Discover a world where paradise seamlessly blends with luxury at Quinta do Lago, an esteemed resort gracing Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coastline. With its championship golf courses, luxurious villas, and Michelin-starred dining, Quinta do Lago offers an exciting escape. But when it’s time to bask under azure blue skies, soak up the sun, and surrender to pure relaxation, nothing compares to the pristine beaches that adorn this coastal haven. Nestled within the prestigious ‘Golden Triangle’ and surrounded by natural beauty, Quinta do Lago is a renowned resort destination that caters to those seeking the perfect beach escape. Whether you yearn for serenity or seek excitement, the beautiful beaches near Quinta do Lago promise an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best Quinta do Lago beaches.
Praia da Quinta do Lago
The luxurious resort of Quinta do Lago unsurprisingly has one of the most spectacular beaches in the Algarve. Praia da Quinta do Lago is a 3.5 km stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and located in front of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.
Praia do Ancão
The seemingly endless stretch of golden sands that form Praia do Ancão sits halfway between Faro and Quarteira. Similar to Quinta do Lago beach, it is backed by sand dunes along much of its length and offers plenty of facilities, including sun shelters, beach chair and lounger hire, acclaimed seafood restaurants, and lifeguard patrols.
Praia do Garrão
Just along from Praia do Ancão is the smaller Garrão beach. Backed by low cliffs and a pine forest, this stretch is a favourite passageway for the local horse riding school, and the famous tennis academy is nearby. This Quinta do Lago beach is picturesque, with wooden walkways, sun loungers, sand dunes, a lifeguard, and a large parking area.
Praia de Vale do Lobo
This 1 km long but relatively narrow stretch of coastline is backed by red cliffs and lush green golf courses – a paradise for golfers and beachgoers alike. The main square of Vale do Lobo, known as The Praca, is the beating heart of the resort and several of its bars and restaurants overlook the sand. There are beach bars serving delicious cocktails, restaurants offering a mix of traditional cuisine and international dishes, and a nightclub.
Another Quinta do Lago beach worth visiting is Loulé Velho beach, accessed via a rural path that runs through a valley of fields, olive, cork, and carob trees. Although a little harder to find, it’s an unspoiled beach worth the trip. There are few facilities, but if you pack some food and cold drinks, it truly is a beautiful setting.
In the area, there are some old hydraulic mills and aqueducts where the Carcavai river forms the extensive wetlands, abundant with wildlife. Wild grasses merge with the dunes, and as the tide goes out, old Roman salt-collecting tanks and the ruins of a Carthaginian fishing village are revealed.
Praia de Quarteria
Many years ago, Quarteira was a small fishing village. These days, it is a major, bustling tourist resort town, particularly popular with the Portuguese, as well as international holidaymakers.
This 2 km stretch of urban beach is backed by holiday apartments, hotels, and a long promenade filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. There are stone breakwaters along this stretch of the coast, providing protection from the waves and creating calm bays in between. Lifeguards are on duty along the length of the sand, and there are outdoor showers, public toilets, and services provided by the overlooking town itself.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
It goes without saying that anyone planning a stay in the Quinta do Lago area should seize the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa. Recognised as one of the country’s seven natural wonders, this group of islands forms a magical swirl of seagrass meadows, freshwater lagoons, lush marshlands, and sandy beaches.
Easily accessible by catamaran or water taxi, it is well worth packing a beach bag for the day and venturing out across this network of small and varied communities. You can alight on a deserted sandy cove, surrounded by nature, or you can head to the more tourist-friendly beaches with clusters of restaurants, bars, and kiosks offering activities for the whole family. Depending on the time of year, you may even be lucky enough to spot a siege of herons or flamboyance of flamingos!
We have lots of villas close to Quinta do Lago beaches so just let us know your wish list and we will help you find your personal paradise in this sensational area.
