Found within the south of Portugal on the coastline, Albufeira is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations for couples and families in search of fantastic weather throughout the year, a top selection of attractions and activities, and a never-ending choice of beautiful sandy bays. Almost all of the beaches in Albufeira meet or exceed the European standards when it comes to quality facilities and cleanliness, earning them many Blue Flags.
Lively spots
Falesia Beach is one of the most popular bays in the resort, packed with things to do for the whole family. This huge stretch of soft, golden sand is lined by red cliffs, making the whole area very picturesque. You'll find many attractions and amenities in the area, including souvenir shops, supermarkets, bars, cafes and restaurants, providing the ideal places to enjoy a spot of lunch. There are plenty of facilities for visitors to enjoy, including wheelchair accessible ramps, sun loungers, parasols, lifeguards, water sports during summer, beach restaurants and parking nearby.
Situated within the heart of Albufeira, Portugal, Olhos de Agua Beach is a lively beach surrounded by plenty to see and do. Stretching on for miles, this sandy bay is lined by cliffs and a promenade, where you'll find a fantastic choice of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and hotels, so you'll never be stuck when it comes to lunch. Toward the eastern end of the beach are a number of colourful fishermen's huts which provide great photo opportunities and are a reminder of the resort's fishing roots. There is a handful of beachside facilities available, including boat hire, sun loungers, shades, bars, restaurants, toilets, showers and a car park nearby.
Family-friendly
Praia Gale is a fantastic place for families to spend a day under the sun. The western section of this Blue Flag beach is wide and open, providing children with loads of room to play in the sand. Toward the eastern end, the beach becomes speckled with rock formations, caves, rock pools and grottos which older kids will have a great time exploring. The amenities available at Praia Gale are numerous and include beachside bar-restaurants, water sports during summer, sun loungers, shades, life guards, toilets and showers.
Praia da Coelha is a cove popular among families with small children. The soft, golden sand is lined by rocky cliffs and slopes gently into the clear, calm sea, creating the perfect conditions for the little ones to play and swim. Despite its small size, the list of facilities is extensive and includes sun loungers, shades, life guards and restaurants.
Water sports
Praia dos Salgados is the most westerly beach in Albufeira. Popular with water sport enthusiasts, the waters here can get quite wavy, making it ideal for enjoying aquatic activities such as surfing, body boarding, pedaloes and jet skiing. There are plenty of facilities and services offered at this Blue Flag beach, including sun beds, parasols, life guards, showers, wheelchair access, bar, restaurant and parking nearby.
Water sport fans won't want to miss the chance to spend the day at Praia do Oura. This soft golden sand beach is packed with facilities and services, including sun beds, parasols, showers, toilets and lifeguards, ensuring a comfortable day out for everyone. The list of water sports available is never ending and includes parasailing, water skiing, jet skis, banana boats, pedaloes and kayak hire. For something more adrenaline-pumping, take a ride on the fly fish, jet boat or the crazy UFO.
Dive right in
Arrifes Beach is one of the most popular areas in Albufeira for diving. A small cove sheltered by cliffs, this soft sandy bay provides life guards during the summer months, toilets, restaurant and nearby parking. The three large reefs offshore create the perfect conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling, where you'll have the opportunity to explore bizarre rock formations and catch a glimpse at the tropical marine life.
Another beach frequented by divers is Praia de Santa Eulália, just to the east of Oura. This long, sandy bay is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, as well as scuba diving. There are plenty of facilities for guests to enjoy, including sun beds, shades, restaurants, water sports and a large car park nearby. The dive sites in this area include explorations of rock towers and possible sightings of tropical fish, nudibranch, octopus, sea bream, wrasse and blue Damsel fish.
Surf's up
The Blue Flag Praia do Barranco Beach is separated from Olhos de Água beach by a series of rocks which can be passed during low tide. Although it can be a challenge to get to, the effort it well worth it. This well-maintained quiet bay offers a great range of water sports to enjoy, with surfing and windsurfing being the most popular, thanks to the large waves. You'll find several showers, restaurants and water sport kiosks where you can hire pedaloes and jet skis, as well as a number of parking spaces in the area.
Secluded & naturist
Adegas Beach in Odeceixe is one of the few official naturist beaches in Albufeira. A small rocky cove protected by cliffs, this bay can be access by a steep slope and lots of wooden steps or from Praia de Odeceixe beach during low tide. Due to the remote location, there are almost no facilities, although life guards do patrol the area regularly. The water is shallow quite far out, providing safe conditions where you can splash about in the waves.
Praia do Homem Nu on the Ilha de Tavira is also an official nudist beach which can be accessed by crossing the footbridge over the Ria or on a tourist train from Pedras D´el Rei. Because it's in such a secluded area, there are no facilities to be found here, so be careful when swimming there are no life guards on patrol. Very few people visit this beach, ensuring you'll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet whilst working on your all-over tan.