The most beautiful natural sites to discover Algarve

Wedged between two large black cliffs, this superb beach extends for at least 300 m, like a creek whose size would have been indefinitely extended. It is nevertheless narrow, blocked between the waves that lick it and a large cliff, closed by a large stone needle. It is one of the local people's favourite places to come and sunbathe. Exceptional spot reserved for very good surfers. On the heights, the ruins of the Arrifana fort offer a breathtaking and unforgettable view. A magical beach.

This is the cave you will see on all postcards in the Algarve, the most famous and impressive of all! Sculpted by waves, this huge cavity is only accessible by sea. Its beauty is such that there is no shortage of boats to take you there, from Benagil, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo and even Portimão! You will probably be approached to be offered an expedition to her. A minor drawback: many people obviously go there....

This huge beach is famous for its beauty and its warm and calm waters in summer. From there, you can see a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape, the island of Tavira, the bay of Monte Gordo, the church and the fortress of Cacela Velha. At low tide you can reach it on foot, but at high tide you will have to swim or ask the local fishermen who offer a boat ride to Praia da Fabrica, which is just as charming. Praia de Cacela Velha is frequented by naturist enthusiasts, among others, as well as by the LGBT community.

This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast, if not the most beautiful, a superb site protected by black cliffs that are among the highest in the area. The path leading to the beach is worth the detour alone because it runs along a stream that crosses the valley before flowing into the ocean. Wide, the beach is covered with pebbles on which the vegetation has taken the time to cling. Some areas have become the playground of surfers. Before you go, check if it is safe to swim.

From this Promotorium Sacrum where, according to the Romans, the setting sun made the waters of the ocean bubble, there remains only one red lighthouse that watches over the coast from the top of its cliff (80 m). Hot dog and souvenir stands are everywhere. Cabo São Vicente is a mental place, a way of being at the end of the world or, at least, at the end of the known world. In addition to the lighthouse museum, it is always interesting to observe local fishermen holding their fishing rods above 80 m of empty space. The place is simply wonderful.

Following the Ria from the city centre southwards, we arrive at the beginning of the road to Praia Barril. The beach is reached in 15-20 minutes by foot or by a small train. The destination is popular, especially on weekends, but its miles of sand will allow you to find a place to yourself. Barril was an old fishing village, and today it remains a tuna museum and an anchor cemetery that the boats left there when the fishing stopped. On site also a restaurant, a bar and two snacks.

The car parked at the top of the cliff, only 200 meters left before walking to the tip.... Sit down, take the time to look at the small beach that has emerged over the centuries, on the left, before contemplating, on the right, the rest of the bay, immense. Here fresh and salt water meet to feed the marshes that give birth on the beach. In season, it will always be possible to rent canoes and venture out on the river to return inland to discover a very active wildlife.

The beach of Sagres is the easiest to reach. Much less sheltered from the wind than the neighboring beach of Beliche, Tonel is a favorite spot for windsurfers. From the sand, you can see on the left the fortress of Henry the Navigator. The ochre-blond color of the cliffs and the clarity of the water contribute greatly to the beauty of the site. The access to the beach was dug naturally, thanks to water infiltrations. The regular fall of stones on the beach reminds us that erosion continues its work.