DK Travel : The Algarve

The Moors called their al-Gharb the Sunset Land, and visitors have been waxing lyrical ever since. Blessed with a mild winter climate and a sunny disposition, Portugal’s playground province remains one of the most popular year-round holiday destinations in southern Europe. Lively coastal resorts spill over ribbons of golden sand in sharp contrast to the quiet villages of the hinterland, where history and tradition go hand in hand.

Folk dancers

Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

Ostensibly an elongated sand bar, Ilha de Tavira’s windward side is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts. Leeward, opposite Tavira, the sheltered beach skirts a campsite and a string of cafés and fine seafood restaurants. There are two access points to this spit. From Pedras del Rei, you can walk across a causeway or catch a ride on a miniature railway. Alternatively, regular ferry boats depart from the jetty at Quatro Águas.
Praia da Luz

A fine beach with very easy access to resort amenities, Luz can get crowded mid-season. But there’s always some room, especially towards its eastern flank.
Praia da Marinha, Benagil

Steep steps hewn into rock lead down to two compact and secluded beaches tucked below soaring cliffs. A treat for snorkellers, Marinha is served by a small café.
Praia da Oura, Albufeira

Located at the bottom of “The Strip”, this is a hugely popular beach in summer and attractive with its patches of yellow sandstone rock.
Praia da Rocha

Some of the very first holiday hotels in the Algarve sprang up here back in the 1960s, and Praia da Rocha hasn’t looked back since. Vibrant and engaging, this resort is famed for its outstanding golden beach. And at night, revellers dance till dawn in the clubs and bars that skirt the sand.
Praia da Rocha, Portimão

One of the most famous and impressive beaches in the Algarve, Praia da Rocha is one vast blanket of golden sand set against a backdrop of cliffs the colour of cinnamon. It can get very crowded in summer, but a tunnel at the western end allows access to narrower stretches of sand. At various points along Avenida Tómas Cabreira there is further access via steps, some of them steep.
Praia da São Rafael, Albufeira

With its shallow waters and soft white sand, Praia da São Rafael can fill up quickly. Its pretty bay is framed by some extraordinary rock formations, pocked by a number of caves just waiting to be investigated. It offers ideal snorkelling territory and is popular with families.

Praia da São Rafael
Praia da Vilamoura

The beach at Vilamoura enjoys an enviable location right next to the resort. Its waters are calmed by the harbour breakwater, and the place is often used as a backdrop by fashion photographers.
Praia de Burgau

One of the best locations in the area for snorkelling and diving, the beach skirts Burgau resort and is hemmed in on either side by sloping cliffs.
Praia de Cabanas

Less crowded than some of its neighbours, Cabanas’ pristine beaches lie in peaceful seclusion and are reached by continuing westwards along the shores of Praia de Manta Rota.