Our Top Four Algarve Beaches

by Graham & June Miller
(Nottingham, UK)

I have a useful collection of pictures of some of the beaches that we have visited, both in and around Carvoeiro, and further west, down towards Sagres and up the west coast.

Other than a fleeting visit to Tavira on business one day, the eastern Algarve is a part we haven't got to yet, although the flight into Faro often comes over Tavira before turning west, and the "strand" beach just offshore between Tavira and Olhao looks most inviting! It's for detailed, helpful information on "how to get there" from those who know that makes the likes of your website so useful (as well as being a good read!)

Anyway, I hope that you find the pictures and words useful, and we would be very happy to exchange more information when you have a moment. Meanwhile, congratulations to you both again for the website, and many thanks from a new subscriber and supporter!

Caneiros Beach
West of Carvoeiro, between Sesmarias and Ferragudo, at Google Earth 37° 06’ 19.05 N, 8° 30’ 51.23W

A pretty beach with easy access from the Sesmarias to Ferragudo road, approximately 4km west of Sesmarias. The turn to the beach is at the bottom of a steep dip and is signposted. Limited parking, and the beach does get busy in the summer. At mid to low tide a second beach, to the west (in the direction of the lighthouse) becomes accessible, and has been used by naturists, although I cannot say if this is the case in high summer, when both beaches get busy. 
There is also access to this second beach if the tide does come in, but it’s a 20 foot knotted rope, so unless you are an experienced rope climber, high tide is not the time to find out if you are or not!

There are café facilities and an Ice Cream cabin at the back of the beach.

Praia do Beliche, Sagres 

Between Sagres and Cabo S. Vincent, at Google Earth 37° 01’33.57N, 8° 57’49.59 W

A large, 2 part beach with hard, yellow sand and excellent surf (hence its use by surfers!) Ample parking directly off the Sagres to Cabo S. Vincent road, with steps down to the beach. The second part of the beach, to the west (towards Cabo S. Vincent lighthouse) is accessible from the main beach except at high tide. This second part of the beach is used by naturists.
 
The couple of extra miles to Cabo S. Vincent are also probably worth the trip, with a small market selling excellent value woollen ponchos for approx €25 – fashionable and great for the English winter. Not sure why the concentration on ponchos, but there are plenty to choose from!

Meia Praia, near Odiaxere

In the bay of Lagos, west of the Ria de Alvor. Google Earth 37° 07’11.36N, 8° 38’07.07W

A long, sandy beach (a mirror of the beach to the west of Alvor), backed by Palmares golf course. Access to the beach is from the centre of Odiaxere on the N 125, following the signs for “Golf”. At Palmares golf clubhouse, carry on past the clubhouse and down the hill until you come to the railway. Cross the railway at the level crossing, turn left (east) and go approximately 400 metres, alongside the Golf course, then follow the track round towards the sea, where there is suitable parking. It is a short walk through the dunes to the beach where there is plenty of space for everyone. Naturists use the east end of the beach, but it also attracts “walkers” in the dunes!


Praia da Albandeira

Between Senhora da Rocha and Praia Marinha. Google Earth 37° 05’27.54N, 8° 24’00.86 W

A small beach with a brilliant rock formation to the west, worth visiting just for the view! Access is from the N125 between Alcantarilha and Lagoa at the International School (follow the complex junction signs for “Benagil”. After approx 5 km, follow signs to left for Albandeira. It’s a very narrow road, and goes on long after you think you should have reached the beach, but you do get there eventually, and there’s lots of parking. There is a pretty scruffy café at the back of the beach – our experience suggests that to the owner “mañana” is an expression of urgency, but like the road, you get there eventually. Choice is, however, a little limited. A walk to the west reveals the impressive rock formation (NOT recommended for “tombstoning”!), and a further walk (approx 1 km) to the west reveals another sandy inlet, close by Praia da Marinha