The most popular beach is in Portimão
The Algarve is famous for its beautiful, golden beaches, but have you ever wondered which are the most popular on social media?
Holidu, a search engine for holiday rentals, has attempted to answer this question by scanning Google Maps for the highest rated beaches in the Algarve with a minimum of 500 reviews.
“We analysed the best beaches according to Google Maps, looking for those with the highest ratings and a minimum of 500 reviews. Next, we ranked the beaches by average rating first and by the number of reviews second to create our initial list. Then, we extracted data from Instagram post counts, as well as TikTok views, using the beach name as a hashtag (#). In cases where the name included special characters, we used the plain name or the most common name,” Holidu says.
Their system helped them create a top-20, headed by Portimão’s Praia da Rocha with 118,596 hashtags on Instagram and over 3.7 million views on TikTok.
“It’s a highly captivating beach located along the stunning Algarve coastline. With its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it offers a serene and picturesque setting for beachgoers. The beach is framed by cliffs and dramatic rock formations, adding a touch of natural beauty to its charm. With its natural allure and vibrant atmosphere, Praia da Rocha is a cherished destination for both locals and tourists seeking a perfect beach getaway,” says Holidu.
The fact that Praia da Rocha has become the setting for two major summer festivals (Afro Nation and Rolling Loud) is certain to have also played a role in the beach’s social media fame.
Praia do Camilo in Lagos is second on the list with 41,138 Instagram hashtags and 2.2 million TikTok views.
The beach is described by Holidu as a “hidden gem that captivates beach enthusiasts with its breathtaking beauty. Access to this small and secluded beach is through a staircase carved into the stunning cliffs, unveiling a paradise of golden sands and turquoise waters. Surrounded by imposing rock formations, Praia do Camilo offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity that enchants visitors.”
Third on the list is Praia da Marinha in Lagoa, which totals 57,043 Instagram hashtags (more than Praia do Camilo) but 1.6 million views on TikTok.
“Praia da Marinha is renowned for its stunning cliffs and caves, which can be explored through boat tours or snorkeling in the vibrant marine ecosystem. The pristine beauty of the beach and its tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or simply admiring the breathtaking landscape. Praia da Marinha is a true testament to Portugal’s coastal allure, captivating visitors with its natural wonders and serene environment,” Holidu says.
The top-five is rounded out by Praia Verde in Castro Marim, described as a “captivating beach which wows with its untouched beauty” (20,063 hashtags on Instagram and 123,800 views on TikTok), and Praia dos Salgados in Albufeira, which “stands out from the rest of Albufeira’s beaches for its diversity of landscapes” (6,068 hashtags on Instagram and 335,000 views on TikTok).
The full list can be found online.
