The best beaches for children in the Algarve
Holidays with kids rhyme with beach, but a day at the beach with the small ones can be the best and worst of your holiday. To have calm and relaxing days, All About Portugal chose the best beaches for children in the Algarve.
With a range of beaches for all tastes, and accessible by car, the Algarve is the ideal destination for those looking for beaches suitable for children. On a family holiday, we tend to pack everything but the kitchen sink, between beach toys, to balls and inflatables, a parasol, and we certainly cannot forget the lunch bag. On top of all that, we sometimes need to carry the children ourselves… As such, it is best to choose beaches with good accesses and infrastructures. Other variables must also be taken into consideration, such as calm waters, protection from the wind, and the surprise factor, like a spontaneous train journey or the natural pools created by the sea. Follow All About Portugal's suggestions and take the opportunity to create happy memories with the children.
Odeiceixe Beach – Aljezur
Located in a fishing village, the Odeceixe beach has easy access from the town, and is divided by the Ceixe Stream, which separates the Alentejo from the Algarve. You can, then, opt for bathing in the river or the sea, in a surrounding landscape of rare beauty and tranquillity. When the tide is low, small lakes are formed that will undeniably delight the children.
Salema Beach – Vila do Bispo
The Salema beach, in Vila do Bispo, stands out for its crystalline waters and fine sand, and for its proximity to the fishing village, so it is still possible to find traditional fishermen and appreciate their craftsmanship. A curious note about this beach is the fact that here one can find the wreckage of the French warship Ocean – a story all little pirates will love!
Burgau Beach - Vila do Bispo
One cannot talk about the best beaches for children without mentioning the magnificent Burgau Beach, also in Vila do Bispo. With its blue and white houses, Burgau is known as the Portuguese Santorini, a picturesque fishing village said to be the best kept secret in the Algarve. Surrounded by cliffs, the beach is narrow but long, creating natural pools at low tide, ideal for children to play.
Beach of Dona Ana – Lagos
Despite the access stairs, the beach of Dona Ana, in Lagos, is one of the best options in the Algarve for holidays with children. With fine sand between colourful cliffs and interesting rock formations, it was once considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The calm waters and the good infrastructure complete the ideal picture, which justifies being at the top of this list.
Marinha Beach – Lagoa
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and already awarded as Praia Dourada (Golden Beach) by the Ministry of the Environment, the Marinha beach, in Lagoa, is a must-visit and perfect to take your children to. In addition to the quality of its water, the surrounding panorama stands out, with the sand surrounded by magnificent golden cliffs and breath-taking sea arches.
Beach of Armação de Pêra – Silves
The beach of Armação de Pêra, in Silves, is located in a nice fishing village and spreads over a three-kilometre wide stretch of sand, with a pedestrian walkway right next to it, ideal for a walk. The sand is bordered by the Alcantarilha and Espiche streams and has good support infrastructure, making it one of the best beach options for children in the Algarve.
Olhos de Água Beach – Albufeira
Located in the picturesque village with the same name, Olhos de Água, this beach in Albufeira, has much to offer, and you can still see typical fishermen's boats. The name Olhos de Água derives from the freshwater springs that sprout on the sand, visible by the sea at low tide. Be sure to explore with the children the limestone cliffs filled with diverse marine life.
Ancão Beach – Loulé
Integrated in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Ancão beach, in Almancil (Loulé), has an extensive sandy beach surrounded by a pine and cork oak forest, which allows for some privacy. It is also surrounded by a vast dune system, where it is possible to glimpse several animal species. It has good infrastructure, and great restaurants.
Barril Beach – Tavira
The Barril beach, in Tavira, is an instant hit with children, since it is accessible by a small train that crosses the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There are those that choose to venture on foot, but it is a long journey, so be advised. It is a quiet beach, with clear waters and fine sand, the ideal paradise for an unforgettable family holiday.
Verde Beach – Castro Marim
Our last suggestion for exploring the Algarve with children is the Verde beach, in Castro Marim. Surrounded by a pine forest (hence the name verde, Portuguese for green), it is a calm beach, with warm, clear waters and good support infrastructure. One of the best beach options for children in the heart of the Eastern Algarve.
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