Praia dos Careanos

• In the town ofPraia da RochaFamous for its massive stretch of golden sand backed by ochre cliffs. Offers a buzzing social scene, beach clubs, and a vibrant nightlife alternative to Albufeira.

Praia dos Careanos is a cliff-backed beach in western Portimão, between Praia do Vau and Três Castelos, reached by long flights of steps. The stairways keep it quieter than the beaches on either side, and the reward is a broad stretch of sand beneath honey-coloured cliffs, with stacks and small caves worn into the rock. At low tide the sand joins up with the neighbouring beaches, making it part of a long walkable shore, while high tide splits it back into separate sections. Swimming is generally straightforward in settled weather. It suits those happy to trade a climb for elbow room, and low-tide walkers linking the Portimão beaches together.