One Of Portugal's Best Beaches Is A Luxurious Destination That Never Feels Crowded

Portugal's 530-mile coastline is a string of gorgeous beaches that seems to go on forever. Lively city beaches, serious (and seriously dangerous) surfing beaches, deserted beaches, and chic beaches — Portugal has them all. While every section of the coast boasts incredible beaches, a generous helping can be found in the Algarve, the country's southernmost region. And one Algarve beach that you definitely shouldn't miss is Praia Quinta do Lago, a 2-mile stretch of golden sand near Faro, one of the Algarve's main cities. 

This isn't your typical busy Algarve beach. Praia Quinta do Lago doesn't attract as many people as other Algarve beaches do, and the dunes at the back of the beach give it a natural and protected feeling. On the other side of the dunes is a wide inlet, adding a layer of separation between the beach and the luxurious enclave on the opposite shore. To reach the beach from the Quinta do Lago resort area onshore, it's necessary to cross the inlet via a 1,000-foot long wooden footbridge.  Walking that footbridge over the lovely waterway serves as a scenic introduction to this very special beach. 

 The beach is a perfect place for a leisurely stroll to absorb southern Portugal's oceanside magic. If you enjoy snapping photos, bring your camera; nature photographers will appreciate the rustic beauty of this beach and its relative lack of development. If you'd rather relax, you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas or find a more private area on the beach, spread out a towel, and sink into the soft sand. Just be sure to set your alarm clock. 

In the municipality of Loulé, Praia Quinta do Lago is one of four Blue Flag beaches, meaning that it has met international standards for safety, water quality, and environmental management. Swimming is a pleasure here, and active beachgoers can rent kayaks, SUPs, jet skis, and other recreational equipment right on the beach at the Artur Watersports Academy. If you get hungry or thirsty, no problem. This beach comes with its own restaurant and beach bar, too. Gigi's is known for its seafood and great ocean views, though — psst — we hear it's not cheap.

Beyond the beach and across the footbridge back toward civilization, things aren't looking too shabby, either. For vacation accommodations with more than a little panache, look no further than the town Quinta do Lago, which is a hop, skip, and jump from the beach. Here you'll find the five-star Hotel Quinta do Lago, luxurious (and sometimes palatial) holiday villas, world-class golf, upscale shopping malls, and high-end real estate if you happen to be in the market and don't mind celebrities as neighbors.

Quinta do Lago is a 9-mile drive from the city of Faro, a must-visit while you're in the area. Tripadvisor reviewer NHjo described their visit to Old Town Faro: "What a beautiful place — cobbled streets, great architecture, ancient walls, cozy cafes, a cathedral, lots of history of course. I could easily spend a few days here." Faro is also home to a hauntingly beautiful ossuary Capela dos Ossos, a chapel whose walls are adorned with the bones of 1,200 monks. To learn about other amazing Algarve beaches, check out Praia da Marinha or Salema, which happens to be travel expert Rick Steves' favorite European beach destination.