When talking about the Algarve, the beaches full of people, the blazing sun and the restaurants by the sea that offer fresh fish can easily come to the fore.
But the Algarve region is not just that and there are true paradises far from the tourist crowds, capable of offering a unique experience to those who visit the Algarve with the aim of a few peaceful days of rest, unique experiences and renewed energy.
The most convenient and easiest way to get to know the region is by car that allows you to reach practically anywhere and does not have the limitations of transport networks. The good news is that, even for those who don't own a car, they can easily make one. car hire on online platforms that compare hundreds of companies to get the best price.
We have selected for you a set of secret beaches, far from the crowds, perfect for moments of real rest. Because they are secret, many of our choices are only accessible by car, and in some cases you have to travel some distance on foot, but we promise it will be worth it.
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Barrinha beach in Faro
We start with the capital of the region, Faro, not exactly because it is the capital, but because this is where the international airport of Faro which brings many of the visitors to the region. If that's your case, you can start your holiday right away with a discovery at the eastern end of the Ancão peninsula, Praia da Barrinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Faro.
Visitors coming from the city of Faro often choose to access the beach by boat from the pier in Faro, but if you don't want to be conditioned to the boat schedules, or if you visit this beach in low season, when boat schedules are reduced, the best thing is to go to the island of Faro by car and access to the beach via the wooden walkway next to Café Nau Catrineta. Afterwards, you will have to walk for about 20 minutes until you reach Barrinha beach.
If what you really want is to step off the plane and experience the famous warm waters of the Algarve, it might be a good idea to plan on renting a car upon arrival. The easiest way is using the platforms online specialized in price comparison that allow you to save time and choose cheap cars and the best model for your vacation.
Source: Pexels
Murrão Beach in Vila do Bispo
It is a calm beach, which offers a contrast between the cliffs covered in green and the blue of the sea, and which also has a small spring that runs down the slope to the beach.
Access to this beach is via national road 120 and, after the Wind Farm, you will have to travel about 6 km on unpaved terrain until you reach the parking lot. Since the access is on unpaved land, it is recommended that you visit the beach with an all-terrain car.
If your car is not suitable for this type of route and you really want to discover this hidden beauty, once again it may be a good idea to rent a suitable model and thus save your car.
Although not exactly a hidden treasure, Vila do Bispo is close to Sagres, the westernmost point of Europe and which, due to its characteristic beauty, with arid landscapes and rough seas that carve grand cliffs, is worth a visit, especially if it is the first time visiting the region.
Sagres is one of the most popular destinations among surf lovers and if this is also the case, be aware that thanks to its unique location you will always find at least one beach suitable for surfing at any time of year.
If you are looking for a surfing experience, there are several beaches with surfing schools, which offer the possibility of lessons and equipment rental.
In case you are an experienced surfer and bring your own equipment, or surfing with friends, it might be a good idea rent a minivan that allows you to carry all your equipment and, at the same time, give you space and comfort for your holidays.
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Barranco do Martinho beach in Lagos
Located just 200 meters from the famous Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, this beach has a very interesting feature which is the fact that the sand almost disappears at high tide, which makes it necessary to check the tide schedule before visiting it. .
Protected by large red cliffs, this is a beach with calm waters that invite you to dive and is the delight of those who want a secret place, but at the same time, it is not too far from other pleasures, as this beach is one of restaurant-bar just 5 minutes walk from Ponta da Piedade, which allows you to enjoy a nice meal or cold drink, before or after heading to the beach.
Andorinha's Nest Beach in Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the most touristic cities in the Algarve region and knowing that, even here, it is possible to find a hidden treasure is a great indication of the beauty of the Algarve region.
It is possible to reach this beach by boat, or through the beaches of São Rafael and Coelha, with the latter requiring some physical effort.
For those traveling by car, the ideal is to park next to the Hotel Baía Grande and, following the path parallel to Rua de João Guita, you will soon reach the top of the cliff that gives access to the sand, through the cliffs.
Despite this being a hidden corner of Albufeira, the truth is that Albufeira can be quite crowded especially in the high season and travel and parking may not be so easy, especially if you choose a large car that needs a place large parking lot.
If you want to save energy and be able to park anywhere, it may be a good idea to choose to rent a smaller car for your holidays, which are often also cheap cars that use little fuel, allowing you to make your own cheaper vacations.
With these discoveries, you will become even more of a fan of the Algarve region.
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