Praia da Marinha Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches you'll find anywhere

You have to see this beach to believe it. It is picture perfect. Located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha is a small cove beach that nestles snugly at the base of rocky outcrops. If you tried to imagine the most picturesque beach possible, you probably still wouldn’t do it justice.

Wide meandering steps take you from the cliff top car park to the beach below. At high tide the beach is a narrow strip of sand, but at low tide the adjacent coves become accessible. Praia da Marinha is a hit with families as there are plenty of strange rock formations to explore, caves cut in the cliffs and many rock pools harbouring all sorts of marine life.

The water quality and clarity here is exceptional, making Praia da Marinha ideal for snorkelling. Many different marine species can be spotted in the waters here. There is a snack bar on the beach, open during the summer months, meaning you can quite happily spend an entire day here.

The whole coastline here is a fantasy collection of caves and grottoes. The best way to explore is by boat. There are plenty of boat trips from Vilamoura, Albufeira and Portimão that will take you here, as well as small boats that leave from the villages of Benagil and Carvoeiro, to explore the famous Benagil sea cave which is near to Praia da Marinha. Praia da Senhora da Rocha is another beautiful cove beach in the area, with the iconic and romantic Senhora da Rocha chapel perched atop the cliffs.

The beach is easy to find – turn off the E.N.125 at the International School at Lagoa and simply follow the signs, or go east from Carvoeiro.
Stop off for a meal at one of Carvoeiro's great restaurants on the way.