MAGICAL PLACES IN SOUTH PORTUGAL
- A Guide: Beaches of the Algarve -
I was looking forward to a couple of days off and soaking up the sun in Portugal. Little did I know, I would fall in love with this amazing place. Friendly people, astonishing nature and beautiful beaches made this vacation truly unforgettable. In this post, I'd like to show you some of the most magical beaches of the Algarve. (Check out my first Portugal Vlog on YouTube here.)
A must-see is PRAIA DA MARINHA as it's known for its steep cliff that is shaped like an elephant drinking from the ocean water. Although, to Sebastian and me, it looks more like a rino. What do you think? (see picture on the left)
Another favorite of mine was PRAIA DO CAMILLO near Lagos. You had a great view from the parking area up the hill. But with every step we took down the seemingly endless staircase to get to the beach, the view changed and I had to take a picture only to discover the most intimate, small beach at the bottom of the stairs. I'm guessing it will be a bit more crowded when you get there during the summer though. (see 2 pictures below)
"A little beach, just for the two of us."
During our time at the Algarve, the wind picked up quite a bit so that the waves could get as high up as 3 meters! Therefore, we were looking for a smaller bay in hope of calmer waters. We found the perfect spot at PRAIA DO PINTADINHO where the waves where smaller and we found a little corner of the beach just for us. It felt truly magical with hardly any tourists around and only the sound of the wind and the ocean to compliment the beautiful scenery.
At PRAIA DE BENGAIL, you can rent boats to go out to the famous Bengail cave. Also, it's a nice beach where you can climb up a small pathway along the cliffs and reward yourself with an astonishing view of the coastline of the Algarve as well as the ocean. If you are like me, the way up and down may be a bit frightening, but it's so worth it! You'll have the best view from up there. (See picture on the right) I would definitely recommend sturdy shoes though.
"White, sandy beaches
as far as I could see."
If you are searching for miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and restaurants with an ocean view, you may want to check out PRAIA DOS TRES IRMAOS (see picture below, the beach behind those cliffs). It's absolutely wonderful to stretch your legs and feel the sand on your feet while walking for hours and hours - So relaxing! After an hour or so, Sebastian and I went to one of the many straw parasols to rest in the shade. It was amazing, just hearing the wind and the sound of the ocean. But with just the two of us, under those umbrellas, it felt like the world came to a halt.
If you love searching for shells on the beach, PRAIA DONA ANA is the place for you to be (see picture on the left). Thousands of the most beautiful shells of all colors, shapes and sizes can be found here. With only a couple of rocks bordering this beach, it can get a bit windy. The day we were there, the waves were so massive, I didn't dare go into the water. My one and only try ended with me on my bum trying to hold my bikini in place. Sebastian, however, went in for a couple of minutes but had to admit, it was a bit scary. Those huge waves can suck you out right into the depth of the ocean - be aware. I rather spend my time strolling around looking at all the beautiful shells and reading my book "Mrs. Peregrins Home for Peculiar Children" (read more about my current reads here). This beach is very convenient as well, as there is free parking space right next to the beach as well as public restrooms.
"A real paradise for shell lovers to find a great souvenir to take home"
Are you more interested in smaller beaches with more privacy? Check out PRAIA DO PARAISO (picture below, left). It sure lives up to what its name promises! If you make your way down these beautiful white steps, you'll find one of the most romantic spots in the area.
As always, let me know in the comments below, which beaches you liked the most and if you have any other recommendations for beaches to visit at the Algarve in Portugal.
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