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🇵🇹 Portugal

Best beaches in the Algarve

The best beaches in the Algarve, on the coast of Portugal — 14 shores from Benagil Beach & Cave to Praia do Martinhal, each with its water temperature, sand, best season and swimming. Ranked by fame and mapped on the interactive globe.

The warmest sea in the Algarve is ~22°C, at Ilha de Tavira, in season around May-Oct. Across its 14 beaches on Beachmap the sea averages ~20°C in the warm season.

When to visit beaches in the Algarve

Most of the 14 beaches listed in the Algarve are at their best May to October, with the season peaking in July. In the warm season the sea runs from about 19°C at Praia do Martinhal up to ~22°C at Ilha de Tavira, averaging 20°C across the list.

Choosing a beach in the Algarve

For calm, family-friendly swimming, start with Benagil Beach & Cave or Ilha de Tavira; surfers should look at Praia da Luz and Praia da Rocha; for white sand head to Ilha de Tavira or Praia da Falesia; and 10 of the 14 hold Blue Flag status.

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Beaches in the Algarve: frequently asked questions

What is the warmest beach in the Algarve?

Ilha de Tavira (Tavira, Algarve) has the warmest sea of the 14 beaches listed in the Algarve: typically ~22°C at the height of the season.

When is the best time to visit beaches in the Algarve?

Most beaches in the Algarve are at their best May to October, peaking in July. July and August are warmest but busiest; June and September are quieter and cheaper.

How warm is the sea in the Algarve?

Does the Algarve have Blue Flag beaches?

Are there white-sand beaches in the Algarve?

Yes — 3 of the listed beaches have white sand, led by Ilha de Tavira and Praia da Falesia.

Which beach in the Algarve is best for families?

Benagil Beach & Cave — calm and shallow, with no surf to worry about; Ilha de Tavira is a strong runner-up.