The Algarve boasts 100 miles of dramatic coastline with magnificent golden sand beaches and tidy rugged coves. The beaches are clean and unpolluted and have already received a record number of EEC 'Blue Flag' awards for beach and sea cleanliness. Most beaches feature at least one bar or restaurant, usually an ideal setting to sample the excellent seafood. Also the larger beaches have a wide range of water sports. All the beaches in the Algarve are available to the public and without charge although a small fee may be made for the use of sun beds, parasols, etc.

Some of the main beaches do have lifeguards and some use the safety flag system as listed below: Red Flag - Bathing forbidden Yellow Flag - Bathing with caution Green Flag - Safe to swim The flag system does not operate on all beaches and usually only between June 1st and September 30th. Overall safety advice is to take care at sea especially when there is a strong wind.

This beach is protected from the Atlantic waves by a sea wall and is one of the best beaches for wind surfing.
If you continue along the cliffs you come to the more isolated beaches of Praia da Pintadinho, Praia dos Caneiros and Praia dos Torrados.

One of the Algarve's most famous cosmopolitan beaches. It is a large sandy beach and has a tunnel leading to several smaller and more secluded beaches from the easterly section. With car parking nearby and excellent facilities such as a range of bars/restaurants, deep-sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing it is an ideal family beach.

A highly recommended beach which offers swimming from rocks and sand. Parking may be a problem but the views from the honey colored cliffs are certainly worth it. There is windsurfing, occasional boat trips and a beach bar.

This is a beautiful cove with golden sand situated at the end of a long single track road. It is usually very quiet, mainly used by the local Portuguese at week-ends. It has a café and lunches are available.
The water is mostly calm and clear and is ideal for swimming.
This is one of our favourites!