Serving up the Algarve’s signature golden sands, Armacao de Pera Beach (Praia Armacao de Pera) is a long stretch of beach backed by family-friendly resorts. The beach itself is a playground for kids and adults alike; you’ll find watersports and an inflatable water park, plus sun loungers and umbrellas for hire and rocky coves ideal for exploring. The water is also shallow and calm, and ice cream shops along the boardwalk serve up sweet treats to help you beat the heat.

Dotted with seafood restaurants and beach bars, Alvor Beach (Praia do Alvor) is a gorgeous place to spend the day. If you follow the wooden boardwalk towards the west end of this 1.3-mile (2.2-kilometer) stretch of beach, you’ll end up at a group of secret bays that are all nicely sheltered from the Atlantic breeze. The water is refreshingly cold year-round and offers respite from the scorching summer heat. (The sandstone arches and rock formations along the way are also a photographer’s dream.)

Despite its small size, the quaint beach town of Carvoeiro offers a wealth of culinary options. The bay offers a sheltered spot ideal for swimming, thanks to sandstone cliffs that block the sea breeze, and there are lots of restaurants in the surrounding area. Many of these spots offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and also serve up Algarve classics such as cataplana (a seafood, tomato, and potato stew) and gambas piri piri (king prawns sizzling in spicy piri piri sauce).

Perched on the westernmost tip of the Algarve, Sagres is a surfer’s paradise. And there’s no better place to practice or perfect catching waves than Tonel Beach (Praia do Tonel), which is fully exposed to the Atlantic winds. With its dramatic backdrop of red sandstone cliffs, this rugged stretch of sand feels far from the busy resorts further east. It’s the perfect place to escape the bustle and learn to surf, as the water tends to be far less crowded here than in the more touristy spots.

Kayaking enthusiasts flock to the Algarve, which boasts sandstone formations and hidden grottoes that can be explored from the water. One of the best places to paddle is Ponta da Piedade, a rocky headland off the coast of Lagos. Exploring by kayak lets you go deeper into the area’s caves—and even increases your chance of spotting dolphins and birdlife—while a sunset boat tour will let you see the sandstone formations highlighted with an atmospheric golden glow.

Comprising freshwater lagoons, white-sand beaches, and marshlands, Ria Formosa Natural Park (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa) offers both beaches and a wealth of birdlife. On a bird-watching boat tour, you can see a variety of species ranging from powder-pink flamingos and spoonbills to little egrets, gray plovers, and glossy ibis. Plus, the park’s pristine Armona and Culatra islands are ideal places to kick back away from the crowds of the mainland.

Backed by a yacht-filled marina and luxury hotels, Vilamoura Beach (Praia de Vilamoura) is a sophisticated spot to enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the ocean. The beach boasts Algarve’s signature golden sands, plus some of the best facilities around. Once the sun goes down, the upscale resort town comes to life: steak and seafood restaurants offer views of multi-million dollar yachts, and cocktail bars and live music joints keep the party going late into the night.

While you can spot dolphins year-round in the Algarve, you’ll have the highest chance of seeing the marine mammals from May through September, when the summer sun warms the cold waters of the Atlantic. Dolphin-spotting boat tours depart from the Albufeira Marina, a short walk from Alemães Beach (Praia dos Alemães), and take you far out to sea. Once you’re back on dry land, head to this beach to rent a lounger and parasol—or even a Bali bed if you’re feeling luxurious.

Hailed as one of the best beaches in the world, Marinha Beach (Praia da Marinha) is a stunning stretch of coast, famous for its rock arches, golden sands, and turquoise water. Plus, the surrounding cliffs shield the sand from the wind, making it an ideal beach to visit during the shoulder seasons. But there’s more to this beach than just its beauty; it’s also the starting point for the Seven Hanging Valleys cliff top walking route, which takes you through the coastal landscapes of the Algarve.