There are so many lovely, interesting sandy beaches in the Algarve that you will find amongst them a good selection on which to enjoy your holiday. Everyone has their favorites and these are often hidden away from the more popular ones! Just look for the signs saying "Praia".
The beaches vary from the small sheltered coves to broad endless stretches of sea washed sand. Equally the sea bed near to the beach can vary from a comfortable shallow shelve to a more sudden drop! In general, the rule is that as you travel from east to west along the coast, the beaches become more subject to seasonal currents. As some excellent beaches are not immediately accessible from the holiday towns we recommend that these are very worthwhile to seek out.
During holiday season most beaches have life guards on duty. Many beach concessions offer all the usual water sports facilities along with restaurant food and snacks.
PRAIA DE GARRÃO (local beach)
This beach fronts the chic area of the holiday resorts Dunas Douradas, Quinta do Lagoa and Vale do Lobo. This beach can be easily reached by road and one area popular for its beach restaurants is a section know as “Julias” – a local lady and a character who opened the first beach place at the time when access was either by horse or by a very sandy road through the pine trees. This beach can be reached from the villa by a short 5 minute walk by cutting through the dunes or a 2 minute drive to the main beach parking area next to the selection of restaurants, all of which serve excellent food and provide a wonderful location for the spectacular sunsets over the westen end of the Algarve (remember to book a table if you want to witness those sunsets)