No trip to the Algarve is complete without a day spent on the warm, golden sands of Praia de Marinha. Located around 20km from Albufeira, this sweeping, powder-soft beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the Algarve. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind, surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Getting to Praia de Marinha
If you're driving a hire car, the good news is there's plenty of parking close to the beach so you won't have too far to carry all your beach essentials. If you're staying in Albufeira itself, you'll find a number of buses which will get you here in a matter of minutes. Whichever way you choose to travel here, the approach to the beach provides you with some breath-taking views across the Atlantic and the golden sands. Although the beach is popular with locals and tourists, especially during the summer months, you can usually find a quiet spot to lay down your towel.
Enjoy a relaxing day
There's one thing on the cards when you spend the day at Praia de Marinha: relaxation. Pick a spot on the soft sand and gaze up at the amazing limestone cliffs that surround the beach. They're packed with beautiful natural caves and arches carved into the rock over thousands of years by the sea. The water is usually quite calm and the cliffs provide a great deal of shelter, making the beach popular with families with younger children. The sun can be intense here, so don't forget your sun cream.
When the midday sun gets too hot, dive into the crystal-clear waters and go swimming or snorkelling, or take the kids for a paddle. Praia de Marinha is a hotspot for snorkelling, but you'll need to bring your own equipment. It's well worth it as you'll spot a huge variety of fish and marine life in the sea here.
Fun for the whole family
If you're bringing the kids to Praia de Marinha, there's plenty to keep them amused. Of course, there's the usual sandcastle building competitions and beach games, but there are also plenty of unusual nooks and crannies to explore. You could even hire a paddleboard or take the family on a boat trip from the beach, for amazing views of the picture-perfect coastline.
A grand day out
The café at the bottom of the steps has good facilities, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a cool drink or snacks and light bites like omelettes and toasties. If you're self-catering, why not pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach? Then it's back to your towel to enjoy a lazy afternoon soaking up the Algarve sunshine, or you could head off to explore the caves and neighbouring beaches.
What else is nearby?
After a relaxing day lazing on the sands of Praia de Marinha, you'll be ready for something a bit more active so why not take the kids for an adventure at the Aquashow Park.
More Things To Do ideas
Find more Things To Do in Algarve: Algarve International Fair | Algarve Nightlife | Aquashow Portugal | Cataplana Festival | Fatacil Fair | Five Hidden Gems In The Algarve | International Sand Sculpture Festival | Ponta De Piedade | Portugal Day | Sardine Festival | Tavira Island | Zoomarine