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 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.

Map of the best beaches in Algarve

1. Praia de Cacela Velha – Off-grid beauty

Let’s begin with our top recommended beach furthest to the east– one that takes more effort to reach. You must 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 want to escape the crowds, 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

Praia de Cacela Velha

2. Praia do Barril – Anchors and adventures

Accessible by a miniature train or a 1km walk, through the Rio Formosa nature reserve from the village of Pedras del 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. The sea is always perfect here, a gentle sloping shore gives easy access and friendly waves for the children. If you like the spacious desert island vibe and beach combing, you can walk the pristine sands for miles

• 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

Praia do Barril

3. 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 most prominent attractions and gets busy in summer, so come early, stroll the clifftop trail, which takes you to the equally famous Caves of Benagil 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

Praia da Marinha

4. 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 have 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

Praia do Carvalho

5. 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. It is 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, 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

Praia do Camilo

6. Praia do Beliche – Local surfer’s choice 

Near 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 an excellent 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

Praia do Beliche

7. 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 Algarve for surfers and sunset lovers. After an exciting day of surfing, head into the whitewashed village above the beach. Its laidback vibes, varied restaurant options and expansive headland viewpoints make it the perfect place to enjoy an inspirational sunset.

• 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

Praia da Arrifana

8. 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 excellent conditions for paddleboarding, kayaking, and the kid's water inflatables, making this a perfect beach for all the family. A scenic beachside restaurant makes this a top choice for a full day, complete with sunset dining, fresh cool drinks, and ice cream

Bring your own board– or better yet, hire a SUP, body board or surfboard from our Siesta base, and pick up some of our free kid's beach toys to thoroughly relish all this beach has to offer.

• 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

Praia da Amoreira

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!