ria Formosa Natural Park — turquoise lagoon, white sand, and a sleepy fishing village.
Great for: families 
, photography 
, calm swimming 
.
Access: walk or take small boats at low tide.
Map here
Cacela Velha Beach, Ria Formosa” by Xabier Cañas, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
5 km of golden sand between the ocean and lagoon — cafés, WCs, and a small campsite nearby.
Perfect for: long walks 
, sunsets 
, beginner surf 
. Map here
Praia de Faro – wonky beach hut (13376409864).jpg” by muffinn, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Mini-coves framed by cliffs — ideal for SUP, snorkeling 🤿 and sunrise shots.
Grab your gear from our surfboard rentals in the Algarve.
Arrive early — parking is tight in summer.
📍Arrifes • Coelha • Galé
Praia da Coelha Algarve (36441782193).jpg” by ian_woodhead1, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Praia da Albandeira-CTH.jpg” by CTHOE, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Benagil Cave glows with sunlight through its skylight.
⚠️ Access only via guided tours — self-paddling is not permitted.
📍Map here
Reached through a cliff tunnel, this hidden cove is pure adventure.
Fun fact: locals call it “the secret beach.”
Great for: cliff-jumping (carefully!), snorkeling, and couples 🧡.
📍 Map here
Photo “Praia do Carvalho – Lagoa (113906418)” by Vitor Oliveira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
A golden bay ideal for SUP and kayak tours — paddle towards Alvor’s caves 
. This is a beautiful beach with cliffs and a perfect starting point for a SUP tour. Paddle to the right side to see all the caves and cliffs of Alvor. Also, it is a famous area for hiking, with a hidden unknown beach Praia do Submarino, also accessible by walk.
Map here
Ponta da Piedade is one of the crown jewels of the Algarve 🌅 — a spectacular area of towering cliffs, arches, grottoes, and crystal-clear water near Lagos. It’s famous for SUP, kayaking, and snorkeling, especially at sunrise or during calm mornings. Start your paddle from Praia do Camilo and head right to explore the hidden coves, or join a boat tour from Lagos to admire the dramatic rock formations and sea caves.
Praia da Boca do Rio is a wild and peaceful beach in the western Algarve, ideal for meditation, photography, or a quiet escape. Surrounded by cliffs and coastal vegetation, this medium-sized bay features hiking trails on both sides with stunning ocean views — a true hidden gem of the Algarve.
Fun: A long time ago it was a small Roman village where rice was cultivated. You can explore the Roman ruins still today 
.
Map here
Praia do Amado is a surfer’s heaven on the west coast of the Algarve 🏄♂️ — a large beach famous for consistent waves all year round. You’ll find surf schools, board rentals, a snack bar, and WC facilities right on the beach. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming — everyone’s learning, laughing, and enjoying the surf together.
Check the daily swell at Windguru.
Map here
Photo “Ponta da Piedade 2010.jpg” by Filipe Rocha, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Where river meets the sea — Praia da Amoreira is a beautiful, wide beach framed by sand dunes and a shallow lagoon on the left side. It’s well-known for surfing 
, while the calm lagoon is perfect for a relaxing swim when the Atlantic feels too cold or wild. A great spot for families , paddleboarding, and sunset walks.
Map here
Photo “Praia da Amoreira – Portugal (25472128565).jpg” by Vitor Oliveira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Praia do Vale dos Homens
Remote and peaceful, Praia do Vale dos Homens is a large west-coast beach reached by a long wooden staircase 
that winds down through the cliffs.
Bring snacks, water, and your camera. This wild spot usually has few visitors, offering plenty of space and tranquility surrounded by untouched nature.
Map here
Photo “Praia de Vale dos Homens – Portugal (39164927464).jpg” by Vitor Oliveira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Praia das Adegas is one of the few official naturist beaches in Portugal 🧘♀️.
Located in a small cove right beside Praia de Odeceixe, it’s a quiet, intimate beach surrounded by high cliffs that protect it from the wind. The golden sand and tranquil setting make it ideal for those seeking peace and privacy — especially during low tide, when the beach reveals its full beauty.
📍 Map here
Photo “Praia de Vale dos Homens – Portugal (39164927464).jpg” by Vitor Oliveira, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Named after Portugal’s fado legend Amália Rodrigues 🎤, this hidden paradise is reached by a relaxed but slightly challenging hiking path. Praia da Amália is a quiet, wild beach, surrounded by untouched nature, featuring a small waterfall cascading onto the sand — right in front of the house where the famous singer once spent her holidays.
📍 Map here
Photo “Praia da Amália (2830877117).jpg” by Tiago J. G. Fernandes, licensed under CC BY 3.0.
When the coast is windy or crowded, head inland for calm freshwater bliss 💧.
Perfect for SUP, picnics, and birdwatching 🐦.
Plan your next trip with Ocean Camper Algarve — rent a campervan, surfboard, or SUP and wake up next to the ocean.
📅 What is the best month to visit Algarve beaches?
May–October. June and September balance warm water and fewer crowds.
🏕️ Can I camp directly on the beach?
No. Overnighting is banned on beaches/dunes. Use legal camper stops.
🚤 Is it legal to enter Benagil Cave by myself?
No — only via authorized tours for safety and conservation.
👨👩👧 Which beaches are best for families?
Cacela Velha, Praia de Faro, and Amoreira (river lagoon) are ideal.
🏄 Where can I find calmer water for SUP?
Morning sessions in Albandeira or Carvalho; inland Funcho Lake or Santa Clara on windy days.
Best places to make SUP in Algarve! Caves, rivers and lakes. Rent our boards and paddle where other tourists can’t go.
A map with all the best places to visit in Portugal: Surf beaches, SUP & snorkel sports and campsites.
How to go from the airport to Faro city center or Praia de Faro? Bus time schedule. Best restaurants in Faro.