Swimming beaches in the Algarve

There are several around Lagos that would be great swimming. But, I just googled 'beaches Algarve' and found many websites with beaches all along the coast. I'm thinking any place you stay will have beaches close by since that is what makes the Algarve so popular. If you haven't decided where to stay, there are places very built up with high rises all along the coast and quieter places without the high rises. If that matters to you, you might want to look at some pics before deciding.

Where along the Algarve are you staying? It takes more than 2 hours to drive its length, so it's pointless recommending somewhere that is nowhere near to where you are staying.

The sea is very cold at the western end and is slightly warmer closer to the Spanish border in the east. All the beaches are sandy and I am not aware of any where you can not safety swim. There may not be any lifeguards in September.

Some of the beaches to the west of Lagos are backed by cliffs and have access via many steps. There are no cliffs in the east.

I like Zavial and Figueira beaches between Lagos and Sagres and Barril and Cabanas in the east near Tavira.

They are all safe at the south part of algarve. The region called algarve also have some western beaches, although people usually consider all "Costa Vicentina" as being the region of Alentejo. That is not true, so just be sure where you are going.

I'm still trying to decide where we want to stay on the Algarve. Rick Steves seems to like Salema and Tavira. Which would be better to allow us to explore Algarve (and get in some swimming)? So glad to have your help - you are all very generous experts!

The advice on Salema is very out of date and what was a great village has been ruined by over-development. The restaurants are trying to go more up market and you will pay about double for a similar dish in say Lagos.

Tavira has far more character and a great old town spread around the river. Note that it is on the river, not the coast, hence you have to take a water taxi out to the beach.

Lagos sounds as though it may suit. Easier beach access than Tavira.

Note that places on the Algarve as a whole have been fully booked in August, with people not able to find accommodation, as they seek to avoid Turkey etc. Early September is when many of those that aren't tied to school holidays or the golfers go away and therefore, you may not be able to get the accommodation of your choice at this late stage - much will have been booked last December/January.

Salema was nice. Yes, it isn't quite the little fishing village it probably once was but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there in late September last year. Took a bus from Lagos; quite easy. The place I stayed was fabulous. There were stairs though so if that is a problem I would try somewhere else. It is kind of last minute to book accommodations but you may get lucky. The place is called Amare and I think was recommended in RS book. P.M. me if you would like other recommendations.

Linda

I guess if you want to swim you'd like beaches without rocks, so although those are the most beautiful (for instance, São Rafael or Prainha, both near Albufeira). No rocks and warmer water can be found if you go East, to places like Altura, Manta Rota, Fábrica or Monte Gordo. Also a very good beach is Alvor (and a nice village to, with lots of good restaurants near the river). I personally found the logistic of going to the beach in Tavira not good for relaxing holydays (you need to take a boat).

If you go east, try to visit Cacela Velha, a tiny village with great views! If you like old towns, surrounded by walls, visit Silves.

We stayed in Alvor a few weeks ago, and it was really nice. Lively town center, marina and fishing village as well. The beaches we loved for swimming were Praia de Castelo (near Albufeira) and Praia do Alvor. The waves were gentle, and the ocean wasn't too cold. Castelo had tons of shells and tide pools at low tide, so that was nice. Alvor was closer to the west and made it easy to do day trips to Lagos, Silves, Sagres and some other places.