Beach Days - A blog for Boavista Resort

Find which are our top ten beaches to explore from Boavista Resort

The Algarve was nominated as the best beach destination in Europe and the best sustainable tourist destination in Europe in 2023. Famous for its beautiful golden beaches, stunning rock formations and clean water, if you visit Boavista, you will be keen to discover the best seascapes to explore.

In 2023, the Algarve flew 85 blue flags on its beaches, demonstrating the success of a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility measures that are met and maintained, along with the work of Agúas do Algarve's advanced water treatment technology.

Lagos has three beaches with a blue flag: Meia Praia, Porto de Mós and Praia da Luz. We know that these are the beaches most people staying on Boavista will visit regularly. So we set ourselves the challenge of finding out which are the top-rated beaches a little further away but within an hour's drive of the resort. We hope this will allow you to discover the best locations to add to your itinerary to ensure you discover more of the Algarve's hidden treasures.

Most Popular Algarve Beaches

To help us compile a 'Boavista Top Ten' list of beaches to discover, we referred to a survey from Holidu, the booking portal for holiday homes. After extensive research into social media data, they have revealed the most popular Portuguese beaches on social media. We also consulted Lonely Planet for their top recommendations and Trip Advisor reviews, along with our own personal experience to compile our list.

The problem is where to start. You can choose between tiny coves hidden below sandstone cliffs, long western-facing oceanfronts pounded by waves, or long golden beaches boarded by sand dunes and sparkling water. You'll find kid-friendly beaches with rockpools, romantic spots to watch the magnificent sunsets, and remote getaways far from the madding crowds.

Whether you're a sunbather, a surfer, an explorer or a nature lover, this list will suit all tastes. So put on your flip-flops, grab your sunscreen, and pack a beach towel while we take you on a tour of the best of the Algarve's seaside bounty.

Boavista's Beaches

And the Boavista awards for the best beaches to visit from the resort, go to….

Praia Dona Ana

Ranked three on Trip Advisor, this is one of the most picturesque beaches in Lagos due to its limestone cliffs with arches, stacks, and crystal blue waters. The curious rock formations carved out over millions of years by the sea and weather create a magical atmosphere. These rocks block the wind, creating calm waters that are good for families with young children. They also make it a dramatic place to watch the sunset.

You can observe many sea birds perched on rocky outcrops, while the caves, sea arches and blow holes provide exciting features to explore. In the summer months, the sea can take on a tropical greenish hue, making it a picturesque beach to photograph. Take note that in peak months, the beach can become very crowded and the steps down are steep. If you can't make it down, you can enjoy the view from a cliff-top viewpoint, but if you do take on the climb, a beach bar will provide you with well-earned refreshments.

Praia do Camilho

Nestled between towering golden cliffs, this secluded beach is a hidden paradise. Praia Camilo is actually two small beaches connected by a narrow, damp tunnel that was dug out by hand. It's a hidden gem that attracts beach enthusiasts with its breathtaking beauty. It ranks at number two on the Holidu survey with 41,138 Instagram Hashtags and 2200,000 TikTok Views.

A steep staircase of 200 wooden steps down to a sheltered, sandy cove surrounded by imposing rock formations, Praia do Camilo offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity that enchants visitors, while the dramatic rock formations and sea caves nearby add an element of adventure for explorers.

The open-air seating area on the cliff-top affords a fabulous panoramic view over the ocean and a sweeping perspective of the coastline. The rocky ledges of the cliff, inaccessible to predators, attract countless sea birds, and you will often see great cormorants, herring gulls and black-headed gulls. Ranked five on Trip Advisor and 9th on Lonely Planet's best beaches in Portugal, this is a great place for sunset photos and to dine at the Camilo restaurant overlooking the sea.

Praia da Odeceixe

Ranked the 2nd best beach in Portugal on Lonely Planet and in the Holidu poll, ranked 14th with 5,455 Instagram hashtags and 7,292 TikTok views. More noteworthy, however, is that it was awarded the accolade of one of the 7-wonders - Beaches of Portugal initiative, which is voted for by the general public.

A magical setting, it is approached through the charming whitewashed village of Odeceixe, following a river along a pretty valley until you reach the wide stretch of beach, which is boarded on one side by a river and on the other by a cliff which can be climbed to reach a number of cafés and restaurants. It is a blue flag beach and is large enough never to feel crowded.

The beach attracts surfers, but the river greatly appeals to young visitors, especially when the tide is flowing and the river acts as a giant river ride where you can jump on an inflatable and be washed at great speed along the current.

The view from the top of the town over the beach is truly a sight to behold, while the river offers a stunning vista and is a great spot to SUP at high tide.

Praia da Rocha

 Portimão's Praia da Rocha is a magnificent sandy beach extending over 1.2km. With 118,596 hashtags on Instagram and over 3.7 million views on TikTok, it is a major tourist attraction suitable for those looking for a bit more action.

Afro Nation in June and Rolling Loud in July are beach festivals that attract thousands of people to the beachfront to see renowned artists such as 50 Cent, Burna Boy, Travis Scott, and Meek Mill.

Its golden sand and crystal-clear waters ranked it number one on the Holidu social media survey. When there is not a festival pumping out music to the delight of the international jet-set, it offers a serene and picturesque setting for sunbathers. Dramatic cliffs and rock formations frame the beach, adding a touch of natural beauty to its charm. On the eastern edge of the beach stands the Fort of Santa Catarina, a 17th-century fortress which was built to defend the mouth of the Arade River.

The Marina complex and the trendy No Solo Àgua add a touch of glamour to the beach. Navibordo is an inflatable water park where you can swim out to enjoy the obstacles and the adrenaline rush of jumping off into the sea. Praia da Rocha has something for everyone and is around 30 km from Boavista.

Praia da Marinha

Ranked third in terms of social media posts, Praia da Marinha is known for its impressive rocks and caves, which can be explored by boat or by snorkelling in the vibrant marine ecosystem. The pristine beauty of the beach and its tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal place to sunbathe, swim or simply admire the stunning scenery. Praia da Marinha is a true testament to Portugal's coastal allure, captivating visitors with its natural wonders and serene atmosphere.

Lonely Planet ranks it at number two as one of the best beaches with photogenic limestone rock stacks produced by erosion. Their orangey-brown colours make them perfect for photography enthusiasts, but they also provide a spectacular backdrop for beachside lounging at any time.

Praia da Marinha is located 8km southeast of Lagoa, where millennia of stormy seas and beating rain have created unique pinnacles, crevasses and caves. With this awe-inspiring backdrop, it is no surprise that it regularly ranks among the best beaches in Europe.

Praia dos Salgados

With 6,068 Instagram hashtags & 335,000 TikTok views and ranked fifth in the Holidu ranking is Praia dos Salgados. With its long stretch of sand, it stands out from the rest of Albufeira's beaches for its diversity of landscapes. This is because it's not the cliffs that form the backdrop but a series of golden dunes. Trip Advisor ranks it at 19 due to its selection of beach bars and attractive dunes.

Nature takes centre stage at Praia da Salgadas, with stunning cliffs towering on either side of the beach, providing a breathtaking backdrop against the azure waters of the Atlantic. The undisturbed landscape, dotted with rugged rocks and lush greenery, perfectly displays the raw, untouched beauty of the Algarve coastline. The rolling dunes and native flora add a touch of wild charm to this paradise.

Beyond the dunes is the Salgados Lagoon, a point of passage for many migratory birds, where protected birds such as the reddish egret, the purple wren, the purple wren and the redshank nest in the reeds. The beach is known for its remarkable birdlife, attracting a wide variety of species. Nature lovers can witness graceful seagulls soaring above, elegant storks hunting for fish, and even rare sightings of flamingos near the lagoon.

Praia da Arrifana

Located 10km southwest of the town of Aljezur, the dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs and horse shoe-shaped beach languishing in front of the national park is a sight that will delight you. The beach offers consistent rolling waves that attract both beginner and experienced surf enthusiasts and there are surf schools in the vicinity that offer lessons and equipment rental.

After enjoying the waves, you can retreat to the restaurant O Paulo, which offers breathtaking vistas – especially around sunset and is a must-do for fish connoisseurs.

Nature lovers will appreciate Arrifana's unique ecosystem, as it is part of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This protected status means that the beach is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, including rare birds and unique plant species. The surrounding cliffs and rock formations also provide a dramatic backdrop, creating a truly scenic coastal location.

It was ranked th by Lonely Planet and 9th by Holidu with 6,328 Instagram hashtage and 37,500 TikTok views.

Praia da Amoreira

The river meets the sea at Praia da Amoreira, providing a location that is sure to enchant you. The wide beach is backed by acres of dunes that stretch off into the distance like a desert while the Ribeira de Aljezur winds its way to the beach, spectacularly meeting the crashing waves.

Children can safely swim in the gently flowing waters of the river, while thrill-seekers can go surfing or bodyboarding in the Atlantic. The beach continues along the river, so you can explore this haven for herons, kingfishers and even otters on foot, on a SUP, or dinghy. You can access the beach from the southern end, or if you are adventurous, you can wade across the river from the Monte Clerigo side.

It is ranked 13 by Holidu with 5,190 Instagram hashtags and 10,600 TikTok views and 8th by Lonely Planet, it is a genuinely breathtaking beach. The Taberna do Gabriel at the top of the cliff on the Monte Clerigo road offers, in our opinion, one of the best beach vistas in the Algarve to be enjoyed while eating some fresh fish or local wine.

Praia da Bordeira

A true slice of paradise nestled in the southwestern corner of Portugal's coastline located within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, this beach is tucked away from the crowds. It welcomes you with its tranquil beauty and untouched natural surroundings. As you make your way through the shaded path leading to the beach, the sweet scent of pine fills the air, instantly soothing your senses.

With 6,894 Instagram hashtags and 100,000 TikTok views, Praia da Borderia offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace and relaxation. Stretching out for miles, the beach boasts pristine sands that glisten under the warm Algarvian sun, bordered by wide sand dunes that are easy to get lost in. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a coastal trail that meanders along the stunning cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the rugged coastline below. The dramatic cliffs, adorned with vibrant green vegetation, create a picture-perfect backdrop with boardwalks leading across the sand dunes and cliffs, giving you the perfect viewpoints.

While you are there, make sure you explore the little village of Bordeira. Its small church is said to date from before the earthquake of 1755 and was rebuilt from the foundations up after the earthquake. Inside is stunning with a heavily carved gilded wooden Centrepiece.

Praia da Cordoama

This is a vast beach with sand as far as the eye can see and it has been awarded a blue flag. The view of the cliffs, which become increasingly dark and menacing as you progress along the beach, is breathtaking. Due to the length of the beach, and despite being frequented by surf and bodyboard schools, it is always possible to find some tranquillity. According to Holidu, it has 3,069 Instagram hashtags and 7,964 TikTok views.

The cliffs are high, reaching over a hundred metres in height, and there is a hill on the beach that is a natural viewpoint and from which paragliding jumps are often made, giving some exciting entertainment for those sitting on the beach. The scent of wildflowers combines with the sea air, and the dunes provide a sandy garden where you can see plants such as the stonecrop, the sea thistle or the showy beach daffodil.

A beach bar offers the opportunity to eat the local seafood while enjoying the magnificent vista of the beach and the surfers enjoying the large waves. Before you descend the steep road to the beach, there is a viewpoint on the left (miradouro). Be sure to sit here and wait for sunset. You will get one of the most magical experiences as the sun sets on its way to America over the dramatic ocean; it will be a sight you will never forget.

Beach Bonanza

So that's it for our top ten round-up, but with around 200 km of beaches in the Algarve to explore, we are sure to have missed some. But this list will give you a good place to start on your exploration of one of the most magnificent coastlines that Europe has to offer.