Beaches of the West Coast
The coastal area of the Algarve cools down at night all year round so a warm coat should be part of your luggage even in the summer season . The probability of good weather is high with 300 hundred days of sun a year. Although the usual cool breeze is a blessing in the summ it can be chilly in the winter.
We recommend you to visit the beaches of Raposeira or more eastern beaches on windy days.
Beaches to the west of Raposeira:
Praia do Martinhal
A new village is being built behind this beach and there is already a road system and some larger houses. Yet a goatherd can be still be seen passing through bush the with his goats in the evenings ? all thoroughbred mongrels. The beach is well cared for, the sand sieved with machines every day, and a life guard over looking the areas. Praia do Martinhall is quite windy and there is a windsurfing centre. You can park in front of the beach restaurant and eat a cultivated meal in sheltered areas.
Praia da Baleeira
This is the small rocky bay at the Sagres harbour and is not suitable for swimming. We recommend Martinhal.
Praia da Mareta
Praia da Mareta is just below the centre of Sagres, is excellent for swimming and protected from the wind - making it suitable for children. The fort of Sagres is visible from the beach. There are boats and loungers to rent as well as plenty of carparks and restaurants.
Beaches on the west coast: Some Tips
Please note that the beaches of the west coast are rougher with more stronger currents than on the west Algarve. Follow the examples of the locals and keep to the regulations given by the authorities. Don't let your children play unsupervised in or near the water and don't allow them to use lilos or other blow up toys. Surfboards and kites, however, are a good idea as the wind is always strong.
Praia do Tonel
A little after the roundabout near the Fortalezza in Sagres, a road on the right leads to a small souvenir shop, behind which a path goes down to this beach. Tonel is a rough, stony, uncommercialised beach with strong tides and winds. Although it is scenically very impressive it is not for bathing but is good for fishing. The world championships in windsurfing are held here.
Praia do Beliche
The most western beach on the south coast of Portugal is the Praia do Beliche in the bay between Cabo de Sao Vicente und the Fort of Sagres. The climate is much rougher here near the cape than on the beaches which face the south east. The coastline between Burgau on the Algarve and Sines are part of the national park of Costa Vizentina. The area is not densely
populated which explains the empty beaches. Praia do Beliche is guarded and you can get umbrellas and sun beds.
Praia do Castelejo
You get to this beach via Vila do Bispo. At the crossroads near Lidl turn northbound towards the newly built up area. Leave Bispo and watch for the signs to the beaches. Castlejo is a large bay with a wide beach where the locals spend their free time on hot days when there is no wind on the southern beaches. It is a natural beach and a must for surfers.
Praia do Condoama
You get to Praia do Condoama on the way to Praia do Casteljo by not following the tarred road but by going straight on along the cinder track. The beach is wider than in Praia do Castelejo and the se ais hardly visible even when the tide comes in. This is also an undisturbed, natural beach with few tourist amenities. There are some parking spaces and a good restaurant.
Praia do Amado
Just before you reach the village of Carrapateira a small track turns off to the left down to this beach. It is clean with white sand and well frequented by people who love water sports. Most of Lagos surfing school give tuition here. It is spacious enough and there is a bar for refreshments.
Praia da Bordeira
Most people call this beach Carrapateira or Carr, because it`s near that village. The village was at one time in danger of being covered by the giant sand dunes which lie between the village and the beach but this has been prevented by the planting of grasses on the dunes. The largest sand dune of the Algarve makes a good view from the hill. Please remember that these grasses are necessary and don't play or walk on the sand dunes. The two kilometre long beach is large enough. A new wooden walkway leads from the road to the beach.
Praia do Vale Figueiras
You get to this beach from Monte de Vinha on the EN 268. If you are arriving from Sagres take the second sign post to Figueiras. After three kilometres you will arrive at the scarcely frequented beach of Figueiras where the sand and water are of good quality. If you look northwards you will see the Arrifana beach. Although there are no sun beds or cafés there is a life guard during the holiday season.
Praia da Arrifana
On leaving Sagres turn off before you reach Aljezur and after a while take the left fork of the road to Praia do Arrifana, don`t go to Monte Clerigo. The beach is visible from the car park on the cliffs. This is the place to take photos. Don't go further than the car park as the ensuing hairpin bend make it impossible to turn back especially in the holiday season. The beach ist 600 metres long and surrounded by slates cliffs which is the reason why the sand is a darker colour than on the neighbouring beaches. The water is shallow and the beached is well kept and hast the FEEE flag. There are some restaurants.
Praia do Monte Clerigo
You get to Monte Clerigo on the south side of Aljezur on a tarred road. It is easy to park and the beach easy to reach. It is village which has developed around the beach with many colourful stands and bars. The beach is sandy and a kilometre in length. There is usually a strong wind and tide which make it a paradise for surfers. Swimming is not to be recommended as there are rocks in the water. The beach is guarded and has toilets and a shower.
Praia do Amoreira
Amoreira is to the north of Aljezur along a tarred path. You can park on the large car park near the pub and then reach the 800 metre duny beach straight away. The southern end of the beach meets the mouth of a river which however is mostly dry. Although the water has an area with jagged rocks which is sign posted Praia do Amoreira is generally suitable for swimming and is guarded.
Praia do Cariagem
This beach is lonely and untouched and onlx accessible after a ride through the cliffs so that we don`t recommend it. Due to the many rocks in the water it is unsuited for bathing ? perhaps however good for fishing. It is sign posted in Rogil.
Praia do Vale dos Homens
This is also a small rocky beach with a climb down the cliffs. The name can be translated as the ?valley of men?. It can be reached via Rogil. It is idyllic and lonely, neither guarded nor commercialised.
Praia do Odeceixe-Mar
Follow the narrow village street in Odeceixe along to the car parks and directly to the beach. The north of the beach leads to a sandy bay and the tide is very strong when it comes in. The little river then serves as a sanctuary. The beach is wide and roomy and suitable for all kind of activities. Surfers will find ideal conditions here. It is well cared for with life guards and a restaurant.
