The most beautiful beaches in the west of the Algarve

Written on : 17 January 2022
By : Leah Psaromatis

The magnificent Algarve in the south of Portugal is bursting with rich cultures, delicious gastronomy, charming towns, but most of all, spectacular and unique beaches. When visiting the west of the Algarve, you will find numerous impressive beaches in striking landscapes that make them so special. Whether you want a relaxing day on the beach, scenic views, or a day spent surfing the waves, read on to discover the most beautiful beaches in the west of the Algarve.

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Praia de Odeceixe, Aljezur : Among the 7 wonders of Portugal

One cannot list the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve without mentioning the Praia de Odeceixe, elected among the seven wonders of Portugal. The village of Odeceixe seduces visitors with its prevailing charm, white buildings and cobbled streets, and the beach with the same name looks like a fairytale. Located at the mouth of the river Seixe, Praia de Odeceixe seems straight out of a movie set. Surrounded by cliffs, trees and shrubs, this beach is wild and extremely well preserved. Between a river and the Atlantic Ocean, the Praia de Odeceixe offers the choice between swimming in the sea or river. In this sense, it is ideal for a family excursion. If you like watersports, you can even go boating or canoeing on the Seixe River, not far from Odeceixe.

Praia de Marinha, Lagoa : A blissful natural beauty

In a secluded corner of nature, Praia da Marinha is still wild. Often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this beach is located near Lagoa, a city known for its efforts to protect the environment. With its picturesque cliffs, this beach amazes visitors with its natural beauty. Before descending to swim in the clear waters, we recommend stopping to admire the view of the imposing rocks and the natural tunnels. It is also an opportunity to take beautiful travel photos! Be careful however, this beach is more and more popular with tourists, especially in summer. Make the most of Praia da Marinha in the off season or put down your beach towel in the early morning to be sure to enjoy this magical place.

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Praia da Cordoama, Vila do Bispo : A haven of peace

Located in Vila do Bispo, around a 15-minute drive from Sagres, you will find the beautiful sandy beach of Praia da Cordoama. The tall cliffs, along with the turquoise sea and golden sand will definitely make this beach memorable to you, especially if you decide to take a surf or bodyboard class which happen frequently here. You will find all the amenities you will need here, including restaurants, bathrooms and organised parking. Despite Praia da Cordoama being very popular for surfers, it is always possible to find some tranquility somewhere along the magnificent beach if you are looking for a more relaxing day.

Praia de Porto Mós, Lagos : A jewel in the heart of the city of Lagos

Lying in an open valley, this beach is framed by impressingly high cliffs, with a view point on the top of the western cliff known as the Atalaia Viewpoint. From here, you can get an incredible view of the scenic coastline all the way to Sagres. Despite Praia de Porto Mós being located very close to the city of Lagos, you can still find quiet spots along the beach, particularly at the far ends. Considering its proximity to the city, there are ample restaurants, recreational activities and more closeby.

Praia da Bordeira, Carrapateira : A surfers paradise

In the municipality of Aljezur, not far from the charming village of Carrapateira, is Praia da Bordeira. With its bordering jagged cliffs, this beach is one of the largest and most beautiful in the Algarve, and a haven of peace in summer. Natural and tranquil, Praia da Bordeira delights with its warm coloured limestone cliffs, offering scenic views of the landscape. The beach is also a fantastic spot for all watersports enthusiasts. The large beach is exposed to the sea winds, which makes it a place that is sought out by all those who practice surfing, paddle boarding and bodyboarding. At this beach, a small river also forms a beautiful lagoon where your children can play safely. The easiest way to access Praia da Bordeira is by parking on the clifftop, and following the walkway leading down to the sand.

Praia do Canavial, Lagos : A hidden gem

Nestled between cliffs right next to Praia de Porto Mos, this beach is small and isolated, making it the ideal place to be for a peaceful and relaxing swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters. It is accessible only via a winding path that runs along the clifftop where you can explore the landscape and curious vegetation that grows in the wild nature, as well as get a good glimpse of the view from above - you may want to wear some sturdy shoes for this though. Considering the beach is quite small, we recommend you visit when there is a low tide in order to maintain a safe distance from the cliffs incase of rockfalls. There are no services or restaurants on the beach, however you will find anything you need nearby in the town of Lagos.

From idyllic beaches for surfers, to tranquil beaches for a relaxing family beach day, and ones with striking scenery, the beaches in the west of the Algarve promise not to disappoint. Use our guide to visit all the top beaches in the Algarve that guarantee you won’t miss out on the must-see natural beauty the region has to offer!

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