You know me – it’s all about the beach. Whether I am swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, or listening to the peaceful sounds of the waves, being by water makes me happiest, of anywhere in the world. Some of the best beaches in Europe can be found in the Algarve, in Portugal. IN fact, for many people, Algarve = Beach. Here’s why: there’s 200 km of coastline to explore, fantastic temperatures, incredible beaches, and the luxury of staying in a holiday villa in the Algarve.  When you head toward the west, please note that the temperatures fluctuate more, due to seasonal currents. While there are many, many beaches, here are ten of our favorites.

Here we go now – let’s hit the beach in the Algarve!

flickr creative commons: lele3100, adapted by Wandering Educators

Praia da Arrifana

Facing the Atlantic, and located in Arrifana, this beach is small but beautiful. It’s a blue flag beach, very popular with surfers (those consistent waves), and has plenty of amenities – a lifeguard, restaurant, camping, toilets, a surf school, and more.

Wikimedia Commons: Filipe Rocha

Praia dos Pescadores

Known for its picture postcard beauty, this beach is located near Albufeira Old Town. Get this, though – the beach has escalators (?!) and plenty of concrete. So if you’re looking for a quaint, picturesque beach, this may not be it for you. It’s a blue flag beach, with a lifeguard, restaurant, snack bars, and toilets.

Wikimedia Commons: Paulo Juntas

Praia do Ancão

Located near Vale do Lobo, this is a clean, quiet beach. It forms the western boundary of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, and the dunes are incredibly beautiful. It’s a blue flag beach, and has restaurant, snack bars, a lifeguard, and toilets.

Flickr Creative Commons: Green Lake Blue

Praia da Ilha de Tavira

Located on Tavira Island (access it by boat or via a footbridge), this sandy beach is both crowded (near the campsite), and quiet (take a walk away from the campground). It’s a blue flag beach, and has a restaurant, life guard, snack bars, toilets, and camping facilities. Locals call this beach Praia das Cascas.

Wikimedia Commons: Osvaldo Gago

Praia de Odeceixe

Named one of the Seven Wonders in Portugal’s Beach Competition! This beach is in the northwest of the Algarve, and the river Seixe forms one edge of the beach, in the village of Odeceixe. The beach is inside the Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Take a small path from the village down to the beach (it’s steep!), which features two large coves bracketed by cliffs. It is a Blue Flag beach.

Wikimedia Commons: Tiago J. G. Fernandes

Praia do Carvoeiro

Located near Lagoa, this is a very small beach surrounded by houses and rocks (well, and the sea). Hire a fishing boat to visit the nearby cliff caves for a special adventure. Blue flag beach, with lifeguard, restaurant, snack bars, and toilets.

Wikimedia Commons: Eric Wüstenhagen

Praia da Rocha Baixinha

One of the most popular beaches in the Entire Country (!), this beach is almost 1km long, ending in the marina of Portimão. It’s quite an urban beach, and features restaurants, toilets, and lifeguards. It’s a blue flag beach, popular with water sports enthusiasts (except surfers, not enough consistent waves here).

Wikimedia Commons

Praia do Barril

Located near the Ria Formosa Natural Park on the Island of Tavira, you access the beach via a small train from Pedras D’el Rey – charming! Or, walk it from the main Tavira beach (see above). It’s well maintained, and has a cool feature – a “cemetery of anchors” to help maintain the beach, using old tuna fishing anchors.  It’s a blue flag beach, with lifeguards, restaurants (in small fishermen’s cottages on the beach!), snack bars, and toilets.

Wikimedia Commons: Toni Castillo Quero

Praia do Martinhal

Located near Sagres, this is a small beach in a shallow bay, with plenty of wind (great for windsurfing!). The water is calm due to the bay location. Take a boat trip to see small limestone islets (think underwater grottoes, lovely). This is a Blue Flag beach, and features a restaurant, surf school, and more.

Flickr Creative Commons: castanias

Praia da Marinha

One of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world (and top 10 best beaches in Europe by the Michelin Guide), this is located near Lagoa. There are enormous rock formations near the ends of the beach, by the cliffs, and it’s a great snorkeling spot. It’s a Blue Flag beach, with restaurant, snack bar, toilets, and a lifeguard. You’ll need to climb down stone steps to reach the beach.

Wikimedia Commons: Miguel Vieira

Of course, we couldn't fit in ALL the beaches we love in this short list. Which beach will you visit first? Do you have a favorite?