Dream trips Ready, steady… go! (at last)
Mary Lussiana reveals how to see green-list Portugal in a style worthy of any post-lockdown wishlist HIDDEN BEACHES OF THE ALGARVE
Far away from the madding holiday crowds lie tiny, perfect coves of golden sand framed by mellow limestone rocks and washed by clear waters – but you need to know how to find them.
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
Nowhere else in Europe can compete with the Algarve’s beaches. Slice after slice of fine, golden sands trim the southern coastline; some stretch as far as the eye can see, others are tiny coves that lie hidden in the folds of the shoreline. You just need to know where to look. In the centre of the Algarve there is the postcard-perfect Praia de Albandeira with rocks that stretch out into the water to form an arch and a tiny sandy beach tucked under overhanging cliffs. On the west coast is Amoreira Beach, a beautiful swirling mix of waters at the mouth of the Aljezur estuary. To the east, where the water is warmer due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, off-the-grid beaches include sand spit islands such as Culatra in the Ria Formosa Natural Park reached by ferry from Olhao.
YOU’LL NEVER FORGET
Those early morning walks before the world is up, when the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the call of the seagulls and the beautiful Algarve light hold the promise of a perfect day.
EXPERT TIPS
The less frequented beaches will not have a restaurant or a café on them. Take plenty of water in a cool bag. The sun is also extremely strong in the Algarve, but the sea breeze can sometimes make it feel deceptively cool. Use a high-protection sun cream and make sure children keep hydrated.
HOW TO DO IT
Faro airport is the one to fly to, served by British Airways (ba.com), easyJet (easyjet.com) and Ryanair (ryanair.com). From here you can hire a car (Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz all operate) allowing you to seek out the off-theradar beaches. Get information from your hotel, or locals, to find a beach off the beaten track. Signposts with a parasol and Praia are the ones to follow.