Algarve Beach Encyclopedia! Portimão

Here we go again along the pages of the amazing Algarve Beach Encyclopedia! This series will please your inner beach lover, offering you an overview of the beaches and highlighting the few spots you just can't miss. This entry of the series will focus on one of the preferred districts when planning to enjoy the sunny coastline of Algarve: the lovely Portimão!

The beaches of Portimão are among the first ones we will think about if the topic is the Algarve summer. Tourism thrives around its coastline, and with good reason! In this district you can find some of the most beautiful beaches of the region, with large and imposing cliffs and islets populating the clear pool-like seas, ample sandstrips under the sun and hidden coves that marvel the passer-by. If you must choose only one part of Algarve to visit, Portimão has to be it!

Praia do Alvor Nascente

You will also hear it called Praia dos Três Irmãos. This lovely beach is the easternmost part of the larger Praia do Alvor, where hotels, resorts and lodgings abound. It is a peaceful sandstrip with occasional rock formations that add to the beautiful Algarve coastline, made of tall cliffs and clear waters.

Praia do Alvor Poente

Estrada da Barca 9, 8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia do Alvor Nascente

Aldeamento Prainha Club S17, 8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia do Caniço / Prainha

Aldeamento Prainha Club A11, 8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia de João de Arens

The one-of-a-kind Praia de João de Arens is the right place to be if you are looking for an untouched beach of incredible natural beauty and you do not mind that there is no supervision. The usual corroded cliffs here form pillars, caves and arches, above the always clear-green waters. Its small sandstrip is perfect for a more reserved atmosphere. This is one of the pearls of Algarve!

Praia do Valentim de Carvalho

8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia do Submarino

8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia de João de Arens

8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia do Vau

The lovely Praia do Vau sits at the much sought-after coastal front of Portimão. It offers everything you look for in a great summer destination beach: clear calm waters, a long sandstrip, easy access to the road and town, and many entertainment and restaurant options around. Because this beach is a favourite, it can become a bit crowded, but that might only add to the summer vibe you are looking for!

Praia de Boião

8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia do Barranco das Canas

8500 Alvor, Portugal

Praia do Vau

EM531, 8500 Portimão, Portugal

Praia da Rocha

This is one of the symbols of Algarve. The famous Praia da Rocha has a huge sandstrip with room for several beach bars along the shore, a dedicated beach sports area (where some tournaments are held) and all the summer lovers around! Along its extension there is also a seaside walkway with many restaurants, bars and clubs, making this an animated location all day and all night. This is the go-to spot for the Algarve summer visitor!

Praia dos Careanos, Portimão

Portimão, Portugal

Praia dos Três Castelos, Portimão

R. da Falésia Praia da Rocha, 8500-802 Portimão, Portugal

Praia da Rocha, Portimão

Av. Tomás Cabreira 5, 8500-802 Portimão, Portugal

Praia da Marina de Portimão

Estrada Marina 280, 8500 Portimão, Portugal

Portimão has all of these great spots worth discovering, but if these are not enough for the beach lover in you, check out these other options: to the west sit the Lagos marvels, you can also find great spots in Lagoa, and discover summer classics in Faro and Olhão.

Enjoy your visit along the coast of southern Portugal with the help of this encyclopedia on the great beaches of Algarve, and don't forget to take your time to really appreciate the things you see!