Praia da Falésia
A 5 mile wide open stretch of beautiful golden sand, directly in front of Pine Cliffs Resort. With a backdrop of red and sand coloured cliffs topped by lush green pines, it’s an all-round beach for lounging in the sun, a swim, watersports, family-fun, or a delightful walk.
Divided into two beaches – Falésia Açoteias and Falésia Alfamar, towards the east, you can also walk to the western end – Praia Barranco das Belharucas, and at low tide continue further to Olhos de Água.
Awarded the Blue Flag several years running, Falésia Beach is also listed as one of Portugal’s best beaches for water quality by the Praias Douradas (Golden Quality) organisation.
For thrill-seekers, a variety of watersports are available during summer season, from banana boat rides and tube rides to water-ski, SUP, surf & windsurf lessons, and jet-ski hire.
Restaurants and toilets, access from Pine Cliffs by glass elevator and boardwalk, lifeguards May to October.
Praia dos Olhos de Água
My favourite beach for young families. Within the picturesque fishing village of Olhos de Água, with a lovely palm tree-lined promenade.
You can still see the fishermen at work hauling in their catch and mending their nets at the eastern end of the beach. Olhos de Água is translated to ‘the eyes of the water’, the name given to the freshwater springs in the sand – these are among an outcrop of rocks that can be seen at low tide.
These tidal pools are very popular with small children, great paddling in the shallow water and exploring pockets of water around the rocks. You can also find limpets, topshells, barnacles, sea anemones and brightly coloured seaweed.
The beach has cafés and restaurants, toilet, disabled access facilities, and lifeguards from May to October.
Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach) and Peneco
One of the Algarve’s most popular urban beaches, in front of Old Town Albufeira and sheltered by steep cliffs. Access by escalator, lift and/or tunnel, lead you down to a spacious sandy beach with shops, restaurants and cafés, various watersports options and a water playground.
A good choice for evening entertainment as Albufeira is well known for its lively bars, clubs and open-air cafés.
Cafés and restaurants, toilet, and lifeguards from May to October.
Praia de São Rafael
There are 2 beaches of this name, the other only accessible by boat (unless you’re the Milk Tray Man) so we opt for this one due to much easier access and the facilities available.
East of Albufeira, approaching Galé, this large sandy beach is incredibly picturesque with its rocky formations sculpted by the sea – most of which are named. We particularly like the Ponte Pequena (small bridge) and Ninho das Andorinhas (swallows’ nest) rocks.
A fabulous spot for snorkelling with a diverse variety of marine life around the submerged rocks.
Access by wooden steps or wooden ramp, restaurant and toilets, lifeguards from May to October.
Praia da Galé
To the west of Albufeira, Praia da Galé is divided into two sections – the eastern end is backed by a wooded area and is where you’ll find the caves and rock formations, and plenty of rockpools to explore. If you prefer a more expansive stretch of beach, wander west to the wide open space, extending to a natural dune landscape behind. This southwest facing beach is one of the south coast spots that attracts swell, so surfing lessons are available when conditions bring waves.
Good access – easier to the east, restaurants and toilets, lifeguards from May to October.
Praia de Vilamoura
This long sandy beach is close to the town and one of the most popular tourist beaches with families; pedal boats and kayaks, and a great variety of eateries are available. It’s also a very popular spot for evening entertainment; with lively beach bars filling up from late afternoon and dancing continuing well into the night/next morning.
Wheelchair access, toilets, restaurants, and lifeguards from May to October.
Pine Cliffs Apartment
Experience luxury and leisure at Pine Cliffs Apartment, our modern, spacious one bedroom accommodation within the award-winning 5-star beachfront Pine Cliffs Resort.
With access to all resort facilities, including spa, golf, tennis, heated indoor and outdoor pools, gym and wellness centre, Pine Cliffs Apartment is the ideal getaway for golf in the sun, a stroll on the beach, pool relaxation, spa indulgence, a romantic escape or family-friendly fun.