For most Portuguese, holidays in the Algarve are almost an annual ritual, a natural destination for a population in love with its beaches and its Mediterranean climate, deeply connected to a region that combines all the ingredients to make the perfect summer cocktail. . The recipe is simple. take Portugal’s hottest region, add its exceptional sunshine and its Atlantic coast, mix it all up and you’ve got a beach paradise that stretches some 200km from the western tip of the Algarve, h. The border of Spain. Small rocky coves and beaches bordered by cliffs plunging into clear waters in the center of the Algarve; Large areas of fine white sand between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria de Faro or the wild coast of the Vicentine coast (west); There’s something for everyone, the choice is yours.
Ilha Deserta, an island accessible by ferry
La Ilha Deserta is the only Faroe island that, as its name suggests, is not inhabited. A wild island in its raw state, 7 km of fine sand, almost white, with almost no infrastructure. Also known as “Ilha da Barreta”, this little paradise that serves as a barrier island in the Ria Formosa Natural Park is very crowded even in summer, and for good reason; part of the country. But the effort is worth it. an almost deserted beach, warm and transparent waters and unspoiled nature await you there. As well as a unique fish and seafood restaurant, L’Estamin. Overbooking (Tel: +351 917 811 856).
To go A ferry from Faro Marina will take you to the Ilha Desert in 45 minutes (approx. 5€/person).
Ilha do Farol, a family island near Faro
This island, 30 minutes by boat from Faro, is also part of the natural barriers protecting the Ria Formosa and has a long beach that is particularly popular with Portuguese families. Which is easy to understand. what is also called “Ilha de Culatra” is a completely pedestrian haven of peace, which nevertheless has all the infrastructure (accommodation, restaurants and bars) necessary for a family holiday in a natural environment. both are flooded. The calm waters of the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean. Locals tend to gather in front of the lighthouse (farol), but walking a few hundred meters is enough to enjoy silence, fine sand and incredibly clean water.
To go A ferry from Faro Marina will take you to Ilha do Faro in 40 minutes (€5/person).
Praia da Estaquinha, Lagoa’s “secret” beach
The small cove of Estaquinha is located in Lagoa (between Faro and Lagos). And only at low tide is it possible to get there other than by swimming, crossing the small natural tunnel from the beautiful Praia de Albandeira, which has opened in the rock and separates the two beaches. These rocky coves with golden sand are small in size but little frequented even in summer. From the side of Estaquinha (which can also be reached in a few moves by turning the rock), swim under the arch of Albandeira; required. Please note: Praia de Estaquinha almost completely disappears at low tide.
How to get there? From Lago, 10 minutes from the beach, take the N125 and then the EM1154 to Valle de Engenhos. Parking is available on site.
Praia da Marinha, the icon of the region
Praia da Marinha is the least secret of the selection, but it was impossible not to mention this beach, regularly ranked among the most beautiful in Europe, if not the world. The panoramic view from the viewpoint overlooking the beach is stunning and unforgettable. cliffs planted in the ocean, steep cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, clear waters as far as the eye can see, and of course the famous “temple”, the two arches. forming an “m” carved into the rock. It is at low tide that you will best enjoy the site by walking along the cliff to the right. Very family-friendly and touristy, Praia da Marinha is, however, the least frequented of the Algarve’s most popular beaches, not least because a car is needed to get there.
How to get there? From Lago, 10 minutes, take Estrada da Marinha to Praia da Marinha. Parking is available on site.
Ponta da Piedade, for the more athletic
It’s hard to make a choice of Algarve beaches without mentioning one of these many rocky coves with turquoise waters that contain sea caves or small beaches as heavenly as they are hard to reach. Ponta da Piedad, which is far from Lagos, is one of them, but is not as “invaded” in the summer as Benagile, for example, can be. Especially since you have to go down (and then up) a long ladder that leads to sea level. From there, to enjoy the surrounding gorgeous coastline, its monumental limestone cliffs and the rock formations with its evocative nickname, you need to hire the services. a small fishing boat that will take you along the coast with swim stops. It is also possible to enjoy the same program by kayak, which we recommend from the nearby beach of Praia da Batata (guide recommended, booking at the Lagos Marina), to discover the wonders of Ponta da Piedade in complete freedom.
How to get there? From Lagos, 10 minutes, take N125 to R. Raul Brandão. Or by kayak from Praia da Batata beach, which we highly recommend.
Odeceixe, an atoll on the Alentejo border
Odeceixe beach is the most northerly of our selection, on the edge of the Alentejo. And also one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Seen from the sky, this jewel of the Vicentina coast bears a striking resemblance to an atoll due to its distinctive structure; on one side, the beach faces the Atlantic Ocean, on which strong waves often break, and on the other, the waters. It is the waters of the river Odeceixe that are perfect for small children, especially at high tide when small “lagoons” form there. This beach, located 20 minutes from Aljezur, is surrounded by a wonderful natural environment, between the shale and sandstone rocks characteristic of the region and the green estuary of the river. The Portuguese also adore it because of its very family-like character. As proof, they chose it among the 7 most beautiful beaches in the country.
How to get there? From Aljezur, 20 minutes away, take the N120 to Odeceixe.
Published August 2021, this article is being updated
Source: Le Figaro
