Algarve: The Best Beaches in the West – Welcome to Lagos & Carvoeiro

Susanne Kremer
Apr 18
5 min read

All Photos and Text: Susanne Kremer

Camilo Beach, Algarve,Portugal, Wooden stairs lead to a serene beach at sunrise. Rocky cliffs, greenery, and the calm sea create a tranquil scene with warm hues. — Wooden steps lead to Camilo Beach , down to the serene beach with rocky cliffs under a vibrant sunrise sky.

Portugal’s beaches have something truly special – dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and untouched nature. Some even say the Algarve feels like Northern California’s wild coast, just with better weather and a touch of Portuguese charm!

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, and its name comes from Arabic: Al-Gharb, meaning "the West"—a nod to its position as the westernmost part of the Muslim world back in the day. Stretching for about 155 kilometers, the coastline runs from the Spanish border at Vila Real de Santo António all the way to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of Europe.

What Makes the Algarve So Special?

Algarve: The Best Beaches in the West

Beyond the stunning beaches, it’s the crazy variety of landscapes: hidden coves sit next to towering cliffs, tiny fishing villages blend with buzzing coastal towns, and inland, you’ll find rolling hills and endless orange groves.

Best Time to Visit: The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate, meaning mild winters and hot, dry summers. The best time to go? April to October! July and August are the hottest months, and while the Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean, between July and September, the water reaches a refreshing 20-23°C – perfect for a dip!

First Stop Lagos: Sunrise at Camilo Beach & Cocktails with a View

After landing in Lisbon, we couldn’t wait to hit the coast. We grabbed our rental car and set off on a three-hour drive to Lagos, cruising past golden fields, olive groves, and glimpses of the Atlantic. By the time we reached our hotel, we already knew – this trip was going to be unforgettable.

Hotel Vivenda Miranda – Pure Magic

Stepping into Hotel Vivenda Miranda felt like entering a dream. The wide open white sun umbrellas glowed under the sun, the sky stretched endlessly over the crashing waves, and every breakfast came with the soothing sound of the ocean. Absolute bliss. Bonus: some of the Algarve’s best beaches are just minutes away!

Parking Tip: Beach parking is sometimes free but scarce, so if you’re driving, get there early!

Hotel Vivenda Miranda Sunny resort view with a blue pool, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and lush green trees. Ocean in the background. Relaxing atmosphere. — Hotel Vivenda Miranda : A tranquil poolside retreat with lush greenery and a stunning ocean view, offering a perfect escape under the clear blue sky.

Algarve Kueste,Portugal Sonnenuntergang über einer Küste mit Sandstrand, Klippen und einem grünen Baum im Vordergrund. Der Himmel ist orange und violett gefärbt. — A breathtaking sunset over Praia da Luz in Portugal, showcasing dramatic cliffs, serene waters, and vibrant coastal vegetation.

Morning Magic at Camilo Beach, Algarve: The Best Beaches in the West

First morning, alarm rings way too early—but who cares? I grab my camera and head out.

Camilo Beach is one of the Algarve’s most stunning spots, and at sunrise, it’s all mine. The cliffs glow golden as the first rays hit, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can tackle the long wooden staircase down to the sand. (Spoiler: it looks worse than it is, but your legs will feel it!)

This beach is small but breathtaking, making it perfect for early risers, couples looking for a dreamy backdrop, and photographers chasing golden light. If you prefer more space, though, bigger beaches in the Algarve might be a better fit.

Wooden stairs lead to a sandy beach with rocky cliffs at sunrise. The vibrant sky and calm sea create a serene, scenic view. — Camilo Beach, Wooden steps descend towards a serene beach, surrounded by stunning cliffs and bathed in the warm glow of the rising sun.

Ponta da Piedade: Where the Cliffs Touch the Sky

After Camilo Beach, we head straight to Ponta da Piedade—an absolute must-see!

Just 10 minutes from Lagos, this place makes you feel tiny. Towering rock formations, shaped by wind and waves over thousands of years, rise from the Atlantic like natural sculptures. The endless blue of the ocean, golden cliffs, and mysterious caves? Pure magic. No wonder it’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Ponte da Piedade Rocky coast with yellow cliffs, clear blue water, and small boats floating in a serene bay. Bright, sunny day with a calm sea backdrop. — A stunning view of the golden rock formations and turquoise waters of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal, with small boats nestled in the scenic grottoes.

Woman in white dress and hat admires a scenic coastal view with cliffs and blue ocean under a bright sky, evoking a serene mood. — A traveler (me) enjoys the breathtaking cliffs and azure waters of the Algarve coast in Portugal, capturing the essence of a perfect summer adventure.

Pathway leading to a coastal lighthouse with a red roof, surrounded by greenery and palm trees under a cloudy sky near the sea. — A scenic view of the coastal lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade surrounded by lush vegetation and palm trees, with a wooden walkway leading towards the building under a moody sky.

Lagos Old Town Vibes & the Best Breakfast

After soaking up so much nature, it’s time for a city break. Lagos’ Old Town is full of charm, with cute cafés and a relaxed vibe. I find a tiny street café, order an espresso (finally, not just hot milk with a drop of coffee!), and grab a Pastel de Nata. Life is good.

Narrow cobblestone street with people dining at outdoor café tables. White buildings and a distant church tower under a clear blue sky. — A picturesque street ithe quaint little European town of Lagos , features charming whitewashed buildings and an outdoor café bustling with people enjoying a sunny day, set against the backdrop of an elegant bell tower.

Carvoeiro: A Picture-Perfect Beach Town

Next stop: Carvoeiro! We check into the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel—which, honestly, looks like it was pulled straight out of a James Bond movie. Perched on the cliffs, with hidden coves and dramatic coastal views, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

A coastal resort with a pool, surrounded by sunbathers and umbrellas. Cliffs and ocean in the background under a clear blue sky. — The breathtaking Tivoli Carvoeiro, coastal resort scene featuring a sparkling pool area surrounded by sun loungers and parasols, set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and the serene blue ocean.

Ein Tisch mit bunten Obsttellern und Getränken vor einem Pool und Meerblick bei Sonnenuntergang. Entspannte Urlaubsatmosphäre. — Delight in a picturesque seaside meal with fresh fruit salads and wine overlooking a stunning cliffside pool at sunset.

Praia do Carvoeiro: The Perfect Mix of Beach & Charm

Just 10 minutes from the hotel, Carvoeiro’s main beach is peak Algarve vibes—golden cliffs, crystal-clear water, and beachside cafés that make it ideal for a chill day by the sea.

Carvoeiro Beach

Praia da Marinha: Love Letter to the Algarve

A 15-minute drive takes us to Praia da Marinha, the Algarve’s ultimate postcard beach. Golden cliffs, crazy-clear turquoise water, and the famous heart-shaped rock arch? It’s no surprise that this place has seen a lot of proposals!

Coastal cliff with a natural arch over blue sea under a cloudy sky. Yellow rock formations and sparse greenery create a serene landscape.

Praia Marinha and Heart-Shaped Cliff

Praia Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal located in the Algarve, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and crystal-clear waters.

Kayaker paddles under a natural arch in teal ocean. Cliffside with graffiti text. Cloudy sky sets a serene, adventurous mood.

Woman in a white outfit and hat sits on a cliff edge overlooking a rocky archway and ocean. Bright, sunny day with a clear blue sky. — A serene moment of contemplation overlooking the stunning rocky coastline, with natural arches carved by the sea, under a bright, partially clouded sky.

Aerial view of a sandy beach with turquoise water, surrounded by tall cliffs. People sunbathe and swim under a partly cloudy sky. — Aerial of Praia Marinha

Praia da Marinha is the quintessential poster motif of the Algarve: golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and the famous heart-shaped rock arch. Countless marriage proposals have surely taken place here – and I understand why!

Poolside view at sunset with empty loungers, umbrellas, coastal cliffs, and gardens. Calm blue pool, lit pathways, and pink-orange sky. — A stunning coastal view at sunset, showcasing the luxurious infinity pool of the Tivoli Hotel, surrounded by loungers, with dramatic cliffs and the tranquil sea in the background.

This wraps up part one of my Algarve beach guide—showcasing some of the most breathtaking beaches in the west. But there’s so much more to explore! Stay tuned for part two, where I’ll take you through the best beaches on the east side, including Albufeira, Praia da Falésia, and some hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

For more travel inspo & photos, follow me on Instagram: @skremerphoto or check out my website for the latest travel tips: www.wanderlustbysusannekremer.com

License & Copyright Notice

All images and text © Susanne Kremer. No unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution without my permission. For licensing or collaborations, contact me at skremerphoto@gmail.com.

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