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This beach near Lagoa on Portugal's Algarve coast is known as Praia de Marinha and noted for its calm waters and rocky outcrops.Head here to experience the quintessential Algarve beach cove – a lick of sand nestled below orange limestone cliffs and calm, aquamarine waters interspersed by rocky outcrops. It’s not the largest, nor the most remote beach (it’s located approximately halfway along the Algarve coast), but, thanks to a steep – if safe – set of steps, the whole world doesn’t flock there.

The calm waters are perfect for snorkelling and, when you get tired of your cosy beach lair, head out to sea in a boat trip to explore the nearby caves.

All-day beach goers and snorkellers; keen photographers who want to recreate the brochure-perfect beach photo; very few toddlers – it’s a long way down the steps lugging both them and your gear.

What is there to do?

Water activities. Bring your snorkel gear and glide through your own watery nature trail – the rocky marine environment shelters sea anemones, starfish, shrimps and various fish. There are also paddle boats and boat trips to the caves.

Bars and bites

A small wooden bar-restaurant is near the steps, or bring along your own picnic and plenty of water. A picnic area-cum-car park is at the top of the cliff (if you’re here in spring, look out for the orchids).

Getting there

The nearest town is Portimão. From here, head east along the EN125, turn south at the Algarve International School and follow the signs to the beach (2.7 miles).