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The beach of Praia de Albandeira lies roughly midway between the resorts of Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. It is set in a part of the Algarve coast that is home to many little coves and bays etched into the yellow limestone cliffs. All these beaches are home to the same crystal-clear water, golden sand and wonderful (and sometimes weird) rock formations.However, each beach has its own character too. As a bonus, despite being located between resorts, much of this coast has not suffered from...
Just around the small headland of Ponta do Altar from Praia do Pintadinho is the little cove of Praia dos Caneiros. Backed by the high ochre sandstone cliffs that are so associated with this section of the Algarve coast. Around 100 metres off the northern end of the beach is the Leixão da Gaivota ("Seagull's Leap") - a steep sided islet which is home to various bird species including white herons, silver gulls and white-faced...
Praia Pintadinho sits just beyond the mouth of the River Arada and is largely outside of the shelter from the breakwaters that protect Portimão. Whilst the sea may be slightly more lively than Ferragudo's other riverside beaches Praia Pintadinho still benefits from the same perfect golden sand along with the added bonus of a Blue Flag award.
This popular beach has plenty of facilities for a family day at the beach including a restaurant and sunbed hire. There is also a seasonal...
Tucked around the corner, but only around a kilometre, form Praia da Rocha and Portimão is yet another fantastic Algarve beach, Praia da Vau. Like its neighbours, the beach here is a swathe of golden sand backed by ocre coloured cliffs. Praia da Vau is a little more sheltered than Praia da Rocha with the cliffs to the west blocking most of the wind. Along the lengthy stretch of sand the cliffs form several distinct coves which almost have the feel of separate beaches at higher tides.
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Separated from neighbouring Praia da Vau by a small headland at all but low tide the sheltered cove of the Praia do Alemão is an Algarvian delight. Also known as the Praia do Barranco das Canas the name Praia do Alemão (meaning German's beach) comes from the fact that the first house built here belonged to a German family.
This is a typical Algarve beach in the sense it is backed by ochre coloured cliffs, has fine...
For those of you who are staying in the somewhat hectic resort of Albufeira, Praia da Gale offers a welcome respite. Located to the west of Albufeira, the beach runs around the bay of Armacao de Pera to a quiet, unassuming town that boasts just a few cafes and restaurants and a supermarket.
The beach itself is easily accessible. There are no cliffs and steep steps to negotiate just the occasional ramp to help you across the dunes....
The beach of Três Irmãos is located at the eastern end of a huge stretch of sand which makes up Alvor beach. This end of the beach is home to some fantastical rock formations and it is from some of these that the beach gets its name. Translated, "Três Irmãos" means "three brothers" and this refers to three sea stacks that run across the beach.
Various other wind and wave worn rocky outcrops divide the beach here into further little sandy bays each with their own rock arches, caves and...
Set around a kilometre east of the resort of Armação de Pêra is the Praia dos Salgados. It is really just one section of a massive crescent of beach that stretches from the resort, halfway to Albufeira.
Unlike the coast further east, towards Albufeira, with its cliffs and rock formations, Praia dos Salgados is backed by low sand dunes. These are criss-crossed with wooden boardwalks to keep this important conservation area intact.
Beyond the sand dunes lies the Salgados Lagoon...
Just 8km west of Portimao, one of the largest towns in the Algarve, and within walking distance of Praia da Rocha's pumping late night party scene, Alvor with its huge sandy beach offers a relatively peaceful and calm alternative.
The historic Alvor was a sleepily attractive whitewashed fishing village until tourism began to take hold in the 1960s. The development...
Praia do Evaristo is far enough outside of the resort madness of Albufeira to retain an air of charm and remain civilised even in the summer! Backed by low, sloping ochre cliffs this pleasant sandy beach is dotted with large rock formations which are great for exploring and give it a slightly cosy feel.
As a Blue Flag beach you can be sure of clean water and a good standard of amenities. Praia do Evaristo has a lifeguard service during the summer months along with lounger, parasol and...
Silves is an attractive town with a rich history built on the banks of the River Arade. The river was navigable in historical times and represented an important link between the hinterland and the coast. The town, which is...