Welcome to the stunning Algarve region of Portugal, where impressive cliffs meet breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters. With over 150km of coastline, Algarve is a true paradise for beach and nature lovers! In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through 10 of the most beautiful places in the Algarve. Whether you're planning a trip to Portugal or just looking for some travel inspiration, we guarantee that these stunning locations will leave you breathless. So, grab your sunscreen and let's explore the hidden gems and must-see places of the Algarve!
Overview
Praia Da Parinha & Praia Dos Tres Irmaos
- 37° 07′ N, 08° 34′ W
Praia dos Três Irmãos is a wide and specious beach with a beautiful feature. You can see these unique rock formations, called the “Three Brothers” rising out of the water. Surrounded by cliffs and with a backdrop of lush greenery, Praia dos Três Irmãos is a picturesque spot, that’s perfect for a day of relaxation.
Right next to Praia dos Tres Irmaos, you find Praia da Prainha. It is a secluded beach, tucked away between beautiful rock formations and cliffs.. This idyllic beach is a hidden gem, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and natural doors in the cliffs. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset, like we did. To our opinion Praia da Prainha was the most beautiful beach in the whole of the Algarve.
Praia Da Bordeira
- 37° 11′ N, 08° 54′ W
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Praia Da Marinha
- 37° 05′ N, 08° 24′ W
Tip!
Praia da Marinha is the start or ending point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Praia Da Albandeira
- 37° 05′ N, 08° 23′ W
Praia da Albandeira is a picturesque and secluded beach with some beautiful rocky cliffs. Typical for this beach is this one rock formation in the middle, dividing the beach in two. A stairs is built on top of this rock to access both sides.
Although Praia da Albandeira may be a bit off the beaten path, it’s well worth the journey for those seeking a quiet and idyllic beach getaway. It is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and explore some sea caves and rock formations. At low tide, you might be able to walk through a little passage in the rocks, from where you’ll get a breathtaking view of Arco da Albandeira.
Arco De Albandeira
- 37° 05′ N, 08° 24′ W
If you are looking for an impressive rock formation, Arco de Albandeira is the place to be. This impressive arch-shaped rock formation is located next to Praia da Albandeira and was created over thousands of years of erosion by the sea and wind. It stands tall and proud, surrounded by the endless blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Arco de Albandeira is a popular spot for sightseeing and photography, as it provides a breathtaking backdrop for any photo. If you’re visiting Praia da Albandeira, be sure to take some time to visit this stunning natural wonder.
Ponta Da Piedade
- 37° 04′ N, 08° 40′ E
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Benagil Cave
- 37° 05' N, 08° 25' W
If you like caves, how about sea caves? The Benagil Cave is a stunning sea cave, famous for its unique dome-shaped ceiling and its location directly on the beach. There is a large hole in the ceiling, through which a large beam of light shines in. At the right time of day, the beam of light shines straight at a rock in the cave, creating this picture perfect scenery. You can also stand on top of the cave and look inside through the hole.
There’s a small beach inside but the access to the cave is filled with water, so you can not enter the cave by foot. The only way to get inside the cave is by swimming, taking a a boat tour or rent a kayak or SUP. We do not recommend swimming because the current can be unpredictable and the sea too rough, making it too dangerous to swim.
Practical - Kayak Rental
Most rental companies charge € 15 per person for 1,5 hrs.
Most of the rental companies start renting from 08:00 or 08:30 to 17:30 (last rental).
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Boneca's Cave
- 37° 05′ N, 08° 27′ W
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Yellow Submarine Rock
- 37° 05' N, 08° 23' W
Ria Formosa - Ludo's Hiking Trail
- 37° 00′ N, 07° 59′ W
The Ludo Trail is a hidden gem in Faro, that promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts!
This trail will take you through the unique landscape of Ria Formosa and along salt marshes, lagoons and sand dunes.
As you hike along the well-marked paths, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Keep an eye out because, if you are lucky, you might be able to spot some incredible wildlife like frogs, tortoise, crabs and even chameleons.
One of the highlights of the Ludo Trail is the opportunity to observe flamingos in the shallow waters.
Extra: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
- 37° 05′ N, 08° 24′ W
The Seven Hanging Valley Trail is a beautiful hike along the stunning coastline of Portugal’s Algarve region. This trail is a true treasure for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, offering awe-inspiring views, rugged cliffs, impressive sinkholes and azure blue seas.
The trail is 5,7km long (linear) and takes you along a series of seven picturesque hanging valleys. These valleys are characterized by steep cliffs that drop dramatically into the turquoise waters below. If the whole trail is too long for you, you can easily do just a part of the hike.
The path is well-marked, but also offers some challenging sections that require careful footing and a sense of adventure.
The best part: This trail takes you along 3 of the above mentioned places
- Praia da Marinha
- Benagil Cave
- Boneca’s Cave
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- Last updated July 26, 2023
