The Algarve is home to dozens of sunny beaches along Portugal's southern coast facing the Atlantic Ocean. "Praia" means beach in Portuguese, a word with which vacationers become familiar due to many signs on roadways pointing toward the sea. Distinguished by its mild climate, dramatic rocky outcrops, secluded caves and coves, green pines on cliffs of red soil and old lighthouses overlooking blue-green water, this 100-mile shoreline is especially popular with families during school breaks and summer holidays. Pretty fishing villages, golden sand, sparkling gentle surf, golf courses and top-notch resorts are found both to the east and west of the international airport in Faro.
Find Luxury Near Faro Airport
- One of the Algarve's most expensive resort areas is also the closest to Faro Airport. It's a 13-mile transfer to Quinta do Lago near Almancil, where several deluxe hotels surround three superior golf courses: North, South and Laranjal. The 2,000-acre resort community has a host of rental villas available on the landscaped grounds, ranging from one bedroom to five bedroom properties. Some hotels and apartments overlook the golf courses; others are located at the beach. Hotel Quinta do Lago, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, has views of the sea and a lunch-only beach restaurant serving grilled fish. The adjacent resort of Vale do Lobo has more luxury villas and six hotels, including two on the beach: Rio Park and Dona Filipa Hotel.
See Mother Nature Put on a Show
- Algarve beaches are famous for partially submerged caves and grottos, unusual offshore stacked rock formations surrounded by a turquoise sea. Traveling west from Vale do Lobo, remarkable land and sea vistas appear along the Atlantic coast. In Albufeira, Falesia Beach has towering red cliffs and interesting rock formations along a five-mile stretch. Located near Lagos, about 20 miles farther west, beaches most often photographed include Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Benagil and Ponta da Piedade for their caves at sea level. Some visitors are most taken by panoramic views from the cliffs above -- others by exploring up close in a boat. Over the millennium, the force of nature has carved out fascinating displays along the Algarve's Atlantic coast.
- Get Up Close in a Boat
- Exploring by boat is the best way to appreciate the incredible rock formations along the Algarve beaches, the hidden caves and grottos, abundant wildlife and dolphins swimming in the wild. For the ecoconscious traveler, the Algarve now has its first solar-powered boat, run by a family based in Alvor. The boat moves quietly, getting up close without disturbing marine and birdlife. Take along snorkeling gear for when the 12-passenger boat drops anchor in a quiet cove. Book a special day out to include a barbecue on a secluded beach, accessible only by boat. Other opportunities on the water include sailing charters, deep-sea fishing, yachting and dining, catamaran tours and sunset cruises.
Look Out for Lighthouses
- Portugal's Atlantic coastline is dotted with six lighthouses, some in operation for centuries. The lighthouses are open for tours by the public under the supervision of the Portuguese Navy every Wednesday afternoon throughout the year. More remote than the others, Cabo do San Vicente stands on a cliff at the edge of Europe's westernmost promontory into the Atlantic. Beaming out a signal which is one of the continent's most powerful, a lighthouse has stood sentinel at this strategic spot since about 1515. Aside from appreciating wide sweeping views from the top of the lighthouse, a small museum at the base provides historical notes. At Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, visitors can climb 182 steps up the 1913 tower for a wide view of the beach with its colorful rocky outcrops.
