Beach in Albufeira

Praia de São Rafael, not to be confused with a bigger better-known beach of the same name, offers a different beach experience.

This secluded piece of golden sand is hemmed in by a steep rock face and is only accessible from the sea. Alternatively you can walk to a smaller but equally idyllic adjacent bay. Between the two bays there is a narrow set of steps cut into the stone that leads down to a small lagoon, completely surrounded by high, close cliff faces. Through a gateway-like hole in the rock you can see and swim out to the open sea. If you're feeling brave you can engage in a bit of coasteering and jump from one of the high cliff faces outside the lagoon and swim through the opening to get back to shore.