DK Travel : The Algarve : Outdoor

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Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos

A beautiful and intimate beach, caressed by clear waters and flanked by huge outcrops of mustard-red sandstone. Easily reached by car and public transport, and about 25 minutes’ walk from the centre of Lagos. A nearby warren of coves and hidden grottoes is ripe for exploration by boat.
Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Agua

A long, narrow beach that never gets too crowded in summer. It’s exposed to fresh south-wester-lies so draws the windsurfing set. A good option if peace and quiet are the order of the day.
Praia da Galé, Armação de Pêra

Two half-moons of smooth white sand make up this beach, interrupted by some weird outcrops of ochre-splashed sandstone.
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, 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.