The best beaches of the Sotavento, the eastern part of the Algarve, stand out for their long golden sands, calmer and warmer waters, and their setting within the landscape of the Ria Formosa.
The star of the region, with 11 km of white sand, a Blue Flag and excellent beach facilities, reached by boat from Tavira or Quatro Águas.
A little further east, in Pedras d’El Rei. Access is unique: you can walk or take a small tourist train that crosses the lagoon and salt pans for 1 km. It is famous for its iconic Anchor Cemetery in the dunes and its excellent facilities.
The official beach of the parish of Moncarapacho. It is a pure lagoon beach, very calm and with no waves. Perfect for relaxing, watching the sunrise or trying Stand Up Paddle and kayaking. It does not face the open Atlantic, but offers calm, warm waters.
An ideal beach for families with young children. It is right in the village and has calm, warm waters.
Take a water taxi or the ferry from the pier (a short 5 to 10 minute crossing) to reach the open-sea beach. The Barra Velha area is known for its crystal-clear waters, impressive sandbanks and a very natural, uncrowded atmosphere.
The regular ferry leaves from Olhão and takes about 15 minutes to reach the island. It is a lively, car-free island with picturesque holiday cottages. It has two sides: the lagoon-facing beach with still, warm waters, and the ocean beach, reached by a pleasant 1.5 km boardwalk across the dunes.
An island inhabited all year round by a traditional fishing community. The Atlantic beach is superb, with clear waters. From the pier, a wooden boardwalk crosses the protected dunes to the sea.
One of the best-kept and most captivating secrets of the Algarve. Interestingly, it is not a separate island but the western tip of Culatra Island. Its name comes from the imposing Cabo de Santa Maria Lighthouse, built in 1851, which dominates the landscape like a picture postcard.
The beach stretches for kilometres along the open sea (Atlantic Ocean), with incredibly clear, transparent waters. Near the jetty the water is usually very calm, ideal for swimming, though with the typically cool Algarve temperature.
If you are staying in Moncarapacho, this island is a must-visit.
Ideal for families with children, with a very flat beach, safe and warm waters, and great access and beach facilities.
Wild nature and access by traditional boat (or on foot at low tide) from Cacela Velha. It offers a vast, quiet stretch of sand within the Ria Formosa Natural Park.