The Algarve boasts 100 miles of dramatic coastline with magnificent golden sand beaches and tidy rugged coves. The beaches are clean and unpolluted and have already received a record number of EEC ‘Blue Flag’ awards for beach and sea cleanliness.
Most beaches feature at least one bar or restaurant, usually an ideal setting to sample the excellent seafood. Also the larger beaches have a wide range of water sports.All the beaches in the Algarve are available to the public and without charge although a small fee may be made for the use of sunbeds, parasols, etc.
Some of the main beaches do have lifeguards and some use the safety flag system as listed below:

Red Flag - Bathing forbidden
Yellow Flag - Bathing with caution
Green Flag - Safe to swim

The flag system does not operate on all beaches and usually only between June 1st and September 30th. Overall safety advice is to take care at sea especially when there is a strong

Beach QUARTEIRA:

A large and busy beach which runs from the east all the way to Faro. On the fringes of the resort there are some remote areas where you can leave your car. The beach is gently sloping and is ideal for children; in peak season there are lifeguards and the safety flag system. There are several beach bars and windsurf hire is available.

Beach PRAIA DA MARINHA:

A highly recommended beach which offers swimming from rocks and sand. Parking may be a problem but the views from the honey colored cliffs are certainly worth it. There is windsurfing, occasional boat trips and a beach bar.

Beach CARVOEIRO:

This small sandy beach with both a bar/restaurant and toilets by the beach is ideal for children. It has good car parking facilities.

Beach PRAIA GRANDE:

This long wide beach can be found opposite Portimao harbor. The southern end is more scenic. It has a windsurfing school and paddle boats for hire but a word of warning - beware of strong tides.

Beach ROCHA:

One of the Algarve’s most famous cosmopolitan beaches. It is a large sandy beach and has a tunnel leading to several smaller and more secluded beaches from the easterly section. With car parking nearby and excellent facilities such as a range of bars/restaurants, deep-sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing it is an ideal family beach.

Beach OLHOS D’AGUA

A beach specially recommended for all the family. It is a fine shell-shaped beach with lifeguards, safety flags, car parking, a beach bar and has boat or fishing trips available.

Beach DA OURA

This is an ideal beach for exploring as it is divided into two sections. The first is by the car park which has a bar/restaurant and is lined with a colorful display of fishing boats. The eastern end has rocks and from here it is possible to find small secluded sandy coves.
Beach GALE/PRAIA DO CASTELO

Praia do Castelo is reached by a short sandy track down a steep hill whereas Praia da Gale can be reached by road. Both are safe sandy beaches with nearby car parking facilities and a beach bar. Although they are not far from the resort they do not feel remote with lovely sand dunes and are relatively uncrowded.