Stretching from Faro to the Spanish border, the coastal and inland towns and villages of the eastern Algarve remain a hidden gem compared to other areas at the Algarve. The east Algarve is in the developmental stage compared to other regions, but this means it enjoys pleasant, quiet and peaceful areas with dream beaches - not just on the nearby islands. It is also surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside with lots of small traditional villages and towns. Infrastructure has been implemented with international supermarkets, many restaurants, top quality golf courses, shopping malls, marinas, good amenities and endless coastline.
The East also means protected land - the ‘Parque Natural da Ria Formosa’ stretches from Faro in the west towards Tavira and Vila Nova de Cacela in the east. This nature reserve, separated from the open sea by sandbanks, is one of the largest lagoons in Europe. It has sandbars, saltwater lagoons and many waterways and protects a fantastic ecosystem of birdlife, small fishing communities and traditional mussel-seekers. Boat trips from Faro, Olhão and Tavira can guide you through this paradise.
The region is probably best known for its superb islands offering fantastic white, tranquil, sandy beaches which can be accessed either by boat, rail or a delightful long walk. The water is usually much warmer and calmer here than on the beaches in the West.
East Algarve Beaches
Not everyone knows of the endless beaches along the coastline - you can go all year and enjoy the beauty of the local fauna and flora either to walk and/or swim!
Manta Rota: Ideally situated not far from Tavira, this beach has a huge car park, restaurants and bars.
Praia da Lota: A more private and less known beach, but served by cafes and restaurants.
Altura (Alagoa): Well organized, with watersports and a hotel just 100m away - making it a lovely beach to have fun in the sun.
Praia Verde: Formed on a small sloping hill next to a pleasant urbanization surrounded by pine forest. There are lovely beach restaurants and a bar with great views.
Praia do Cabeço: A beach of the municipality of Castro Marim with an excellent stretch of sand and clear water.
Monte Gordo: A small town with immense nightlife, restaurants, casino and many bars. In addition it has a beach that boasts excellent water quality.
The eastern beaches begin with a long stretch of sand that runs uninterrupted from the edge of the River Guadiana at Vila Real de Santo António to Manta Rota and then on to the other beaches. They are backed by gentle dunes rather than cliffs and give a fantastic Mediterranean feeling. The beaches are not crowded and there is something for everyone. Another very important aspect is that you do not need to rent a sun bed or pay tourist tax as in other countries. The freedom to choose is yours, whether it’s the long sandy beaches of the coastline, or the coves, bays or islands a little further away. Here they are:
Ilha da Culatra/Farol (Farol is a must to see): Culatra and Farol are two villages on the island of Culatra. There is a third, less known village called Hangares. These are accessible via ferry boat from Olhão throughout the year (out of season four or five boats per day and in high season only from Faro). There are beaches on ocean side as well as the river side. The soil is very sandy and there are good amenities including various bars and restaurants, some houses and rooms to rent so it is possible to stay.
Ilha da Armona: Similar to Culatra but has a more sophisticated image. Ferries are available from Olhão all year round.
Fuzeta: All the houses that existed, being illegal, were demolished and the protective dune recovered. Consisting of very light sand - it is possible to walk to the entrance of the sea to the Ria Formosa.
Praia do Barril (can walk or take the train): Probably the best known beach on the large Ilha de Tavira. There is parking at Pedras del Rei also accessible by public transport from Tavira.
Terra Estreita (Tavira): The quietest of the three beaches on the Ilha de Tavira, accessible by ferry from Santa Luzia. It is ‘open’ only from May to the end of September, when the ferry stops and the bar closes.
Ilha de Tavira: Accessible by ferry from Tavira and from Quatro Águas (Tavira). This is the most developed beach on Tavira Island boasting a large number of bars, restaurants and simple but popular campsite.
Cabanas: Accessible by small boats from Cabanas.
Fábrica: One of the most desirable beaches in the Algarve, this is a beach of fantastic sand and water, plus you can walk across to the ocean. Crystal clear water with excellent temperatures makes it perfect for any bather.
The East Algarve has so many positive qualities; lifestyle, nature, beaches and beautiful islands - everything the tourist and property purchaser is looking for.
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