Beaches on the Western Atlantic, Algarve

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 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 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 Amado

Praia do Amado is often proclaimed to be the most popular beach along the west coast, and is certainly the surfers’ favourite and home to several surf championships. Praia do Amado is one of the best places to surf in the Algarve, because the offshore wind makes really good waves, especially pipe waves.

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 a beach to simply appreciate.
 
There are no lavish facilities, no surrounding houses…it just has a restaurant and a snack bar. But it has a beautiful backdrop of red cliffs and rolling green hills, the beach itself is big and perfect for sunbathing and it is one of the best places to watch the sunset.

There is quite a lot of parking at the top of the cliffs, but in summer you may struggle to get close because there are always a lot of 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. It is supervised during the beach season.

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 there are even surf competitions held at Arrifana sometimes.
If you’re not into surfing, there is still plenty to enjoy about this beach. Firstly, there is a fantastic view from the top of the cliffs, you can see for miles out to sea. Then if you carry on up the road there are remains of an old fortress.

Back towards the beach is a lovely restaurant, serving fresh fish, supplied daily by the many fishermen that live around Arrifana. The beach is great for sunbathing, but you may have to position carefully because there are quite a few rocks in the sand.

There is a narrow road running down to the beach, providing access for cars to park at the bottom. In summer parking down at the bottom is quite difficult because the beach is so busy, so you may find yourself having to park at the top and walk down. 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.

As with many of the western Atlantic beaches, there aren’t many amenities at Praia da Arrifana. There is the restaurant and places to take a shower, but you may want to go prepared with some drinks and snacks just in case. The beach is supervised during the season.

Praia da Bordeira

Praia da Bordeira is a huge beach, with so much space that it is ideal for activities such as kite surfing and Frisbee, or simply having the space to play bat and ball with the children. Bordeira is also often referred to as Carrapateira beach, after the adjacent village, and it is backed by big sand dunes and a lovely lagoon.
 
Bordeira is probably one of the better Atlantic beaches for children because they can play safely at the back of the beach in the warm lagoon. As with any of the Atlantic beaches though, it is important to keep younger children away from the water, or certainly keep them close to you, because the current can be quite strong.

Although there have recently been new steps and a bridge erected at Bordeira, disabled access isn’t really possible. The steps at the side are very long and the lagoon prohibits entry at the back. There is a restaurant about 100 metres away from the beach, but this is really the only place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. 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.
 

Praia do Castelejo

Castelejo is signposted from the centre of Vila do Bispo and is another beach very popular with surfers. There is a restaurant virtually on the beach and a small parking area. Although the road is tarmac all the way down to the beach it is a drive to be taken with caution! The road has some very sharp bends 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.
 

Praia de Monte Clérigo

Praia de Monte Clérigo is one of the most northerly beaches on the western Atlantic coast and is about a 10 minute drive from Aljezur. Coming from Monte Clérigo there is a fantastic view of the coast and a handy layby on the corner before you descend to the beach where you can stop and admire the view. The cliff tops were a mass of spring colour when we went in March.

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 as well as surfers; it is also a popular spot for fishing off the rocks. 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'.