A little more than a 20-minute drive from Albufeira, in Caramujeira in Lagoa, Praia da Marinha, or “Navy Beach,” offers an idyllic location for enjoying the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Natural splendor is abundant here with soaring cliffs and a stunning rock formation known as M, because of its shape. However, it stands out even more, because when it meets a specific section of the cliff, it forms a heart shape. Along with building sandcastles, visitors might also want to bring their snorkeling gear to see the beautiful fish swimming in the crystal clear waters. More active types can head to the scenic hiking trail, located above the beach, which connects to other areas, such as Senhora da Rocha. As for food, there is only one restaurant in the immediate vicinity so it is important to keep that in mind. This is the only beach that is not accessible directly from the town and must be reached by car.

Caramujeira, Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal