West coast Algarve beaches

There are glorious beaches along the west coast of the Algarve which in the winter are near deserted, apart from the surfers, and in the summer are superbly uncrowded. Here you can find information about the western atlantic beaches starting at the southern end of the coast with Praia do Castelejo, then moving northwards to Amado, Bordeira, Arrifana, Clérigo and finally Odeceixe - last stop before the Alentejo. Find out about beach bars, water sports and disabled access and read on for information about accessible beaches and beach flag safety.

Algarve beaches

Many Algarve beaches are now classified as 'Accessible Beaches' meaning that not only do they provide ramps, footpaths and walkways directly to the sand but also meet certain criteria for restaurant tables, bar and counter heights. They also have first aid posts and disabled toilets and should be equipped with wheelchairs, walking aids and other equipment capable of being used in the sea as well as on the beach. We include which west coast Algarve beaches have been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' flag , although depending on individual abilities you may just want to know that you can park nearby or that there are no steps involved.

We also indicate which beaches on the west coast have lifeguards during the season (normally April to the end of September) and as a reminder for you: a green flag - swimming permitted; yellow flag - swimming forbidden; red flag - swimming and entering the water forbidden; blue and white chequered flag - beach temporarily unattended.

Praia do Castelejo

Praia do Castelejo is the first of the relatively easily accessible beaches at the southern end of the west atlantic Algarve coast. Praia do Telheiro and Praia da Ponta Ruiva are not signposted and are also only recommended for off-road vehicles!

Castelejo is another beach very popular with surfers and the small parking area can get quite congested. At high tide the beach becomes quite narrow and caution is needed near the cliffs in case of falling rocks. There is a restaurant just behind the beach.

Although the road is tarmac all the way from Vila do Bispo it is a drive to be taken with caution! The road has some very sharp bends down around the hillside and is, for the last kilometre or so, only wide enough for one car (comfortably!). There are no barriers at the outer edge, but there are some very steep drops!

It is supervised during the beach season.

Directions to Praia do Castelejo

From the main roundabout at the entrance to Vila do Bispo go straight across, passing the Municipal building on the left, to the next roundabout by the market building. Castelejo is signposted to the left on the EM1265.

Praia do Amado

Praia do Amado is often proclaimed to be the most popular beach along the west coast of the Algarve, and is certainly the surfers’ favourite and home to several surf championships. You’ll see evidence of the surf popularity by the presence of two or three surf schools on the beach for much of the year. Here people of all ages can have a go at surfing, under the watchful eye of the instructors.

Praia do Amado is purely a beach with a surf cafe and a mobile snack bar - the nearest village is Carrapateira. That is part of the appeal - just a beautiful beach and the sea and of course, the dramatic backdrop of red cliffs and rolling green hills. Amado is not only perfect for the surfers - in the summer months, when some of the south coast beaches are packed, there is plenty of room for everyone on this wide sweep of sand

There is plenty of car parking at the top of the cliffs, even for all the camper vans, belonging to the committed surf following! For people with limited mobility access is possible as long you go down to the bottom by car where the slope onto the beach is quite gentle.

Praia do Amado is supervised during the beach season.

Directions to Praia do Amado

Take the EN268 northwards from Vila do Bispo and just south of Carrapateira is a turning to the left signposted to Praia do Amado. This road is tarmac all the way. Alternatively there is a track across the cliffs from Bordeira beach (just to the north of Carrapateira) which is a little rough in places but perfectly passable in a "normal" car! The cliff route is worth taking for the spectacular views along this unspoilt atlantic west coast .

Praia da Bordeira

Praia da Bordeira is a huge beach with more than enough room for everyone. The beach is backed by big sand dunes and the Bordeira river forms a warm lagoon on one side. It is just north of Carrapateira and as with all the west coast beaches is ideal for surfers and in particular kite surfers.

The shallow lagoon is particularly good for children as they can play in relative safety and the water is quite a bit warmer than the sea!

There are two ways of accessing the beach the first being from a large carpark at the back of Praia da Bordeira and across the narrow river to the sand. The second access is found by following the road up the hill from the car park where there is a some parking along the roadside as well as a small area down a road on the right hand side. From here access is by way of a long wooden, stepped walkway. There are also walkways on the cliffs that give great viewing points of the surrounding coastline. The cliff road continues all the way to Praia do Amado and the cliffs have walkways at various points all the way along.

There is a restaurant about 100 metres away from the beach, but no facilities on the beach itself. So if you intend to spend the best part of the day at Bordeira, it will be best to pack up the cool-box with plenty of refreshments and snacks to keep you going. It is supervised during the beach season.

Directions to Praia da Bordeira

Take the N120 northwards from Vila do Bispo and just north of Carrapateira village is a turning on the left signposted to Praia da Bordeira. The road passes a couple of restaurants and some holiday apartments before arriving at the car park behind Praia da Bordeira.

Praia da Arrifana

Praia da Arrifana is just a few kilometers away from Aljezur and it boasts a really long narrow crescent of sands backed by black cliffs. The beach is incredibly popular with surfers and is often the scene of surfing competitions.

If you’re not into surfing, there is a whole beach to enjoy! As with all the Algarve west coast beaches overcrowding is not a problem even at the height of summer.

At the back of Arrifana beach is a restaurant serving fresh fish which is supplied daily by the local fishermen. There are also several cafes and restaurants just along the cliff road above the beach.

There is a narrow, winding road running down to the beach, but parking is very limited so it is best to use the car parks on the cliff tops either directly adjacent to the beach access or just a short distance through the village.

For people with limited mobility, there is access from the car park at the bottom on to the beach, but if this busy, there is a restricted access road that can be used. The beach is supervised during the season.

Directions to Praia da Arrifana

Follow the N120 northwards towards Aljezur from Lagos. Just before Aljezur turn left onto the EN1003 signposted to Vale de Telha and Monte Clérigo. In a short distance the road divides into "right" for Monte Clérigo and "left" for Vale de Telha and Arrifana. Arrifana is just south of Vale de Telha and signposted.

Praia do Monte Clérigo

Praia do Monte Clérigo is one of the more northerly beaches on the western Atlantic coast and is about a 10 minute drive from Aljezur.

Driving from Aljezur takes you through the countryside with a view of the sea beyond and then just passing a small residential area on the hill there is a fantastic view of the cliffs before turning the corner down to the beach. There is a handy layby on the last corner where you can stop and admire the view. In the spring the cliff tops are a mass of colour.

There are just a handful of houses and beach bungalows around the back of the beach, a generous car parking area with toilet facilities, and a couple of cafe/restaurants looking directly over the beach. Access to the beach is easy by way of a paved path from the car park directly onto the beach.

The bay is deep and sandy with a scattering of large rocks on one side, making it a lovely place for families and is also a popular spot for fishing off the rocks and rock pooling. Along with most of the western atlantic beaches it is a peaceful corner of the Algarve, as yet relatively untouched by tourism.

The beach is supervised during the season and it is classed as an 'Accessible Beach'.

Directions to Praia do Monte Clérigo

Take the N120 north from Lagos and just before Aljezur there is a turning on the left to Vale de Telha and Monte Clérigo on the EN1003 . A little further on at a T junction Monte Clérigo is signposted to the right.

Praia de Odeceixe

Praia de Odeceixe is the most northerly beach in the Algarve before the Alentejo. It is about 3 kms from Odeceixe itself and the road to the beach follows the river Ceixe which flows down one side of the beach to the sea.

The river is a favourite for children to safely play in and there is plenty of room along the sand beside it to relax on. The river is also popular for canoeing. The day we visited a sea mist rolled in as we were driving towards the beach so we could see the river (just) but not the sea! The beach was still full but unfortunately we couldn't take a photo to show the lovely large sandy bay. We will return soon!

The road to the beach ends in a fairly steep and narrow hill which gets very congested with cars parking along the sides. There is a lot more parking by following a road to the left near the top of the hill which leads to an area with a few cafes, restaurants and seaside shops. Access to the beach from here is by way of steps from a paved viewing point.

There is also a tourist train in the summer that runs to the beach which is easier than trying to park!

The beach is supervised during the beach season.

Directions to Praia de Odeceixe

Take the N120 north to Odeceixe and the road to the beach (Praia) is signposted either through the town itself or follow the road around the town. The beach is about 3kms away.