Some of the closest beaches to the villa are:
Alvor (approximately 8km)
A wide sandy beach with lots of parking in the dunes and safe supervised areas with sun-bed and umberella hire. Several beach-bars for ice-creams and snacks. How to get there: from the N125 take the Alvor turn-off and follow the signs to Alvor. At the round-about go straight on and follow the signs to the beach.
Praia da Rocha (approximately 9km)
Very famous wide sandy beach below the cliffs. All facilites on hand. How to get there: Praia da Rocha is south of Portimao and well signposted from all the major routes in the town. Parking can be difficult in the peak season, but there is a lot of new parking in the marina at the eastern end of the beach.
Praia Tres Irmaos, Alvor (approximately 10km)
Another picture-postcard Algarve beach with flat sands and strange yellow rocks. There are several small attractive coves that connect to each other by passages through the rocks which you can walk through when the tide is out. How to get there: take the road from Alvor to Toralta where a small sign shows the left turn to Praia Tres Irmaos. At the end of the road there is a car park and restaurant.
Praia do Vau, Alvor (approximately 10km)
Famous for its tranquility and beauty, in the form of a large, sandy beach with a host of coves and rock formations. Several beach-bars for ice-creams and snacks. How to get there: from the N125 take the Alvor turn-off and follow the signs to Alvor. From Alvor follow the signs to Praia da Rocha and the car park for Praia do Vau is well marked from the road about half-way between Alvor and Praia da Rocha.
Meia Praia (approximately 10km)
Located just to the east of Lagos, this is one of the best known beaches in the Algarve, with flat golden sands stretching over many kilometres. There are numerous beach-bars and snack bars located along the beach. How to get there: Well signposted from Lagos – from the centre pass across the old bridge (near the Pingo Doce supermarket) and turn right – the beach starts just after the marina and railway station and continues for several kilometres.
Praia Pintadinho, Lagoa (approximately 15km)
A small bay with a sandy beasch surrounded by yellowy-red cliffs. The sea in the bay is calm and often warmer than the more exposed beaches. Ideal for families and children. There are also cliff-top walks and a nearby lighthouse to visit. How to get there: About 1km from Ferragudo on the road to Carvoeiro and Sesmarias turn right opposite the restaurant "O Sitio". Follow signs, taking one left turn and then keeping straight on to the parking area above the beach.
Praia da Marinha, Lagoa (approximately 20km)
An Algarve beach just like the picture postcards: rugged cliffs, ochre-yellow rocks formed into strange shapes by the sea, golden sand and clear turquoise water. This beach is surrounded by cliffs and is only about 100metres long. At high tide the beach is only a few metres wide, but at low tide you can walk a long way out into the water. Snack-bar and pedal-boat hire available. How to get there: Take the EN125 and turn right between Portimao and Lagoa opposite the International School towards Benagil. From here the beach is signposted. After about 4km turn left and another 1km further you reach a large car park. The beach is down a path on the left hand side of the car park (via 107 stone steps, but its worth it!).
Praia da Luz (approximately 20km)
Lots of golden sand and a great promenade with all facilities on hand – restaurants, snack-bars, sun bed and umbrella hire, boat hire, etc. How to get there: well signposted from the N125, park anywhere in the village - walk down to the promenade and beach from the square in front of the church or take any of the roads signposted to the beach.
Burgau (approximately 25km)
A cove of sandy beach surrounded by cliffs and the old fishing village. This is still a working fishing village and boats are launched from the slipway in the centre of the beach. There is a beach bar and several restaurants close to the beach. How to get there: down either of the steep narrow streets in the centre of the village – the beach is at the bottom. Although the streets are steep, you may choose to walk down as car parking is very limited on the quay (especially at high tide).