The beach season in southern Europe is coming to an end. It might seem late to write about the beaches here. But the places I've decided to talk about this time are beautiful all year round. And proof of that is the region's victory in the "Europe's Leading Beach Destination" category at the 2023 World Travel Awards.
Weather in the Algarve
September and October are ideal for southern Portugal! The air temperature is +25-30°C. The water is the warmest it will be all year — +21-22°C. Yes, it's not the Mediterranean Sea, but you can still swim. Accommodation prices drop: what cost €150 per night in July-August will be €100 in September. Another important plus: there are slightly fewer people.
The second half of autumn, winter, and early spring are also pleasant here: there is little precipitation and temperatures hover around +20°C. You won't be able to go swimming, although winter swimmers can, but you will be able to admire the wonders of nature without crowds of tourists.
May and June are not very popular: it gets too hot for walking, and it's too early for swimming — the ocean is cold.
Peak season: July-August. However, I do not recommend visiting during this period—it is extremely hot outside, there are many tourists, and prices are unreasonably high.
What is so appealing about the Algarve?
The region's beaches are masterpieces of art. I'm sure many people have come across pictures of striped cliffs and their debris floating in the ocean, as well as caves with secret beaches — all of which can be seen in the Algarve.
The most amazing thing is that wherever you decide to stay on the southern coast of Portugal, you are sure to find a beach of heavenly beauty. But if you visit this region and don't go to Cuevas de Benagil (Cuevas de Benagil) . The natural grotto with an opening at the top is something incredible! You can only get to the cave from the water: by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. You can also see the secret beach from above. However, to do so, you have to climb over the fence, which is very dangerous.
Next, take a short hike along the cliffs — the trails are wild, and the views are spectacular! Once you reach the viewpoint Arcos Naturais da Praia da Marinha (Miradouro dos Arcos Naturais da Praia da Marinha), you may be lost for words. Personally, I almost cried and thanked the universe endlessly for allowing me to see all this.
On one side, there are huge arches created by nature, and on the other, there is a beach that ranks among the top 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and the top 100 in the world. It is paradise on Earth, nothing more, nothing less.
To fully enjoy this place, be sure to go down to Marinha Beach (Praia da Marinha). There you can eat at a restaurant overlooking the ocean and, of course, take a dip in the cool Atlantic.
All these beauties are located somewhere between Albufeira and Portimão.
The largest resorts in the Algarve
Albufeira
Back in the 1950s, it was just a simple fishing village. Now Albufeira is a major resort town. It has a population of about 40,000, but during the tourist season, that number increases tenfold.
Snow-white houses with terracotta roofs, cobbled sidewalks with greenery, picturesque cliffs, sandy beaches, and the azure ocean—it's a picture you'll want to set as your screensaver. To enjoy a panoramic view of Albufeira, climb up to the Pau da Bandeira (Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira). By the way, there is an escalator leading to it. In the evening, you can see hundreds of lights from the resort from here.
The historic part of the city has a certain Eastern flavor, due to its Arab influence in the past. Now the center belongs entirely to tourists: street after street, block after block, there is an endless string of restaurants and shops.
For party lovers, it's like a fairy tale: almost every bar has live music in the evening, and there are karaoke bars and nightclubs.
The streets of Albufeira lead to Tunnel Beach (Praia do Túnel) — there really is an archway tunnel leading to it. This beach flows into Fishermen's Beach — Praia dos Pescadores (Praia dos Pescadores), forming a wide coastal area.
Portimão
Another favorite spot for tourists. The city is about the same size as Albufeira, but the historic center is not as attractive: it is shabby and quiet. I think this is because it is located two kilometers above the Atlantic coast, which is why people come to the Algarve.
In the old town, I remember the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição)because a stork had built a nest on its roof — it was very nice to watch. The church itself is quite modest, although it was built in the style of my favorite Batalha Monastery. The change in the appearance of this architectural masterpiece was caused by a large-scale earthquake that occurred in the 18th century.
A pleasant riverside promenade has been built near the historic center of the Arade River (Zona Ribeirinha de Portimão)has been built. From here, you can take a two-hour sea cruise to visit Benagil Cave. Note: the price of this tour is equal to the cost of a half-hour walk purchased at the attraction itself. By the way, there are also cruises from Albufeira with more favorable conditions.
The Portimão Museum is located at the pier (Museu de Portimão), which is housed in a former canning factory and tells the story of fishing in the local area.
But the main tourist attraction is Praia da Rocha beach (Praia da Rocha): wide, one and a half kilometers long, surrounded by beautiful cliffs, fragments of which float in the ocean. The coastal area is well equipped: sun loungers, restrooms, a network of wooden walkways, and many cafes.
Near the beach is the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina (Fortaleza de Santa Catarina). There is an observation deck with a view of the city and the ocean. Another cool viewpoint is located on the other side of Praia da Rocha, called Miradouro dos Três Castelos. Behind the observation deck is a beach with the same name.
A long avenue with shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs has formed on the hill along the cliff. It's not as busy here as in Albufeira, but there are plenty of places to eat.
I recommend not stopping at the beaches closest to the main pedestrian street, but walking further. My favorites are Praia do Amado (Praia do Amado) and Praia do Vau (Praia do Vau) — they are incredibly beautiful and more secluded.
In the evening, the ocean recedes and you can walk along the shore between the Portiman lagoons, where you will see caves, arches, pieces of cake, and an elephant in the water.
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There are large shopping centers in Albufeira and Portimão, and there are also large water parks near these cities: Zoomarine (Zoomarine Algarve) and Slide & Splash (Slide & Splash).
During your trip, you can stop in other towns and villages in the resort area — to recommend the best ones, I will have to visit them myself. So I will definitely return to the Algarve. I want to do it in winter and next September.
