Summer is already well underway, but the Algarve knows how to extend the warm days until mid-October. There are still many days of sun, sand, salt, and long weekends by the sea. And if there is something good about summer, it is the feeling that time stretches out and we can enjoy things at a different pace. Next time you visit a beach, ask yourself about its history or name and discover that everything has a story.

In Mar d’Estórias, we are fascinated by stories, so we have gathered some curiosities about the beaches of the Western Algarve.

Praia da Batata – Lagos

Could this be the beach with the most peculiar name ever? Perhaps, but it is one of the most accessible in Lagos, just a few steps from the historic centre and Mar d’Estórias. This beach is ideal for those who like to take a break from swimming and have lunch on our Mar d’Estórias terrace, with snacks or dishes full of Portuguese flavour.

As for the beach’s curious name, there are several theories: a boat may have shipwrecked there, scattering potatoes across the sand, or boats unloaded agricultural products and some potatoes washed ashore. There were attempts to change the name to Praia Formosa, but the name Praia da Batata has prevailed.

Praia Dona Ana – Lagos

In 2013, this beach was named the Best Beach in the World by Condé Nast Traveller, and in 2024, it received another accolade from Beach Atlas, ranking 23rd among the best beaches in the world for the summer of 2024. These distinctions are well-deserved: the turquoise blue waters contrasting with the cliffs captivate every visitor.

Besides its beauty, the beach holds a fascinating and resilient history, which led to its name. A nun fled the convent during the atrocities of the First World War through tunnels connected to this beach, and thus beach was named after the nun Dona Ana.

Meia Praia – Lagos

Meia Praia has been the talk of the town, inspiring documentaries, songs, and, in the first place, forming a community! Originating from Monte Gordo, these people headed to Lagos in the 1950s, hoping to find better living and working conditions. They were nicknamed the Índios da Meia Praia due to their thatched houses. After the 25th of April 1974, the community, built masonry houses by themselves. While the men were at sea, the women worked on neighbourhood construction. The charisma and resilience of this community caught the attention of filmmaker António da Cunha Telles, who documented the building of the houses. Zeca Afonso was also moved and immortalised the community in one of his most famous songs.

The largest beach in Lagos continues to be a place of stories and a favourite spot for beachgoers.

Praia da Rocha – Portimão

Did you know that Praia da Rocha was previously known as Praia de Santa Catharina and that the first bathers to discover the charms of this beach arrived in the late 19th century? After that, the story unfolded with the beginning of constructions: first, the casino, which only became legal in 1927, and then the Hotel Viola in 1910 (later demolished as it couldn’t meet the demand). On 1st May 1932, the Grande Hotel da Praia da Rocha was erected, with 80 rooms, and finally, the Hotel Bela Vista in 1936. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Algarve, transforming it into a renowned international destination.

Praia do Vau – Portimão

At this beach, there was a rather peculiar battle between locals from Portimão and sailors from the British Navy. This episode was described by the 7th President of the Portuguese Republic, Manuel Teixeira Gomes, in his “Letters to João de Barros”. He recounts that the sailors decided to explore the coast by land and helped themselves to the locals’ fruit, only to be met with slingshots and large stones brought from the Farelo stream.

More recently, a President of the Republic helped put Praia do Vau on the map. Mário Soares had his holiday home nearby and, every summer, the locals of Portimão could see him and his wife, Maria Barroso, strolling along the seafront.

For those curious about the beach’s name, “vau” refers to a shallow water crossing where it is possible to wade through. Here, a small stream flows into the sea, more visible in the winter.

Praia da Marinha – Lagoa

If you are connected to social media, you have surely noticed a viral destination where a rock forms the shape of a heart. This place is in the Algarve, more precisely in Lagoa, at Praia da Marinha. At the top of the rocks, is a specific spot where, at the right angle, thousands of people take photos for their social media that show the heart shape. This magical beach has been considered one of the top 10 in Europe for several years and is among the 100 most beautiful in the world.

Explore our beaches with the best Portuguese products. At Mar d’Estórias, protect yourself from the sun with handcrafted sunglasses by Brools. Don’t let sand be a nuisance on your beach day with 100% cotton towels from Futah. Carry everything you need in the traditional wicker baskets available in our shop.