Portugal Beaches Pictures
Algarve Photos

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But...away from the sea the Algarve is not a pretty sight.

The Algarve's lack of natural beauty - or perhaps we should say spoilt natural beauty - once away from the seaside is disappointing. Apart from the appealingly bleak coast around Sagres in the far southwest, practically the whole zone is a messy, residential wasteland with scattered, unattractive development - blocky new houses and apartments replacing the pretty, tiled, dear departed old villas.
Even the reputedly scenic Monchique area is a series of low pine-clad hills of a not very striking nature bisected by heavy traffic. Lake District or Alps this is not. Not even close. And Silves, old Moorish capital of the Algarve? Pah!

Algrave beaches, however, are mostly big, soft, clean and well serviced, the weather is the best in Portugal and if you need vernacular style and a little culture with your sand and sun, try Lagos or Tavira.

Portugal Beach photos and information,
the Algarve from east to west:

Downside | Tavira | Faro | Albufeira | Portimao | Lagos

The west [Atlantic] coast beaches: Surfing | Guincho | Ericeira

Other Portuguese Pictures: Portugal | Lisbon

Portugal Guides: Travel Guide | Lisbon Travel Guide | Map | Europe Map | Tours

Other European Beach Pictures and Information:

Greece | Turkey | Italy | France

Mediterranean | Bournemouth [UK] | World's Best Beaches

Portugal Beach Photos by Julian Loader