Praia da Marinha: A Guide to One of Portugal's Best Beaches

Praia da Marinha is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal and all of Europe. It is located in the central Algarve near the towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro and is known for its stunning cliff formations, golden sand, and clear blue water.

This incredible Portuguese beach is only 10 minutes from another of the Algarve's must-see attractions, Benagil Cave, so it is easy to combine your visit to the caves with a stop at this unmissable beach. Praia da Marinha is relatively small and popular with both locals and tourists alike, but it is usually not too crowded, which makes for a perfect spot to spend the day.

With ideal Algarve weather year-round, Praia da Marinha is worth a visit no matter when you'll be traveling to the Algarve. And at low tide, you'll even be able to explore the hidden sea coves within the surrounding cliffs.

Read on for our ultimate guide to Praia da Marinha, including how to get there and where to stay nearby!

Getting to Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is about 60km west of Faro Airport and is not accessible by public transport, which means you will either need to rent a car or take a taxi to reach the beach. If you decide to take a taxi, plan to have one pick you up at an agreed-upon time for your return, as it can be complicated to find a taxi at the beach.

There is parking at the top of the cliffs, which offers a breathtaking view of the beach and the water. To get sea level, you'll need to walk down a long set of stairs to the left of the beach, so be sure you're prepared to climb back up at the end of the day! And if you are traveling with small children, keep in mind that the stairs may be difficult for them.

Things to Do Near Praia da Marinha

Snorkeling

Thanks to its high-quality water and abundant marine life, Praia da Marinha is an ideal spot for snorkeling. The sea is exceptionally clear and calm, making it easy to glimpse the various fish and aquatic species around the beach. However, you'll need to bring your own snorkeling gear as there are no rental shops or group tours available at this location.

Boat Trip

There are many boat tours leaving from different towns along the Algarve coastline that offer a view of Praia da Marinha from the sea. You should have no problem finding one that suits your schedule no matter where you are staying.

A boat tour will allow you to visit some of the stunning sea caves and grottos along the coast, including Benagil Cave. However, make sure that you book yourself on a small boat that can go inside the cave. Many tour boats are too large to enter and will just give you a glimpse of the caves from the outside.

Other sights worth seeing on a boat tour include Ponta da Piedade in Lagos and Praia da Nossa Senhora da Rocha, which is down the coast from Praia da Marinha to the east.

Hiking

If you prefer more active methods of sightseeing, taking a hike along the cliffs is a great way to experience the natural scenery of the Algarve coast. You'll be able to enjoy the views of the sea and rock formations from above as you walk from one magnificent beach to the next. From Praia da Marinha, you can walk along the cliffs to the west towards Praia de Benagil, or to the east towards Senhora da Rocha. Really, there are no bad options.

Where to Eat When Visiting Praia da Marinha

If you're planning to spend the whole day at the beach, your best option would be to pack a lunch. Though there is a snack bar conveniently located right on the beach, it is only open during the summer and can be a little pricey.

If you have a car and would like to explore some restaurants in the area, a great option is O Algar near Benagil beach. This family-run restaurant offers beautiful views, friendly service, and delicious local seafood. In the nearby town of Carvoeiro, you'll find Le Cro Portugal, a small but charming tapas spot serving up amazing food and perfect wine pairings.

For a real foodie experience, try Ocean Restaurant, one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants found in the Algarve. Ocean Restaurant offers gourmet tasting menus that are updated monthly and serves fresh, local ingredients.

Where to Stay Near Praia da Marinha

For lodging right by the beach, Suites Alba Resort & Spa is a fantastic option less than 10 minutes from Praia da Marinha. This is a 5-star resort offering great views, a spa, and first-class dining experiences. Vila Vita Parc Resort, home of the Ocean Restaurant, is another nearby hotel with luxury accommodations and amenities, including water activities and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

In addition, there are several towns near Praia da Marinha and Lagoa that can provide an ideal home base for your tourist adventures and explorations. These towns include Portimao and Carvoeiro, as well as the larger resort towns of Praia da Rocha and Albufeira.

When planning your trip to the Algarve, be sure to include a stop at Praia da Marinha. This beach is as beautiful as they come and is perfect for a day of relaxation and suntanning or as a starting point for an incredible hike. For more Algarve experiences, check out our array of specialized holiday packages!