The Algarve is known for its very popular amazing sandy beaches and was in fact awarded in 2020 the Best World Beach Destination by the World Travel Awards!
White sand, hot weather, amazing facilities, seaside restaurants with tasty food, sea sports, are just a few of what makes the Algarve beaches stunning.
But, not everyone likes the crowded popular beaches.
If you would like to discover some of the Algarve best hidden beaches, this article is for you!
Praia João de Arens, Alvor
This hidden beach sits between Portimão and Alvor.
It is a small beach between the cliffs, that owes its name to a shepherd who lived here.
To get here you may take a boat, go down the cliff or, if there is low water, you find an access through the Barranco de Canas beach.
Ilha Deserta, Faro
“Ilha Deserta” means Desert Island in Portuguese.
And it is indeed desert. Here you won’t find restaurants, toilets or beach clubs, but what you will find is one of the most idyllic sceneries of the Algarve.
Also known as Barreta Island, this sandbar off the coast of Faro has the warmest seas of the Algarve.
It is great for privacy, snorkelling, birdwatching, ocean diving, and idyllic Instagram beach photos.
Just make sure you pack the essentials before you go such as food and water.
To get there, head to Faro’s old town and jump on a speedboat or a slow ferry.
Praia do Barranquinho, Lagoa
Located in Lagoa, is one of many coves.
To get to this retreat, you’ll have to walk down an unsigned, little used path.
This beach has an odd shape because the stretch of sand between its access and the ocean is much larger than the enclosed beachfront, which also gives it an intimate ambience.
The pine trees on the cliff top, bring natural joy to the eyes of those who have ventured here. Nearby at east, there’s a cave complex.
The beach is attended by naturists and by those who prefer a quiet day.
Praia da Murração, Vila do Bispo
Also known as the ‘Jewel of the Vicentine Coast’, Murração is a beach of great natural beauty and mostly desert.
It is one of the few beaches in Algarve where vegetation extends almost all the way to the shore. Thus, the green of the landscape gets mixed with the deep blue of the ocean.
It is possible to access this beach through the EN-120 road, located in the north of Vila do Bispo, next to the wind farm.
Getting there isn’t going to be that easy: it is a dirty and windy road with some difficult sections, so it is only recommended for off-road vehicles. But definitely worth it.
Boneca Beach, Lagos
Boneca is an Oceanic Beach that belongs to Praia do Camilo Beach and has a reduced sand that gets nearly fully immersed during high tide.
Its name (meaning doll beach) comes from a woman shaped rock in front of the beach, according to the locals.
The surrounding cliff that covers all the beach and the huge islet 50 meters away from shore, provide an exceptional protection from the wind.
The access is via sea or, if one’s willing to get wet, by the Camilo beach, during low tide.
The cliffs and rock formations all around completely protect it from the wind. It is a small paradise, worth checking out.
