Algarve Reviews

Barril beach is found in the Ria Forma natural park. It is an island that requires a short walk over part of the Ria via a bridge. Once on the other side of the bridge you can either walk along the approximately one KM path or take a small tourist train. Once at the beach there is an extensive boardwalk system designed to protect the natural sand dunes and vegetation. There is this really neat display of anchors and a VERY organized little town with restaurants and gift shops. To see more on this beach and the area click on the VIDEO Below

Barril Beach VIDEO

lott’s of action and pretty landscape re the name of the game on the beach. Plenty of accommodation and restaurants surround the beach. It is actually divided, which makes two cozy little alcove beaches surrounded by those famous Algarve cliffs !! Enjoy the video - just click the picture below !

Oura Beach Video

Took a trip out to the west coast again. If you have never been YOU GOTTA GO ! It is super beautiful and pristine. It tends to be a little less busy as well because it is away from some of the more popular “tourist areas”. The beaches are super dramatic, super beautiful and GREAT for surfing. They also tend to have these little lagoons that form (esp. in high tide) so that is great for the kids.

To see more on this fantastic beach view the VIDEO BELOW

Amoreira Beach Video

This is a very enjoyable day trip to the Island beach of Armona. There are a couple ways of getting to the Island from the mainland just by the Olhao Market. You can take a private water taxi or the large “commuter” boat. The taxi tends to by a bit more money but if you have more people it becomes alittle cheaper, of course it is more convenient too as they run more often. The “big” boat runs every hour and takes about 20 minutes to cross over to the island (this is what I took) and was €3.10 return. It was very pleasant. Once on the Island there are about 5 restaurants so don’t worry if you didn’t pack a lunch. There is a beach right at the dock but I suggest you walk thru the town to the other side. It’s much bigger and less busy beach, especially if you walk further away from the initial boardwalks. Town town itself is super quint and you MUST check it out while there. Got a Video here, why not take a look at the days journey ?!?

Armona Beach Video

Sao Rafael has a little bit of everything. First lets start with a decent amount of parking, great views from the top of the cliffs, a pleasant well defined path down to the beach and a very nice sea side restaurant. The beach itself is a pretty good size. However, it has certain limitations as both the east and west sides of the beach have rocky outcrops that restrict you from going any further. here are also some fairly large rocks in the water new shore, but don’t worry there is still plenty of great swimming water !  VIEW THE VIDEO OF THE BEACH BELOW. -  -

Sao Rafael Beach Video

Salgados Beach is located in the Albufeira district of the Algarve. It offers a wide beach with large areas of natural sand dunes and a natural lagoon right next to it to. The lagoon is full of birds, including the Flamingo which returns every spring. Parking is located behind the sand dunes, so you take a short walk along the boardwalk to get to the beach. Unlike many of the Algarve beaches there are no large cliffs or rocks in the water. It’s a flat, wide open area. You will also find seaside restaurants.

Enough said…check out the video - just CLICK on the picture.

Salgados Beach VIdeo

Caught the last day action in the windsurf racing circuit for the Iberian Peninsula.The Proam series. The day stated out not very windy but by 6:00 pm the wind was blowing !!
It turned out to be a great race with the top two surfers finishing the 4 heat race with commanding leads against the rest of the pack. The event took place on Martinhal Beach near Sagres and I have to say apart from the great competition the water was PERFECT!! ( I managed to get in a swim ).
Anyway check out all the fun, action and WINNERS of this years Iberian Proam Circuit !!!

PROAM FINAL WINDSURFING VIDEO

This is a VERY pretty beach, there is also very good parking as well. The beach is fairly big and it also has this very large resort right above it - The Grande Real Santa Eulalia.
There is this very nice path that runs atop the beach and is bordered with the restaurants of the hotel. You are welcome to eat there if you wish. Check out the video….

Santa Eulalia Beach Video

Gale beach is super popular here in the Algarve. It is very pretty and has many rock formations dotted throughout the beach. The beach it’s self is divided in two by these very rocks. It also has two very nice beach side restaurants. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW

Gale Beach Video

Yes, yet another beautiful spot to take a dip and lie on the sand! I know it’s getting abit repetitive but this is the Algarve

Ok so what are some of Marinha beach differences ?? Well there is no town close to it, it’s super secluded (for central Algarve standards), not overly big, has huge cliffs surrounding it.

There is parking at the top of the cliffs (not alot of parking but usually enough) take a fairly long set of stairs down - beautifully kept and landscaped - and then enjoy the beach !!!

There is one restaurant on the beach as well if you get hungry or thirsty …..enjoy the video …..

Marinha Beach Video