Best Beaches in Portimao

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

From oasis for surfers, promised land for cave explorers, the dream come true for those who like to spot dolphins or a relaxed solution to dive into 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 know 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 that sits in the popular resort town of Carvoeiro, in the Algarve. Despite the town's vibrant urban atmosphere, this beach is still the nerve center 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 amphitheater that draws attention to the inlet.

At Carvoeiro Beach you can see the fishermen preparing their traditional wooden boats to sail the sea. Also, you can cross its "Broadwalk", a wooden walkway 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 elevated to 4,500 meters.

At Carvoeiro Beach you won't have any trouble finding a restaurant or beach bar, showers or public toilets. Its bustling tourist center extends all the way to the beach, so you'll find a variety of service offerings. 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 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 stands out Praia Benagil, the fixed meeting point on this coast. This small beach located in the fishing village of the same name, is home to the famous Benagil cave, the most sought after excursion in the Algarve. But why excursion?

Because, while you can reach the beach by land, its caves have no land access, so the adventure begins with a boardwalk. But don't worry, if there is something that characterizes tourism in the area is its creativity. You can choose between booking a kayak tour, schedule a simple ride on a traditional boat, cruises through the Benagil caves with dolphin watching, or even fun cruises on a pirate ship. Didn't you expect that alternative?

The unexpected is part of the charm of this beach and its caves. Visits to "La Catedral" -another name by which the Benagil cavesare known-are breathtaking, its natural skylight takes your breath away. In addition, the walk is usually 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 of the Algarve. Specifically, National Geographic describes Praia da Marinha as a strip of sand that, dotted with pinnacles of ochre-streaked rock and pine trees, looks like it has been carved by an artist. But what makes this beach special? We must say that 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 kilometers of this route form an emblematic place of the Algarve, and Marinha covers the southernmost end. Here the marine fauna seems to be concentrated. Leaving without scuba diving is almost a crime. Besides, this is the area par excellence for reef fishing experiences.

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

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

Praia da Dona Ana is another of the representative jewels of the Algarve route. It has crystal clear waters, natural rocky castles and unique lakes for a dip. This special combination has earned its place in almost all publications in the area. The backdrop is one of the most photographic, offers a landmark that deserves to be admired closely.

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

In addition, Praia Dona Ana has all the services you would expect from a blue flag beach. At the foot of the cliff you have at your disposal a good restaurant, sun lounger rental, bathrooms and other amenities. Access to the beach is via a long set of wooden steps down to the sea, although you can also select one of the best boat trips in Portimao to explore it 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 characterized by its intense green waters, fine sand and karst formations that create a unique landscape of caves and stone arches and positions it among the best beaches in Portugal according to Traveler.

Bathers appreciate its transparent waters, but be warned that they are a bit cold, but fortunately it is compensated 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 a must 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 surf lovers. This place is a place of worship, a true paradise for surfers, so a large number of enthusiasts from the Peninsula gather here.

Amado Beach stands out 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 extension, this beach never feels crowded. The capacity and space are balanced allowing visitors to enjoy the Algarve away from the hustle and bustle. The nearest town is Carrapateira, about 3 kilometers 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 characterized 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, which guarantees all the amenities and safety aspects necessary 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, pedalos 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. Also, the night parties stand out here. If you visit Portimao in summer, this is the must-see destination, it is the heart of the Algarve's barlavento.

Praia dos Caneiros is a beautiful beach with intense turquoise colors. It is a must-see destination in Portimao 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 in front of Praia da Rocha and Portimão. This beach is the largest among the riverside beaches of Ferragudo. It is a site of tourist interest 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 place and can become very crowded during the summer months thanks to its range of services, cafes, beach bars and the sea. The beach is relatively protected, which makes it quite safe for swimming and water sports such as kayaking and paddle surfing. In addition, there is 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 rebirth of the physiognomy of the great leeward beaches in the Algarve. It is part of the Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, a favorite place 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 kilometer 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 recognized as a starting point for fishing boat excursions.

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 the moment of bathing on the beach. Diving into the waters of Praia do Carvalho represents a mind-blowing experience due to its natural beauty and its otherworldly geography.

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

It is one of the best beaches of the Algarve that from its arrival stimulates exercise.

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

The rugged geography of Praia do Camilo forms a natural amphitheater 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, following a small path that emerges at low tide.

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