The Algarve – Sunrise Guide
2019 // Algarve Portugal
The Algarve coast of Portugal is an incredibly special place, and I’m pretty sure that anyone and everyone who has been there would agree! Of course, like most other European summer locations, you could end up staying in one area (likely Lagos) and just getting stuck going to the same beach and going to the same bars each night – but if you’re like me and you want to see as much as possible, and adventure around the entire region, then you’re in for an awesome ride for this location!
secret heart shape at Praia da Marinha
Being a photographer, I tend to visit locations when I expect the light to be the best for my style of photography, which is the hours around Sunrise and Sunset. The Algarve is an absolute gem for both of these times of day, and come with each their pros and cons, but I will start with part one of the guide which will be for all you other early risers out there. If you’re like me, getting up might not be fun, but it is WORTH IT when you get to experience an incredible sunrise! Algarve is densely packed with hot spots for your sunrise fix. It’s important to note however, that the difference between December and July is HUGE – I went in each of those 2 months, and the compass location where the sun rises and sets changes a ton, but this will be considered in writing this! I will write my top 3 and then provide other potentials for you to consider also!
Drone Shot of 3 brothers beach
The first spot that goes on the list is a no brainer for me – not only is it one of the best sunrise spots, it’s also one of the best beaches to have a nap after your shoot! Praia dos Tres Irmaos (the beach of three brothers). This is a long sandy beach, split into parts by gorgeous rock formations and caves – there are endless amounts of frames to shoot here, it’s a perfect spot to whip your drone out if you feel comfortable flying amongst seagulls, and it is a perfect beach to chill at for the day too! In december the sun set further out in the water so hit the beachfront a lot faster and the light was more golden on the beach – when I was there a few weeks ago (July) the sun rose a bit more behind so it only hit the beach a little later – but still incredibly beautiful!
Favorite cave view at 3 brothers beach
Next up is Ponta Da Piedade – debatably a better spot for sunrise than the previous one, but not with as much chilled beach area to go after – and generally just a bit harder to get around to different spots! This spot has so many incredible frames though, and really shows an awesome view of the entire Lagos coastline. Another great feature about this spot is that you can see very far both west and east, with entirely different views – and given its high elevation there are caves and pools to explore below!
one of the many nook beaches at ponta da piedade
3rd spot is sort of a tie since I really cant decide – one of them is right near the Ponta da Piedade – this one is called Praia do Camilo. If you have ever researched algarve on Instagram you are likely to have come across the iconic staircase leading down to it! This place is stunning, but also gets very full so make sure to visit early (sunrise goals) – the 2nd one doesn’t really have a name, but is a cliff point located just to the right of 3 brothers beach (see g-maps screen on image below!) This might not be your best locations for tonnes of different frames, but it has an unrivaled view of the sun rising – no matter what time of year you visit!
Praia Do Camilo
viewpoint near 3 brothers beach (if you look on google maps, it is just east of the 3 brothers beach)
Other locations that are incredible and I could imagine have beautiful morning light include Praia da Marinha and Praia de Albandeira – among many other gorgeous beaches along the southern coast. Marinha and Albandeira are two stunning locations also, but I have only been to them for sunset which is why I am unsure of their sunrise situations – but from other photos I have seen, they look incredible too!
Praia Da Albandeira - gorgeous natural arch!
Alright that’s it for the sunrise details! Next up (maybe more preferred by the sleep-in lovers) will be a guide to favorite sunset spots!
Happy adventuring friends!