The World Unlocked

     The Algarve is the beach capital of Portugal. All the best beaches are here, spanning a diverse range of different types and sizes.

     From rugged, untouched beaches to award-winning shoreline, secluded coves and seas made for surfing, you'll find an enormous choice of well-kept beaches to discover. Here are just some of the best beaches in the Algarve.

     The Algarve is a beautiful area with beaches backed by chiselled cliffs and staggering rock formations. Two of the most exquisite beach settings in the Algarve are Praia do Barrill and Praia de Odeceixe.

     Both beaches are quiet stretches of sand, in picturesque natural surroundings, where you can lie back undisturbed and drink in the views. In fact, Praia do Barrill is located within the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa for phenomenal views from its sandy, white shores.

     For sensational, Insta-ready coastline Praia de Dona Ana and Praia da Marinha lead the way. These two glossy coastlines, deliver sensational beach settings, good enough for any magazine cover.

     Praia de Dona Ana is hedged in by dramatic, rugged limestone cliffs that stretch high above the idyllic blue and yellow cove below. This is one of the most famous beaches in the country so you can expect it to get busy in the summer.

     For a buzzing beach, brimming with bodies, bars, inflatables, beach sports and fun, head to the busy shores of Praia da Rocha or Meia Praia. Of the two, Praia da Rocha is one of the biggest beaches in the Algarve, so it still feels spacious when pumping with a live event or packed with holidaymakers.

     Sagres is the place to go if you are looking for the best beaches for surfing. This laidback fishing town draws huge swells with lesser-known beaches that offer a wide and often empty, expanse of shoreline to enjoy.

     There are many beaches in Sagres to choose from. Some of the best, most scenic and quiet settings are Praia da Mareta, where high cliffs, a massive beach and nearby bars and restaurants create the perfect place to surf. Other top beaches for surfing include, Praia do Tonel, Praia do Beliche and Praia do Castelejo.

     To fully escape the crowds, head over to the tiny coves of Praia do Camilo or Praia de Cacela. Close to the Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo is possibly one of the most astounding coves in the area.

     Encircled by enormous cliffs and rock formations, Praia do Camilo is a riot of colour that starts from the yellow limestone cliffs covered in green foliage and works its way down to the golden sand below, edged with the sparkling, bright blue of the water. It is absolutely breathtaking.

     Finally, for the longest stretch of sand in the area, 6km Praia de Falesia is a must see. Delivering the most arresting vista, trimmed with cliffs and aromatic pine trees, Praia de Falesia has all the additional facilities you need to relax here all day.

      For days out away from the beach, there is lots to do and see in the Algarve. Waterparks are a popular choice for family trips in the local area. The Algarve is very well facilitated for families so you'll find a number of top, award-winning waterparks scattered across the region.

     Slide and Splash in Lagoa is said to be the best. It is the biggest waterpark in the country and has won numerous awards. Slide and Splash's perfect mix of thrilling rides for both young and old, as well as restaurants, animal shows and relaxing pools, sets it head and shoulders above the rest.

     Other much-loved waterparks in the area include: Aquashow Park, Banzai Boggan, Aqualand Algarve, Wake Salinas, Surf Spot and Zoomarine Algarve. Each park offers something different and all are well-looked after and highly rated.

     One of the other biggest attractions in the Algarve is Ria Formosa Natural Park. Rio Formosa is a magnificent, wetlands nature reserve that reaches 60km along the coast.

     Take one of the many nature trails here to explore the lagoons, marshes, saltpans, islands and woodland that make up this wondrous natural habitat. Whether you hike, cycle, kayak or take a boat tour through the park, you can expect to see a fascinating array of rare and exotic birds, marine life, plants and flowers.

     The Algarve's rocky coastline has many heart-stopping peaks from where you can survey the dramatic coastline. Of all the best, Ponta da Piedade offers something extra special with its unique collection of rock formations, caves and grottoes.

     You can swim in its majestic cove, kayak, take a boat tour or hike up to its full, 20 metre heights to see the unrivalled views across to Sagres and Carvoeiro.

     However you explore Ponta da Piedade, you'll enjoy spotting all the different named rock formations at the water's edge, such as the cathedral, the submarine, the camel's head and the kissing couple.

     For history and a slice of culture, explore the cobbled streets of the old town of Faro where you'll find artisan shops, interesting architecture leftover from its Roman and Moorish past, as well as a marina, beaches and a museum.

     Silves and Loule are also well worth a visit. 8th century Silves Castle and the Museu Arqueologico are a reminder of its Moorish rulers, whilst Loule has many ruins to explore, including: the 16th century Capela Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, a 12th century Moorish castle and house, as well as the Igreja Matriz de Sao Clemente.

     Finally, with over 31 top golf courses in the Algarve, if you like sport, you'll want to pay a visit to one of the many sublime golf courses in the area, each offering tremendous views across the Algarve.

     The best golf courses in the area include, the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club, The Faldo Course and the unmatched Quinta Da Lago resort.