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If you still haven’t decided where to go on vacation this summer and if you crave sun, beautiful beaches, kite-surfing, and skydiving, then Portugal is definitely the place for you. The Algarve is a region in the southern part of Portugal and it is well known for its golden beaches and hidden gems. Delicious food, excellent wines, and welcoming people can be found in every part of the Algarve and to make your vacation even more exciting, here is a list of the five most beautiful beaches in Algarve that you simply have to visit while staying in Portugal.
Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo is probably one of the most beautiful and most popular beaches in Algarve and all of Portugal. It is located near Lagos, which is also a very popular destination for tourists. This beach consists of two smaller beaches connected with a tunnel, but they are not easily reachable at all. To get to this destination, you will have to descend down long wooden stairs, which can be a pretty complicated thing for the elderly or less mobile people, but it is definitely worth the effort. The sea here is unbelievably clear, which makes it a perfect spot for snorkeling. And, in case you get hungry, you can always visit the O Camilo restaurant on top of the cliff, an establishment that actually gave the beach its name.
Praia de Rocha
Being one of the Algarve’s first resorts, Praia de Rocha is the main beach of the largest city in the western part of this region called Portimão. Rock formations that surround the beach have always been the main attraction for tourists. Even the name Praia de Rocha literally translates to rocky beach. This beach is almost always crowded with families, especially in the summertime. Praia de Rocha is perfect for those who enjoy water sports. Behind this resort, there is a lively boulevard perfect for sightseeing with lots of restaurants and cafes.
Praia da Marinha
If you’re looking for an exotic beach that will make you feel like you’re completely disconnected from reality, then Praia da Marinha is the best choice for you. It can also be found on quite a few lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With its bluish crystal clear water, soft golden sand, and orangey limestone cliffs, this beach represents a literal escape from your everyday stresses. The contrast between the golden sand and azure water will surely leave you breathless.
Ilha Desertia
Not too far from Faro, Algarve’s capital city, there is an island called Ilha Desertia, sometimes referred to as Ilha da Barreta. The name of this island literally means deserted island, which perfectly describes it. This is the only uninhabited island in Portugal, with nothing but a small restaurant called Estaminé. It’s worth mentioning that this restaurant’s kitchen runs on nothing but solar power. This quiet beach has white sand that stretches for almost 7 kilometers and is perfect for those who want to see unspoiled nature and secluded parts of this country. This beach is only reachable by boat and the trip lasts up to a half an hour.
Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana is another of the beautiful beaches in Algarve, located not far from Lagos. It is most popular for its breathtaking view of limestone rocks that rise up from the crystal clear water. Combined with sparkly golden sand and cliffs that are covered with vegetation, it’s no wonder this beach is a must-see amongst other attractions in Portugal. Just like Praia do Camilo, to reach this beach, you must descend down a long stairway. Some might find this exhausting, but the magnificent view while walking down to the beach is worth every penny.
