It may seem impossible to find a quiet stretch of sand anywhere in the Algarve during the tourist season, we headed off the beaten track to discover some of the Algarve’s best secret beaches and hidden coves. These 5 secret beaches in the Algarve promise fewer crowds and great relaxation all year round.
Sagres is the most south-westerly point in Europe. From Sagres to Odeceixe, approximately 60 km along the western coast, known as the Vincentine Coast you’ll find quieter, wilder beaches of the western Algarve. Considered Portugal’s coastal paradise.
Praia de Odeceixe
One of the most outstanding is Odeceixe, at the mouth of the Seixe River on the border with the Alentejo region. A wide sandy beach with small lagoons at low tide, perfect for calm bathing. You can hire canoes for a trip upstream. The beach adjoining Odeceixe to the south is Adegas, one of three officially designated naturist beaches in the Algarve.
What to expect
There is a car park Praia de Odeceixe and plenty of informal parking at Praia de Adegras. There are restaurants and WC available near Praia de Odeciexe and both beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer season. If you’d like to spend a night or two here check out the various accommodation options
Praia da Arrifana
A world class surf spot, but the beach at Arrifana is smaller then the others mentioned here at just half a mile long. There is a delicious fresh- off- the- boat seafood restaurant at the bottom of the access road that winds down to the beach, Restaurante da Praia. The house speciality is Polvo Suado, octopus stewed with sweet potato and you can enjoy beautiful views of the Vincentine Coast.
What to expect
There is plenty of organised parking on the cliff top before the decent to the beach. During the summer months there is a lifeguard on duty other facilities include a surf school and a WC. There are several accommodation options near Praia da Arrifana – click here to see which suits you best
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Praia do Amado
Praia do Amado is a large beach stretching along three valleys. A network of walkways leads visitors to various points of the beach and viewpoints overlooking it. There are large areas of organised parking on beaten earth. There are restaurants nearby, WC and lifeguards on duty during the summer season.
Amado Beach
Praia do Castelejo
Praia de Castelejo named the “perfect beach” in a list of the best travel discoveries 2015 by the Financial Times. Access is by a winding road approximately 4 km from from Vila do Bispo.
What to expect
There is plenty of informal parking and a small organised car park next to the beach. There is a restaurant, WC and lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Praia do Tonel
This beach is located within the bay bounded by Sagres Point and Cape St. Vincent. From the beach you can see the sharp, upright lines of the steep slope of Sagres Point, Sagres Fortress is also visible. This area has also been intrinsically linked to the nautical school first developed by Prince Henry the Navigator in the 15th century.
So what are you waiting for ?
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