Best Beaches in Portimao

As they say "where you go, do as you please" and in Portuguese beaches are translated as 'praias', this is the key word to keep in mind to ensure that our things to see and do in Portimao include the best beaches in the area.

From an oasis for surfers, a promised land for cave explorers, a dream come true for dolphin spotters or a relaxing solution for a dip in the sea on the warm shores of the Atlantic, the 'praias' of Portimão are sun and sand paradises for all tastes. Don't miss the best ones! In this article you will find the definitive top so you can plan your next coastal adventure with confidence.

Carvoeiro Beach is a small stretch of fine golden sand sheltered by ochre cliffs in the popular resort town of Carvoeiro in the Algarve. Despite the town's vibrant urban atmosphere, this beach is still the hub of the town and retains much of the original charm of the fishing villages of yesteryear. Its terracotta-tiled cottages cling to the steep cliffs, forming a kind of amphitheatre that draws attention to the inlet.

At Carvoeiro Beach you can see the fishermen preparing their traditional wooden boats to sail the sea. You can also walk along its "Broadwalk", a wooden footbridge that allows you to move between the cliffs. In the middle of the way, you will see the Algar Seco, an idyllic coastal park with a large number of arches and rock formations. Also, if you want to enjoy this spectacular beach at a higher altitude, you can book your tandem skydiving experience to explore the area from a height of 4,500 metres.

At Carvoeiro Beach you won't have any trouble finding a restaurant or beach bar, showers or public toilets. Its bustling tourist centre extends right down to the beach, so you'll find a variety of services on offer. Being a blue flag beach, Carvoeiro has a seasonal lifeguard service and also has good accessibility features. This is one of the most complete beaches in the Algarve, in fact, it enters the list of the 8 best beaches in Portugal.

• Address: Estr. do Algar Sêco, 8400-512 Carvoeiro.

Undoubtedly among the best beaches in Portimao is Praia Benagil, the fixed meeting point on this coast. This small beach located in the eponymous fishing village is home to the famous Benagil cave, the most sought after excursion in the Algarve. But why an excursion?

Because, while you can reach the beach by land, the caves have no land access so the adventure begins with a walk along the seafront. But don't worry, if there's one thing that characterises tourism in the area, it's creativity. You can choose between booking a kayak tour, booking a simple trip on a traditional boat, cruises through the Benagil caves with dolphin watching, or even fun cruises on a pirate ship. You didn't expect that alternative?

The unexpected is part of the charm of this beach and its caves. Visits to "La Catedral" - another name for the Benagil caves -are breathtaking, its natural skylight taking your breath away. In addition, the walk is often combined with other points of interest such as the Alfanzina lighthouse.

• Address: CM1154, 8400 Lagoa, between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo, about 10 km east of Portimão.

Located near Lagoa, Praia da Marinha is considered one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches in the Algarve. Specifically, National Geographic describes Praia da Marinha as a stretch of sand that, dotted with ochre-streaked rock pinnacles and pine trees, looks like it has been carved by an artist. But what makes this beach special? We must say its photogenic imprint.

Playa de la Marina is located in a privileged space within the popular route of the Sete Vales Suspensos. The 11.5 kilometres of this route form an emblematic spot in the Algarve, with Marinha covering the southernmost end. Here the marine fauna seems to be concentrated. To leave without scuba diving is almost a crime. Moreover, this is the area par excellence for reef fishing experiences.

When visiting the beach, you can enjoy the sensation of being in a disorienting place, surrounded by cliffs and a vaulted grotto with a crystal clear beach inside, which makes it even more impressive. Bring your camera - don't miss it!

• Address: In Caramujeira, municipality of Lagoa, between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, in the Central Algarve.

Praia da Dona Ana is another of the representative gems of the Algarve route. It has crystal clear waters, natural rocky castles and unique lakes for a dip. This special combination has earned it a place in almost every publication on the area. The backdrop is one of the most photographic, offering a landmark setting that deserves to be admired up close.

Despite its urban beach style, this does not detract from its charm. Praia da Dona Ana is sheltered from the breeze by the sandstone cliffs on the eastern side of Ponta da Piedade, allowing it to receive the full sun of the day. The coastline of this beach is known as the Gold Coast, a tranquil space where visitors can jet-ski, hike, canoe, kayak and paddle surf.

Dona Ana Beach also has all the facilities you would expect from a Blue Flag beach. At the foot of the cliff there is a good restaurant, sun lounger hire, toilets and other amenities. Access to the beach is via a long set of wooden steps down to the sea, but you can also choose one of the best boat trips in Portimao to explore the beach from another perspective.

• Address: 8600-315 Lagos.

Praia de Tres Irmaos is an extensive cove located in Alvor. After crossing its natural stone gate, it extends in width to give happiness to its visitors.

This beach is characterised by its deep green waters, fine sand and karst formations that create a unique landscape of caves and stone arches, making it one of the best beaches in Portugal according to Traveler.

Bathers appreciate its clear waters, although be warned that they are a little cold, but fortunately this is compensated for by the mild temperatures of the area. The beach has four bays where you can walk when the tide is low.

Praia de Tres Irmaos is not to be missed if you are in Portimao and want to enjoy a unique natural landscape.

• Address: R. Praia dos Três Irmãos, 8500-001 Alvor.

Praia do Amado, on the list of the best beaches in Portimao, is a must for surfers. This place is a place of worship, a true paradise for surfers, as a large number of enthusiasts from the Peninsula gather here.

Amado Beach is noted for its resistance to the north wind and offers a variety of amenities such as beach bars and parking areas. Its renowned swell has made it one of **Europe'**s top beaches for water sports, so it's no surprise that two surf schools are located here: Algarve Surfcamp and Surf School and Funride Surf School praia do Amado.

Despite its popularity, thanks to its wide expanse, this beach never feels crowded. Capacity and space are balanced allowing visitors to enjoy the Algarve away from the hustle and bustle. The nearest village is Carrapateira, about 3 kilometres away by car.

• Address: 8670-230 carrapateira.

Praia dos Caneiros is a small beach located a few steps away from Praia do Pintadinho in Portimao. It is characterised by its connection with the islet Leixão da Gaivota, an important habitat of several birds such as silver gulls, cormorants and white herons. Another peculiarity of this beach is its geography bathed by ochre and reddish sandstone gorges.

Praia dos Caneiros belongs to the select group of blue flag beaches, which guarantees all the necessary comforts and safety aspects for visitors. It also has the Rei das Praias - The King of the Beaches - a popular restaurant that has been serving beachfront amenities since 1976. Here you can enjoy its delicious dishes, rent sun loungers, pedal boats or hire a massage service for those seeking extreme relaxation.

A fact to take into consideration is that the cliffs protect the beach from the breeze, however, it lacks a breakwater, so the sea can be quite lively at times. There are also a lot of night-time parties here. If you visit Portimao in summer, this is the must-see destination, the heart of the Algarvian Barlavento.

Praia dos Caneiros is a beautiful beach with intense turquoise colours. It is a must-see destination in Portimao and is recommended by locals and even the Telegraph.

• Address: Praia dos Caneiros, 8400-272 Ferragudo.

Praia Grande is a stunning beach located on the eastern shore of the mouth of the Arade River, just opposite Praia da Rocha and Portimão. This beach is the largest of Ferragudo's riverside beaches. It is a tourist attraction on the Algarve Coast that preserves the essence of the fishing villages of yesteryear.

At the northern end of the beach, there is a small cliff on the top of which stands the Fortaleza de São João do Arade. Originally built to protect the coast from pirates, this fortress was no longer public, but is now a private residence.

Praia Grande, known simply as Ferragudo, is a popular spot and can become very crowded during the summer months with its range of services, cafes, beach bars and the sea. The beach is relatively sheltered, which makes it quite safe for swimming and water sports such as kayaking and paddle surfing. There is also a seasonal lifeguard post and a children's playground, making it an ideal destination for families in Portimao.

• Address: R. Dr. Coelho de Carvalho 8, Ferragudo.

Praia dos Salgados is an impressive plain of sand and crystalline waters that sees the physiognomy of the great leeward beaches of the Algarve reborn. It is part of the Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, a favourite spot for migratory birds.

This beach has a huge inlet that stretches from the town to Albufeira. It is one of the secrets of the Algarve. Unlike other beaches in the area, Praia dos Salgados is backed by low sand dunes and crossed by wooden walkways to protect this important area.

• Address: one kilometre east of Armação de Pêra, in the Portimão region.

Praia de Carvalho is a small cove located at the foot of an imposing cliff and surrounded by a lush Mediterranean forest.

To reach this beach, it is necessary to go through a tunnel carved into the rock, which gives the experience a unique and exciting character. This beach is part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Route or Ruta dos Sete Vales Suspensos and is recognised as a starting point for fishing boat trips.

Praia de Carvalho is sheltered by high, eroded cliffs, creating a microclimate conducive to enjoying the sun even in winter. Its turquoise waters, dotted with foam, are breathtaking, adding an unforgettable touch to beach bathing. Diving into the waters of Praia do Carvalho is a mind-blowing experience due to its natural beauty and otherworldly geography.

• Address: R. de Algarve Clube Atlântico H15, Carvoeiro.

This is one of the best beaches in the Algarve, and from the moment you arrive, it encourages you to exercise.

The small golden sandy beach of Praia do Camilo can be reached after descending 200 steps distributed along a cliff, but at the end of the path you are rewarded with a true paradise on land and sea. In front of you are its turquoise waters and a myriad of coves that can be accessed through stone arches or by swimming.

The rugged geography of Praia do Camilo forms a natural amphitheatre of rocks that guarantees the absence of wind. It is an ideal place to relax and lie on the sand. In summer, when the beach becomes too small, it is possible to go to the next beach, Praia da Boneca, by following a small path that emerges at low tide.

• Address: 8600-315 Lagos, less than two kilometres south of the city.