Albufeira is one of the busiest seaside resorts in the Algarve for its lively and carefree atmosphere. It owes its fame to the beautiful beaches and many bars and nightclubs. But it’s worth getting to know this town of white houses. Founded by the Arabs, it still has narrow winding streets to be explored by day or night since the excitement never stops.
Albufeira has nearly 30 km of coast, and it’s the Portuguese council with more blue flag beaches, the most famous Santa Eulália Beach, Galé Beach, Olhos d’água beach, and Maria Luísa Beach. The Albufeira center is lively during summer nights and new year’s eve when many great concerts are held, followed by fireworks.
The brightly painted fishing boats rest on the sand after work. And in the old fishers’ quarters, a bar or a restaurant is hiding around every corner. Here you can try the fresh seafood and fish, grilled or in a cataplana (casserole), the region’s specialty. Roast chicken, with or without chili sauce, which Guia, about 7km away, is famous for, is also very popular. Discover the best beaches in Albufeira, Algarve, south of Portugal.
1. Praia dos Pescadores
Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach) in Albufeira is a central beach near the touristic population of Albufeira, which has many commodities and activities throughout the year. This beach is essentially dedicated to the anglers’ boats placed on the sand.
This urban beach has numerous restaurants, shops, schools, tourism centers, and others. Even though it doesn’t have a wide extension compared to other beaches in this region, this is a very sought beach due to its centrality and good beach conditions.
2. Praia do Peneco
Praia do Peneco Beach, well-known as well as Tunnel Beach, is located in the center of Albufeira, in Algarve, Portugal. Its name comes from the great rock (penedo) in its sandy area. On its west side, it is possible to find a lovely promenade full of bars and restaurants from where you will enjoy the views of the group of houses and the coastal line.
This promenade finishes in Gruta do Xorino Cave, an Arab shelter during the Christian Reconquest of Albufeira during the 18th century. Access to this beach is via a tunnel from the city center.
3. Praia de São Rafael
Praia de São Rafael Beach has a wide sandy area surrounded by limestone reefs in warm tones. To contemplate the diverse natural rock formations is possible here, standing out Ponte Pequena and Ninho das Andorinhas, well-endowed with arches, caves, caverns, and crags.
The vicinity of the beach is splattered by green spots forming pines and large trees forest, among which is outlined the saltbush, a plant that transpires salt so that during the very morning or late afternoon, it is possible to observe salt crystals on its leaves. Therefore, this beach is thoroughly recommended for diving, being possible to find a significant number of rocks and marine life in its waters.
4. Praia da Coelha
Located on the lovely stretch of coast between Albufeira and Armação de Pera is the charming little Praia da Coelha. Translated, this means “Rabbit beach,” although the only rabbit of any note here is the one on the sign. Getting to the beach involves a short walk along a footpath through assorted greenery. Olive trees, bamboo groves, and ancient carob trees all lead you towards the wooden stairs down to the beach. Once on the beach, you won’t be disappointed; there are the same golden cliffs, crystal clear azure waters, and perfect sand as the neighboring beaches.
Praia da Coelha is a popular spot with locals and is often relatively quiet during the week. It is often rated as a great family beach with its safe, sheltered waters and the seasonal lifeguard service. There are also plenty of facilities such as sun loungers, parasols, toilets, showers, and a cafe on the beach. For the more adventurous, Praia da Coelha is an excellent spot for snorkeling with calm, super clear water and plenty of sea life in and around the rocks. If you want to explore without getting wet, then have a look for some of the sea shells the beach is famed for.
5. Praia Barranco das Belharucas
The Barranco das Belharucas beach is the West end of Falésia beach. Located between the village of Olhos de Agua Albufeira and Açoteias village, Barranco das Belharucas beach is a wind-protected Beach due to high cliffs, with excellent conditions for bathing due to being in a protected ocean currents Bay area. The landscape is spectacular, whether enjoyed from the beach or appreciated from the top of the cliff.
During empty tide, the beach of Barranco das Belharucas becomes a beach with a large section of sand. It shows an area of shallow water, rocks guarding it, creating natural pools. Here it is customary to observe the small fish trapped in water pools until the next tide. This makes a fascinating place to walk around and observe the changes in the landscape.
6. Praia da Galé
Praia da Galé Leste Beach, is enclosed in Armação de Pêra’s sandy bay East side and located 10 km far from Albufeira, in Algarve. It is divided into two different areas.
In its Blue Flag East area, you will have the chance to observe the typical rocky formations from Algarve, with inlets and corners that create a picturesque landscape. On the contrary, its West side is quite more exposed. Here, the excellent quality water is so quiet. Small bars and restaurants can be found next to this beach.
7. Praia da Oura
Praia de Oura Beach is located in the municipality of Albufeira, one of the Algarve’s most lively and famous areas, where you will enjoy unforgettable holidays.
This place is ideal for water sports, such as diving or windsurfing. The relaxing calmed sea here contrasts with the fantastic nightlife of the area, with numerous bars, discos, and excellent restaurants to enjoy delicious fish meals.
8. Praia dos Olhos d’Água
In Olhos de Água, a tiny and traditional fishing village, Praia dos Olhos de Agua is a rocky and very visited beach. It is frequent to see how fishers occupy all the West side of it with their artisanal fishing vessels, offering a worth-to-see view of the municipality of Albufeira in the Algarve. Its famous name, water eyes, comes from freshwater springs emanating from its sandy area, visible when there is low tide.
On the beautiful rocks of this beach, you will have the chance to contemplate grand arches, inlets, and shelters, as well as species such as limpets, sea anemones, algae, or common periwinkles. This beach also has an urban and tourist atmosphere. In front of it, there is a lovely square and a beautiful palms-adorned promenade from where you will be able to observe the sea.
9. Praia da Rocha Baixinha
Praia da Rocha Baixinha Beach, well-known as Tomatoes Beach, has a comprehensive and large sandy area contrasting with its lively promenade.
It offers visitors the chance to do great activities such as sunbathing or enjoying a refreshing dip, along with riding a bicycle or sitting quietly on one of its promenade’s beautiful terraces. Of course, if you prefer water sports, you can also practice surfing or jet skiing!
10. Praia Maria Luísa
Praia de Maria Luísa Beach is surrounded by beautiful ochre-to-golden cliffs in contrast with the intense blue of the sea in Albufeira, Algarve. This rocky beach is located next to Olhos de Agua.
Even though it is a bit difficult to find a place to park during the high season, it is worth trying because this beach offers other supporting infrastructures, providing equipment for water-skiing, windsurf, and sails.
11. Praia da Falésia
Located in between Albufeira and Vilamoura cities, Praia da Falésia is a beautiful beach right after Praia da Rocha Baixinha Beach in Algarve, Portugal. Its large size and relaxing atmosphere made it become one of the most calmed beaches in the Algarve.
This three-kilometers-enormous beach has a sandy area flanked by cliffs in ochre and white splattered by several green pines areas, creating an incredible show it is worth seeing. The access is via wooden stairs and ramps located in the parking area.
12. Praia de Santa Eulália
This beach has a navy blue sea color and beautiful golden sand enclosed on the cliffs with the same color covered by the green leafy pine tree forest. Discover this fine-looking beach.
Praia de Santa Eulália Beach has several unique corners from the rocky formations and a pleasant holiday environment due to the palm line near the walking path. This beach is located near several hotels, holiday complexes, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and much more.
