Praia da Marinha is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe — and standing on the clifftop trail above it at sunrise, that reputation feels completely earned. This was my number one must-photograph location on our Algarve trip, and it exceeded every expectation.
The beach sits within the municipality of Lagoa, roughly halfway between Carvoeiro and Albufeira on Portugal’s southern coast. What makes Marinha extraordinary is the combination of elements compressed into a single view — towering amber limestone cliffs, a series of natural arches and sea stacks rising directly from the turquoise water below, and hidden grottos accessible at low tide. The water is so clear it almost looks artificial.
This photograph was captured at sunrise using a Nikon D800E with a 16-35mm lens at 18mm and a 6-stop ND filter. The filter was essential for achieving the long exposure needed to smooth the Atlantic swell into the silky, mirror-like water in the image. The exposure exceeded 10 seconds, requiring a sturdy tripod and careful timing between wave sets.
A word on getting there — park at the main Praia da Marinha beach car park and follow the clifftop trail heading west. The walk to the best viewpoints is easy, well-worn, and takes around 10 minutes. I strongly recommend scouting the evening before — arriving in the dark before sunrise to an unfamiliar clifftop is not the time to be figuring out your composition.
Sunrise is the definitive time to photograph this location. The sun gradually lights the golden cliffs from east to west, creating extraordinary warm tones on the limestone. By mid-morning the light goes flat and the beach fills with visitors. Bring a wide angle lens, sturdy tripod and ND filter.
If you are interested in other amazing locations in the Algarve, check out my blogpost on the Algarve’s 5 best locations here.