Even more surprising is that the lesser-known, secret beaches are some of the most beautiful in the region. They’re perfect to escape the crowds. Some are quite remote, but others are simply hidden between the more famous beaches. They have no bars, no restaurants, no hotels, and no lifeguard supervision on these beaches, so make sure you bring enough water and snacks (don’t ever forget to take all the trash with you when you leave!) and never swim too far from the shore.
- Praia do Ninho de Andorinha / Albufeira
If you’re looking for a romantic beach in Algarve, you’ve found one of the best. Albufeira is the tourist capital of Algarve but still has a secret beach. It’s a hidden cove that until recently was only discovered on kayak tours, but thanks to social media and Google Maps, they are already placed on many tourists’ itineraries. There are beautiful views from the top, not just over the beach but also of the Albufeira coast.
- Praia do Barranquinho / Lagoa
Before a resort was built nearby, this was a secret and deserted beach. Now it has about a couple dozen daily visitors, and that’s enough to make it feel crowded, as it’s quite small. Still, those are usually guests of the resort, and it remains undiscovered by everyone else. Most people find it on boat tours, on the way to and from the famous Praia da Marinha nearby. It’s reached via an unmarked path and has a magnificent scenery of pine-covered cliffs and a large islet right in front. The water is clear and calm and good for swimming.
- Praia do Carvalho / Lagoa
Accessed via a hidden tunnel carved on the ground, this is one of the most romantic beaches in Algarve. It’s incredibly scenic, with a perfectly centered rock in the water and a “window” carved on the cliff framing a postcard view. Although this beach is very popular on social media, most people leave in the afternoon, when half of the beach is shaded. It is highly recommended to stay for the sunset since you’ll admire it at its most serene and magical.
- Praia das Fontainhas / Lagoa
Although it’s a frequent stop for those on boat tours, it’s still a relatively secret beach. Only a few locals and guests of the hotel nearby usually come here and enjoy its calm waters, beautiful scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. If you don’t arrive by boat, you’ll need to find a trail hidden at the top of the cliff on the right side to reach the sand. The woodland above it is great for a picnic in the shade.
- Praia de Boião / Portimão
You reach this beach by walking to the western end of the relatively popular Praia do Alemão, but most of it is only accessible by boat or at low tide. Here you’ll see a series of limestone rocks in the water, and at the top of the cliff behind it, there’s a trail with a panoramic view of the coast, leading to other beaches to the east and west. That’s when you can explore a number of caves and coves that are among the most beautiful in the Algarve.
- Praia do Submarino / Alvor
This is the most secret of the secret beaches since it is only accessible at low tide. This naturist’s paradise can be found at the bottom of a cliff. Named after a rock shaped like a submarine emerging from the water, it has spectacular rock formations with openings that lead to hidden caves when the water level allows it.
- Praia dos Pinheiros / Lagos
It’s a place of extraordinary natural beauty, nestled between golden cliffs and with calm waters. It’s located between two of Lagos’ most visited sites (the Ponta da Piedade headland and Praia do Camilo) but remains a secret. That’s because you have to follow an unmarked trail from the top of a cliff in order to reach it. It’s so secluded, that most people who make it down sunbathe nude.
- Praia das Furnas / Sagres
This beach is so remote, you won’t even have cellphone service. It’s reached via an unpaved road and remains a secret even to many locals. It’s essentially a beach for naturists, many of them campers who stay overnight (although it’s actually not legal to do so). It’s named after a series of caves that look carved by man, but are actually the result of erosion. The caves make it unique and worth the trip. Add the calm waters and the peaceful atmosphere, and you’ll leave wondering how it’s not one of the more crowded beaches in the region.
- Praia do Barranco / Sagres
This beach is in a remote location, and to reach it you have to drive down an unpaved road. This keeps the crowds away, so it’s the perfect escape for those who prefer a wilder atmosphere. It has long been a beach for campers and naturists but hasn’t yet been discovered by everyone else. There’s nothing except green valleys, hills, cliffs, and usually calm waters around you, to be enjoyed in peace.
- Praia da Figueira / Sagres
Even on the more crowded days, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by a wild landscape of cliffs with Mediterranean vegetation. It’s quite close to the popular village of Salema, but tourists haven’t yet discovered it. It does attract a number of young couples, families, and naturists in July and August, but remains a quiet little paradise. Cars must be parked about 800 meters (half a mile) away, and the access is via a narrow footpath.
- Praia da Murração / Costa Vicentina
It’s the wildest and most remote beach of all of the wild and remote beaches of Costa Vicentina and is mostly frequented by naturists and campers. A difficult access (about 6 km / 3,5 miles on an unpaved road) has guaranteed that this beach remains a secret. Some local families looking for lots of space for the kids and dogs to run around have also discovered it, but it remains a very quiet beach where you mostly hear the sounds of nature and admire a magnificent natural landscape. You should just avoid swimming, as the currents here are strong and there are no lifeguards.
