Some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the entire world are to be found in the Algarve. Hardly surprising then that the region is a favourite for sun-seekers from all over. They come in search of the natural heritage that is now managed in a sustainable fashion, in order to provide quality recreational facilities able to meet all kinds of requirements. There are beaches to suit every taste with the majority having gained due recognition in the form of the EU "Blue Flag" for quality standards.

Along its 200-kilometre coastline, the Algarve features all types of coves, cliffs and caves, its rocky beaches contrasting with broad expanses of sand. Different types of beach, but all bathed in the calm, warm seawaters of this coastline.
Equally attractive is the Algarve's mild climate all year round. From Odeceixe all the way to Vila Real de Santo António, the entire coast enjoys a Mediterranean-style microclimate with temperatures that vary from 15º C in winter through to 30º C in summer.

The beaches of the Algarve thus represent the ideal choice for some truly invigorating holidays! Viewed from the sea, the coast is a series of brightly coloured cliffs, strangely shaped outcrops and caves, whose almost unreal beauty is set off by the clarity of the waters. Between the rocks long stretches of sand alternate with tiny coves that can only be reached by boat.

Quality, safety and respect for nature are quintessential criteria in the classification of Algarve beaches. Sometimes it’s not enough just to have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. They also have to be cared for in a way that enables all those using them to enjoy them to the full. This is why, along the hundreds of kilometres of sand that make up the Algarve coastline, there are beaches to suit every taste, displaying all the hallmarks of great quality. Proof of this is provided not only by the 48 blue flags that have been awarded to beaches all along the coast, guaranteeing that they have fulfilled a number of strict environmental and safety standards, but also by the 83 beaches that have been given the Gold Quality award. This award is attributed to seawater that over the last five years has been classified by the Portuguese Water Institute as good, in accordance with both national and Community legislation.

These awards are a way of rewarding the special efforts that have been made to implement good infrastructures and strict rules for maintaining natural quality, as is the case, for example, with the investment made in the Clean Beaches project. This project has been extended to cover 133 beaches, corresponding to an area of roughly 10 million square metres of sand.

The Algarve’s beaches are therefore clear proof of the fact that it is possible to live in close communion with nature, provided that this is carried out in a sustained manner.

Angrinha and Praia Grande
Two beaches separated by the Fort of São João de Arade. 5 and 10 walking minutes from Ferragudo Casa. On Angrinha beach there are facilities for windsurfing and canoeing.

Pintadinho
A small beach where the water is calm.

Caneiros
Situated between cliffs of great beauty. Opposite, the colourful rock of Leixão das Gaivotas. Very tranquil.

Mato
Little visited. Access difficult.

Carvoeiro
The charm of a fishermen's beach and a small bay with crystal clear water. A cosmopolitan tourist centre. Boats can be hired to visit caves and isolated beaches.

Vale de Centeanes
Scenic location between rocks and cliffs. Good conditions for surfing.

Benagil
Charming beach next to a pretty fishing village. It is possible to hire boats to get to isolated beaches.

Carvalho
Stretch of sand between ochre cliffs. Peaceful. Tourist facilities.

Marinha, Barranquinho, Albandeira and Barranco
A series of small beaches which can be reached along the coast by way of rocks and natural tunnels. Little visited and quiet.

Praia Nova and Nossa Senhora da Rocha
Two beaches separated by the spur of rock on which stands the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha... but connected by a tunnel. It is possible to hire boats to explore the coast or get to isolated beaches.

Cova Redonda
Small and charming beach between cliffs. Tourist facilities.