Wondering what the best beaches near Faro Portugal are?
The southern coast of Portugal is called the Algarve coast. Algarve attracts thousands of visitors with its stunning, sandy beaches, its laid-back vibes and long summer days. Faro, the capital of the region, is usually the gateway to the marvelous area. While the is no such thing as a Faro beach, there are MANY nearby.
Visitors to this region will have plenty of small villages, towns and resorts to stay at. Or they can use Faro as a hub of exploration. The southern and western coasts abound with jaw-dropping beaches. Not all are easily accessible, but they are certainly worth the effort. Some of the best beaches in Europe can be found here.
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The Best Beaches Near Faro, Portugal
The Algarve has over 150 beaches to enjoy. That’s a lot. So, we narrowed it down to the top Faro beaches to explore. We also included the nearest resorts and hotels for the perfect getaway.
So, let’s get started!
1) Praia de Faro
Of all the beaches you will find around Faro, Praia de Faro (Faro Beach) is the closest. It is, in fact, the city’s main beach and easily accessible via the bus line that connects the city to the airport.
Located on the Ilha de Faro, this long sandy beach is just opposite the Ria Formosa National Park and extends for over 5 km along the Atlantic. Connected to the mainland via a bridge, the central section of the beach is the most developed and features a wide range of restaurants, bars and hotels, though it has been spared by the emergence of massive touristic resorts.
The beach is perfect for surfing and other water sports you might be into and although the majority of beachgoers are locals, the Praia de Faro gets very busy over the summer months so a small walk north or south of the main beach may be needed to find quieter corners.
Hotels & Resorts Near Faro Beach
Eva Senses Hotel
Conveniently located on the Faro waterfront near Faro Old Town, Eva Senses hotel is a 4-star, family-friendly property boasting 2 restaurants, a full-service spa and an amazing outdoor pool on site.
The hotel features rooms, twin rooms able to accommodate up to 2 children as well as suites. Furthermore, they are all equipped with the latest amenities to provide a comfortable and warm stay for all guests. If you are looking for a hotel within the city, then Eva Senses is definitely the place you should book.
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
Situated a mere 3-minute walk away from Faro Old Town, Hotel Faro & Beach Club is a modern hotel where guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in their rooms, all featuring the latest amenities or enjoy meals (including a marvelous breakfast buffet) at the rooftop terrace. Besides the convenient location near attractions such as Sé Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum, the hotel offers free shuttles for Faro Beach during the summer, while boat transportation is available for a surcharge.
2) Praia do Ancão
Located on the western side of the natural park of Ria Formosa, about a half-hour drive from Faro, Praia do Ancão is a stunning sandy beach protected by sand dunes and a pine forest. This Faro beach is fairly developed with umbrellas and beach loungers available for rent.
The area, which attracts a mixed crowd of couples, families and singles, also includes several bars and restaurants too. Water sports aficionados will find plenty of activities such as kayaking, SUP, water-skiing or even wakeboarding. You will love the natural surroundings but beware of the slightly higher price tag.
Hotels and Resorts Near Praia do Ancão
Martinhal Quinta Family Resort
Set within the Ria Formosa natural park, the Martinhal Quinta Family Resort is the dream place for travelers with children. The resort boasts a kids’ club (at an additional charge) where parents can leave their children for them to enjoy fun activities with other children their age.
The stunning establishment includes an outdoor pool, as well as a deli & market, with a cafeteria and grocery services. All the guest units feature rooms and even a kitchenette and all the necessary appliances and amenities.
Loule Jardim Hotel
A 25-minute drive from Praia do Ancão, Loule Jardim Hotel is located on a quiet square in Loule, a quaint village with a stunning castle. Loule may be not on the waterfront but it doesn’t lack charm, style and simplicity.
Breakfast is served daily in the garden while the on-site bar offers a wide range of drinks and liquors. If you feel like skipping the beach for a day, rest assured that plenty of fun is to be had on the rooftop pool, featuring a sun terrace as well. Who said you needed to be near the beach to have a splendid time in the Algarve?
3) Praia da Ilha da Culatra
You will find a few beach-goers here and there, perfect gold sand and crystalline waters. There are two villages on the island located on the west (Farol) and the north (Culatra), the central and eastern parts of the beach are still relatively devoid of crowds, even during the summer months so you won’t have to fight for a spot.
The most active visitors will certainly enjoy wandering along the meander of wooden paths and we highly recommend that you visit one of the local fish restaurants to end your day at the beach on a high note.
4) Praia do Almargem
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If you count among those who have a hard time lying on the warm sand all day (to each their own), you will be happy to know that there is also a small lagoon nearby, making it a perfect spot for bird-watching enthusiasts and wildlife lovers due to the rich fauna and flora thriving there.
Hotels and Resorts Near Praia do Almargem
Vale Do Lobo Resort
Less than 2 kilometers away from Praia do Almargem, set in beautiful gardens, the Vale do Lobo Resort offers self-catering accommodation to guests. With a collection of one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments as well as small villas (some with pools), the resort caters to all kinds of travelers, from couples, families and groups of friends. Furthermore, the resort includes tennis courts, a spa, several restaurants and even a supermarket as well to make your stay even more convenient.
Quinta Jacintina – My Secret Garden Hotel
If you are among those who don’t mind busy beaches if they stay in a relaxing and tranquil hotel, then you will love this one. A beautiful quinta just like we love them, Quinta Jacintina, located in Almancil, is set in a tranquil area with verdant gardens. Here, comfort and serenity come first.
You will love the tastefully decorated rooms, with their private terrace offering views of the garden. Opt to have breakfast in your room or outdoors before dipping your toes in the outdoor pool. But if you are visiting Algarve when the weather starts to cool down, you can enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace in the lounge area. All in all, a perfect escape from the more popular hotels and resorts nearby.
5) Praia do Barril
This beach is surrounded by mudflats and sand dunes yet the area is fairly developed with the former fisher huts reconverted into pretty beach stalls, cafés and restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the Cemitério das ncoras (Anchor Graveyard), a testimony to the region’s former past as a tuna fishing community.
Hotels & resorts near Praia do Barril
Quinta da Lua
Less than 30 km from Faro and the airport, tucked away in the countryside, the picturesque Quinta da Lua will instantly seduce you with its quaint charm. Surrounded by luxurious gardens, the hotel includes a collection of rooms with a blend of traditional touches in a modern décor and features balconies with views of the surroundings.
You will love spending the day exploring the area or simply lounging at the saltwater pool under the shade of olive trees. A little corner of paradise for you to enjoy your summer holidays in Faro!
Pedras D’el Rei
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is certainly a little jewel in the area and this is your chance to enjoy it firsthand with a stay in Pedras D’el Rei. This family-friendly resort boasts a convenient location near the Praia do Barril and even offers a free train shuttle to it. As for the rooms, they are spacious, with a private bathroom and a kitchenette.
You will find several restaurants and an outdoor pool surrounded by a tropical garden on-site, while massage services are also available. A fair warning; you may fall in love with Pedras D’el Rei and may think of booking your holidays for next year even before leaving the premises and seriously, we won’t judge you if you do!
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