The 8 Best Beaches in Algarve, Portugal

Golden cliffs, turquoise waters, secret coves—if you’re chasing the perfect beach escape, the Algarve is a natural wonderland that has it all. This sun-drenched slice of southern Portugal is tailor-made for a campervan adventure.

Whether you’re looking for sunbathing, cliffside hikes, or the best swells to surf, here’s our pick of the best beaches in the Algarve, all easily reachable from our Siesta Campers Faro base.

Pack your sunnies and sunscreen in a fully-equipped van and hit the road—your beachy road trip awaits.

1. Praia da Marinha – Postcard perfection

Possibly the most iconic Algarve beach, Praia da Marinha is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and natural rock arches.

It’s one of the Algarve’s biggest attractions and gets busy in summer months, so come early, stroll the clifftop trail for jaw-dropping views, and snap some stunning pics. 

• Sand: Fine golden
• Water: Crystal clear, great for snorkelling
• Vibe: Couples, families, hikers, photographers
• Facilities: Seasonal snack kiosk, toilets
• Lifeguard: Yes (summer only)
• Camper tip: Free cliff-top car park—it’s small, so get there early

2. Praia do Camilo – Tiny cove, big charm

Just outside of Lagos, this tucked-away beach is reached via a long wooden staircase—and it’s worth every step. Praia do Camilo is a tiny cove framed by orange cliffs and calm, clear waters. Ideal for a peaceful morning swim. The beach is small so families may find it difficult to find room in the busier seasons – but if you want to kick back and relax then you can’t go wrong with this Algarve beach.

• Sand: Soft and golden
• Water: Clear and calm
• Vibe: Couples, early risers
• Facilities: Small cliff-top restaurant
• Lifeguard: Yes (seasonal)
• Camper tip: Limited parking—arrive early

3. Praia da Amoreira – Surfer’s delight

If you’re heading north to the Aljezur region in your camper, don’t miss out on Praia da Amoreira. This Algarve beach is a haven for surfers, bodyboarders, and wild beach lovers. The river flowing directly into the sea creates great conditions for kayaking and a cool mix of salt and freshwater swimming. 

Bring your surf board– or better yet, hire one from our Faro base before you go and avoid the extra luggage costs. 

• Sand: Dunes and tidal pools
• Water: Clean and fresh
• Vibe: Surfers, families, wild campers
• Facilities: Café, toilets
• Lifeguard: Yes (summer)
• Camper tip: Free, spacious car park ideal for campervans

4. Praia do Barril – Anchors and adventures

Accessible by a miniature train or a 1km walk from the village of Pedras d’el Rei, Praia do Barril is one of the most unique Algarve beaches. A former tuna fishing village, this beach is home to the “anchor cemetery,” a hauntingly beautiful row of old rusted anchors embedded in the dunes. There’s plenty of space to spread out, making it ideal for families.

• Sand: Wide and flat
• Water: Calm, clear
• Vibe: Families, walkers, photographers
• Facilities: Restaurants, toilets, shops, €1.50 train
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Camper tip: Large parking space near the train stop

5. Praia da Arrifana – Epic surf and sunsets

Backed by a dramatic headland and facing west into the Atlantic, Praia da Arrifana is one of the best beaches in the Algarve for surfers and sunset lovers. After an exciting day of surfing, head into the whitewashed village above the beach. With its laid-back vibes and great seafood restaurants, you can enjoy a perfect dinner before watching the beautiful sunset from the comfort of your camper.

• Sand: Dark and soft
• Water: Powerful, great for surfing
• Vibe: Surfers, hikers, young travellers
• Facilities: Surf schools, cafés, toilets
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Camper tip: Park in the village and walk down

6. Praia do Carvalho – Tunnel to paradise

One of the most magical Algarve beaches, this hidden gem is accessed through a tunnel carved into the cliff. Praia do Carvalho feels like stepping into a secret—perfect for a quiet swim or some adventurous cliff jumping (if you're confident). No cafés or kiosks here, but your camper's fridge and built-in shower has you covered.

• Sand: Golden in a sheltered cove
• Water: Clear, good for snorkelling
• Vibe: Adventurous swimmers, cliff jumpers
• Facilities: None
• Lifeguard: Occasionally
• Camper tip: Small dirt car park—pack light

7. Praia de Cacela Velha – Off-grid beauty

This beach takes a little bit more effort to reach. You’ll need to wade across a lagoon (check the tides) or hop on a boat to reach this remote beach. Once you arrive at Praia de Cacela Velha, it’s all about soft sand, seclusion, and a stunning view of a historic hilltop village. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, then this Algarve beach is for you. 

• Sand: Golden
• Water: Shallow, relatively warm
• Vibe: Nature lovers, off-grid campers
• Facilities: None
• Lifeguard: No
• Camper tip: Park in the village or at the boat shuttle point

8. Praia do Beliche – Local surfer’s choice 

Close to Cabo de São Vicente, Praia do Beliche is a small, chilled-out cove with reliable waves and a loyal surf following. This Algarve beach is a great mix of wild and accessible with a stunning sunset view. Despite being close to tourist spots, this stretch of coast can be fairly quiet, with the western side being listed as an unofficial nude beach.

• Sand: Golden with great surf breaks
• Water: Wavy and fresh
• Vibe: Surfers, backpackers, sunset chasers
• Facilities: Seasonal beach bar, toilets
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Camper tip: Clifftop parking, take the stairs to the beach

Algarve Water Temperatures by Month

When to dive in—and when to perhaps just tip your toes or brave a cold plunge. 

• January: 16°C/60.8°F – Cold! Wetsuit recommended
• February: 15.8°C/60.4°F – Coldest! Wetsuit recommended
• March: 16.2°C/61.2°F – Chilly
• April: 17.4°C/63.3°F – Cool
• May: 18.5°C/65.3°F – Getting there and warming up
• June: 20.2°C/68.4°F – Yes please, great for swimming
• July: 21.5°C/70.7°F – Peak season and perfect 
• August: 22.4°C/62.3°F – Dreamy
• September: 21.9°C/71.4°F – Still warm and less crowded
• October: 20.2°C/68.4°F – Swimmable
• November: 18.2°C/64.8°F – Brisk dips only
• December: 16.7°C/62.1°F – Cold again
  

Ready to chase the sun?

The Algarve’s beaches are as diverse as the region itself—whether you're into wild coastlines, family-friendly sands, or off-the-beaten-path gems, there's something for everyone. And with a fully-equipped Siesta camper as your home on wheels, you’ve got the freedom to explore them all at your own pace.

Book your camper from our Siesta Campers base in Faro or a different location and hit the road to make some memories!