Best Algarve Locations for Photoshoots + Perfect Timing Guide
20th of March 2026
Praia do Castelejo at sunset
So the most common question I get from my clients is: "What’s the best location and time for my session?"
My answer is: Depends!
Why Depends? I know it’s a very vague answer, but it’s true. A lot of conditions can change the answer. Let’s simplify this
The months you want to do the session
So this is one of the most important things that can change everything.
The Algarve is famous around the world because of the good weather, the perfect beaches, the landscapes, the cliffs, and of course the typical good vibes atmosphere. Of course, we have the slow season and the high season too.
Praia Dona Ana at sunrise
January — March: Low season
April – May: Mid season, you can definitely feel the difference
June – mid-September: High season
End of September – mid-October: Mid season again
Mid-October – December: Low season
Low season is the time of year when we definitely choose the sunset. During sunrise, it’s cold, uncomfortable, and not the best experience. The sunset during this time of the year is perfect — few or no tourists at the most popular spots, it’s warm, pleasant, and the light is perfect!
Middle season is a time when sunrise or sunset, either works perfectly for photos. Of course, the mornings can still be chilly. So it depends on the locations you want (I’ll explain more later), but I usually recommend doing it at sunset.
High season is the busiest time of year in the Algarve. Around 90% of the most requested spots for photoshoots are very crowded at sunset, so the best option is sunrise. It’s calm, peaceful, almost private, comfortable, and a perfect session. Plus, you get to enjoy the rest of the day and witness an incredible sunrise in one of the most iconic spots in the Algarve.
The locations you want for your session
Like I said, the location can dictate the time. Obviously, this is really technical, so I’ll simplify. Not all beaches have both sunrise and sunset — why? Because of our coastline’s position and the high, beautiful cliffs we have, depending on the beach/angle, some areas can be in shadow during these hours. When a beach has sunrise, it usually doesn’t have sunset — but this is not a strict rule.
You can always ask for my opinion about what I think based on the choice you want.
However, I’ll talk about the famous and most requested beaches for sessions:
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Half of Lagos is perfect for sunrise, and the other half for sunset. This is a perfect example of how the area can be in shadow depending on the time.
Praia da Dona Ana – Sunrise
Praia do Camilo – Sunrise
Ponta da Piedade (if facing the lighthouse) – Left side: sunrise ; Right side: sunset
Old Town
Slow season: sunset or during the afternoon
High season: sunrise
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Praia de São Rafael – Sunrise & Sunset
Praia da Galé – Sunset
Praia dos Arrifes – Sunrise
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• Praia da Marinha – Sunrise on the beach, but sunset on the cliffs
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Praia dos Três Irmãos – Sunset
Praia da Prainha – Sunset
But if you really want the warm vibe of the sunset — calm, typical Algarve, different and without tourists — I always recommend the west coast:
Praia da Cordoama or Praia do Castelejo. Why? Simple. The sun sets right in the middle of the water, these are the last beaches here to have sunlight, and it’s always perfect with sun, clouds, or overcast skies. Always perfect!
Of course, any beach here is beautiful even outside the times I mentioned above. These are just tips if you want sunlight and perfect light at the spots you choose. Any beach that only has sunrise can still be done at sunset if you’re okay with some shadow. Again, it’s always beautiful!