Praia do Barranco, Porches

 

The crystal clear waters and steep rocky cliffs make Praia do Barranco an Insta-worthy hotspot. © Shutterstock

 

Located on the south coast, the beach lies at the end of a valley in a bay. It's not particularly long, but scores with very fine and light sand. Surrounded by dunes and high cliffs, it's absolutely beautiful to look at. To get there, you first have to walk along a dirt road for several kilometers. But trust us, it's worth the effort, since it's usually quieter than most other easily accessible beaches in the Algarve. 

 

Praia de Benagil, Benagil

 

Swimming or taking a boat is the best way to reach the "rock dome" at Praia do Benagil. © Shutterstock

 

Also located in the south, but anything but quiet, is the beach of Benagil. It's one of the most famous sights of the region. Why it's still on our list? It's huge rocky cave is a world-famous photo motif. The easiest way to get in is from the water side by either swimming, kayaking or stand-up paddling.

 

Praia do Camilo, Lagos

 

We know this much is true: the harder a beach is to reach, the fewer people there'll be. © Shutterstock

 

You can only reach this beach by climbing down a rather long staircase. Whether it's 100 or 200 steps, you'll surely lose count, because the view from above is just as spectacular as from below, where huge rocks divide the beach. The individual bays are connected by small tunnels in the rock formations. At the top, you'll find a restaurant to replenish your energy.

 

Ilha da Culatra, Ria-Formosa-Laguna

 

The nature park is located around a lagoon on the southern coast of the Algarve. It's one of the largest nature reserves of its kind in all of Europe. © Shutterstock

 

The beaches of the island of Ilha da Culatra are a real insider tip for those seeking peace and quiet. To get there, you have to take a boat or a ferry. After about a half an hour, you're rewarded with often empty beaches and dunes. Apart from fishing villages, there's nothing here, not even hotels. The island is part of the Ria-Formosa-Laguna National Park.

 

Praia do Barril, Santa Luzia

 

The slowly rusting anchors are a monument and a reverence to the area's fishing tradition. © Shutterstock

 

Praia do Barril is located on a sandbank near Tavira. You can reach it on foot and by boat. Or you can take the small narrow-gauge railroad from Pedras d'el Rei. The beach is wide and sandy. With the Cemitério das Âncoras ("Anchor Cemetery"), however, it's also home to a special sight: it's a monument of old anchors that recalls the fishing tradition of the past.

 

Praia Carvalho, Carvoeiro

 

Daredevils jump into the sea from cliffs more than 12 meters in height. © Shutterstock

 

Located in the east, this beautiful beach is another Algarve thanks to its impressive rock formations. But there's another reason to come here: cliff divers regularly take the plunge from the incredibly high cliffs into the water as the crowd cheers them on. Carvoeiro itself is also worth a visit. The tourist town scores with a large selection of bars, restaurants and stores.

 

Praia Dona Ana, Lagos

 

Pretty and popular: Praia Dona Ana is well protected from all sides and beckons with calm waters. © Shutterstock

 

We won't lie: this beach is pretty popular. Not only because it's located outside Lagos and is therefore easily accessible, but also because it's surrounded by steep rocks and thus well protected from the wind. Here, children can play carefree in the water, a it's usually calm. And particularly clear.

Continue reading: These 10 Activities Should Be on Your Algarve Bucket List