Beaches in Faro
The district with the most certified beaches in the country. Golden cliffs on the Barlavento, barrier islands on the Sotavento and the wild Vicentine Coast.
What to expect from beaches in Faro
The district of Faro is home to 126 beaches classified by APA — more than any other Portuguese district. The Algarve coast splits into two distinct worlds: the Barlavento, to the west, with limestone cliffs sculpted by the Atlantic — Marinha, Benagil, Dona Ana, Camilo, Carvoeiro — and the Sotavento, east of Faro, with white-sand barrier islands and calm water within the Ria Formosa system: Tavira, Cabanas, Fuzeta, Ilha Deserta.
The Vicentine Coast, at the far western edge of the district (Aljezur, Vila do Bispo), is today one of the last wild stretches of coast in Europe, part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Beaches like Amoreira, Bordeira, Arrifana and Castelejo combine surf swell with preserved landscapes.
The bathing season in the Algarve is the longest in Portugal — the water reaches comfortable temperatures from May and stays warm until October. Barlavento beaches have cooler water and direct Atlantic swell; Sotavento and Ria Formosa beaches are sheltered, with warmer water ideal for families with young children.
Getting there: Faro airport (direct flights from across Europe), the A22 motorway (Via do Infante) running along the entire coast, the Lisbon–Faro train (about 3 hours). For Ria Formosa beaches (Ilha Deserta, Culatra, Armona) you need a boat from Faro, Olhão or Tavira. Parking is the main challenge in July and August — arriving before 10am or after 5pm is the best strategy.
Beaches in the Faro district by municipality
143 beaches classified by APA, spread across 14 municipalities. Click a beach to see details, water quality and photos.
Albufeira
28 beaches- ArrifesBF
- Maria LuísaBF
- Olhos d'ÁguaBF
- Praia da CoelhaBF
- Praia da FalésiaBF
- Praia da OuraBF
- Praia de AlbufeiraBF
- Praia de AlemãesBF
- Praia de AveirosBF
- Praia de BelharucasBF
- Praia de EvaristoBF
- Praia de Falésia AçoteiasBF
- Praia de Falésia AlfamarBF
- Praia de Galé-lesteBF
- Praia de Galé-oesteBF
- Praia de Inatel-albufeiraBF
- Praia de Manuel LourençoBF
- Praia de Olhos de ÁguaBF
- Praia de Oura-lesteBF
- Praia de PenecoBF
- Praia de Rocha BaixinhaBF
- Praia de Rocha Baixinha-nascenteBF
- Praia de Rocha Baixinha-poenteBF
- Praia de Santa EuláliaBF
- Praia de São RafaelBF
- Praia do CasteloBF
- S. RafaelBF
- SalgadosBF
Alcoutim
1 beachAljezur
12 beachesCastro Marim
5 beachesFaro
5 beachesLagoa
19 beaches- Baixa da AreiaBF
- CalouraBF
- FerragudoBF
- Praia da Marinha
- Praia de Benagil
- Praia de CaneirosBF
- Praia de CarvoeiroBF
- Praia de Centeanes
- Praia de Cova Redonda
- Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
- Praia de Pintadinho
- Praia de Piscinas Naturais da Lagoa
- Praia de Senhora da RochaBF
- Praia de Vale CenteanesBF
- Praia de Vale de Centeanes
- Praia de Vale do OlivalBF
- Praia do Carvalho
- Praia Grande de FerragudoBF
- Zona Balnear da LagoaBF
Lagos
8 beachesLoulé
13 beachesOlhão
8 beachesPortimão
11 beachesSilves
4 beachesTavira
8 beachesVila do Bispo
16 beachesVila Real de Santo António
5 beachesFeatured beaches in Faro
Beaches in the district with Blue Flag or Excellent water quality.
Frequently asked questions about beaches in Faro
How many beaches does the district of Faro have?
The district of Faro has 143 beaches classified by APA, spread across 14 municipalities in the Algarve. 104 hold Blue Flag certification and 136 are rated Excellent for water quality — the district with the most beaches in the country.
Which are the best Algarve beaches for families?
The Ria Formosa beaches (Fuzeta, Cabanas, Tavira, Ilha de Tavira) and the Sotavento (Manta Rota, Monte Gordo, Praia Verde) have calm, warm water — ideal for children. On the Barlavento, Meia Praia (Lagos), Praia da Rocha (Portimão) and Praia da Falésia (Albufeira) combine full amenities with lifeguards and parking.
When does the bathing season start in the Algarve?
The official bathing season runs from 1 June to 30 September, but the sea reaches comfortable temperatures (above 18°C) as early as mid-May and stays warm into October. It is the longest bathing window in mainland Portugal.
How do you get to the Ria Formosa beaches?
The barrier islands (Ilha Deserta/Barreta, Culatra, Armona, Ilha de Tavira, Cabanas) are reachable only by boat. There are regular ferries from Faro (to Deserta and Culatra), Olhão (to Culatra and Armona) and Tavira/Cabanas. In July and August it is wise to book ahead.
Which are the wildest beaches in the district of Faro?
The Vicentine Coast, at the far western edge of the district, is the most preserved area. Beaches like Amoreira, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana, Bordeira, Castelejo and Cordoama lie within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, accessed by minor roads with minimal amenities.