Is the sea clear in the Algarve?

Praia da Dona Ana, near Lagos in the Algarve, is a stunning beach renowned for its clear waters and striking cliffs.



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Praia do Vale de Centeanes is where you'll want to go to see some of the clearest water in the Algarve. On a clear day, it's easy to see the bottom of the ocean without even setting foot in the water. This beach is located near Carvoeiro, so it won't be hard to travel from here to Praia da Marinha or Praia de Benagil.

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Praia dos Coelhos, Sétubal The setting for innumerable films and advertising campaigns, this idyllic, secluded beach on the Arrábida coastline boasts some of the clearest waters you'll likely ever swim in. Though increasingly on the tourist trail, it's still relatively crowd-free.

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From craggy coves and dune-backed shorelines to island bays lapped by crystal-clear sapphire waters, Portugal's paradisiacal sands are as scenic as they are relaxing.

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If beachcombing is on your list while visiting, check out some of the beaches along the Tejo River in Lisbon. You'll find sea glass, tiles, and maybe even a few marbles. The beaches in Lagos are loaded with shells. In Porto, there's a small beach by the lighthouse where I've found some great pieces of glass.

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Here are 11 of the best beaches in Portugal, with something for every type of traveler.
  • 01 of 11. Praia do Norte. ...
  • 02 of 11. Praia do Camilo. ...
  • 03 of 11. Praia do Quinta do Lago. ...
  • 04 of 11. Zambujeira do Mar. ...
  • 05 of 11. Praia de Cavaleiro. ...
  • 06 of 11. Praia Baleal. ...
  • 07 of 11. Praia da Ursa. ...
  • 08 of 11. Praia da Comporta.


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Ponta da Piedade in Lagos is THE must see emblematic site of the Algarve. The landscape is incredible and well worth the trip. The view is stunning from the top of the cliffs: you can see the caves and underwater cavities dug by the swell and into which transparent water rushes.

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The ocean currents can be strong and unpredictable. If you plan on swimming, go to beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to the warning flags – green means it's safe to swim, yellow means use caution and stay near the shore, and red means do not enter.

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Top beaches include Praia da Prainha and Praia do Porto do Seixal, a gorgeous black sand beach surrounded by vibrant green mountains. Just remember to set aside time for exploring Madeira's natural swimming pools.

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Porto Covo, Portugal Pink sand beaches are pretty rare, but if a pink-ish sand beach will do, swing by Porto Covo in Portugal. The color of the sand changes depending on the light, but it has pinkish hues.

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The Portuguese coastline – along with the coastlines of California, South Africa, Western Australia and Peru – is subject to a phenomenon known as upwelling. In simple terms, if the wind blows parallel to the coast, then water from the bottom of the ocean (cold and rich in nutrients) rises and comes to the shoreline.

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Visiting the Algarve region of Portugal is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a sun-filled getaway. Generally, the best time to visit this charming coastal area is during the dry season between April and October, as this is when temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is at its lowest.

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Portugal's beaches are beautiful, yes–but due to being set on the Atlantic, the water is actually much colder than many visitors might expect (yes, even in the Algarve). What is this? Spain's long Mediterranean coast, on the other hand, tends to offer much warmer water and a longer swimming season.

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After a storm is usually a good time to check out the beach and in the spring and fall when the foot traffic is low! A well groomed beach does not produce much beach glass, so choose a beach with plenty of rocks.

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There are three Glass Beach sites in Fort Bragg where trash was dumped into the ocean between 1906 and 1967. Site Two (1943–1949) and Three (1949–1967 – Glass Beach) are located at the end of the path that begins on the corner of Elm Street and Glass Beach Drive.

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