Praia da Marinha

• In the town ofPraia da MarinhaPraia da Marinha is not a town but a beach, and one that has done more for the Algarve's image than most towns ever will. It sits below the cliffs of the Caramujeira plateau in the municipality of Lagoa, between Benagil and Carvoeiro, and it is probably the most photographed beach in Portugal: golden cliffs, sea stacks and a double arch that, seen from the clifftop, forms the shape of a letter M. It appears regularly in lists of Europe's best beaches, and the view from the top has sold the region on countless covers and campaigns. Access is part of the experience: a clifftop car park, then a long staircase down to the sand. The water is exceptionally clear, and the rocks at either end make this one of the Algarve's best snorkelling beaches. The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, runs along the clifftop above, linking Marinha with Benagil and its sea cave and continuing west towards Carvoeiro. The beach is small and fills early on summer mornings, so come early, late or out of season. Marinha suits one thing perfectly: the day the Algarve looks exactly like the photographs.

Praia da Marinha, east of Carvoeiro, is one of Portugal's most photographed beaches, its clear water framed by cliffs and a double sea arch. The paired arches just off the beach, often likened to the letter M, appear on posters and guidebook covers well beyond the Algarve, and the water here is notably clear, with rock along both sides for snorkelling. Access is by a long staircase from the clifftop car park, and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail ends here after running along the cliffs from Vale de Centeanes. The Benagil cave lies around the headland, reachable only by water. It suits snorkellers, photographers and walkers, less so anyone needing step-free access.

Places to see nearby

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Viewpoint

Praia da Marinha viewpoint